Bay and bow windows, often called “protruding windows,” offer a mutually beneficial design approach. They effectively address key architectural needs by adding unique visual appeal and subtle sophistication to the building’s exterior, while also enhancing the interior’s brightness and sense of space.
It’s no surprise that numerous Edmonton homeowners are increasingly choosing bay and bow windows to improve comfort levels, energy conservation, and property worth in 2025.
Therefore, let’s explore the primary distinctions between these window styles and determine which type is best suited to complement your home’s architectural style and personal tastes.
What are Bay and Bow Windows?
Essentially, bay and arch windows are not just separate types of windows. Rather, they are an amalgamation of several sections that create a single structure. With an attractive look both inside and out, a bay or arched window is a great way to emphasize the uniqueness of your Edmonton home and increase its value. So if you are looking for a way to add impact to your exterior, consider installing these designs.
More often than not, it’s not enough to simply look at pictures of bay and arched windows to see if they’re a good fit for your project. You’ll likely want to evaluate their benefits, differences, cost, and other factors to make the best decision – and that’s where our guide will help you.
Bow Window vs Bay Window: Discover The Differences
Bay windows and bow windows are three-dimensional structures consisting of multiple windows. Edmonton homes often use different types of windows such as tilt-up, lift-up and panoramic windows to create these architectural elements.
At first glance, bay windows and half bay windows may seem identical. The similarity of their three-letter names beginning with “B” also makes it difficult to understand the differences. If you are planning to install a bay window or half bay window in your Edmonton home, pay attention to their key features.
| Bay windows | Bow windows |
 |  |
| Design concept | Design concept |
| Have 3 openings with angles from 25 to 45°. The overall design is made up of a picture window in the center and two other smaller units (casement or hung ones) on the sides. This structure provides the effect of a deep and angular protrusion from the wall. | Have more than three openings at an angle of 10°. The general construction is curved, creating a rounded look outside the building. This structure creates a rather shallow ledge effect. |
| Light | Light |
| Are an excellent source of light. Since they have three angled sides, daylight can enter the room from three corners. | Allow more sunlight into the house compared with bay windows due to their larger glazing surface and the wider area. |
| Ventilation | Ventilation |
| Tend to have one fixed window in the middle and two operable windows on the sides (typically casement or hung ones) that provide excellent air circulation and ventilation even for large rooms. | Provide ventilation depending on the number of units that allow airflow. If the design features individual operable units which can be opened and closed, they provide maximum ventilation. A structure with three fixed windows in the middle and two opening windows on the sides will provide the same ventilation as bay windows. |
| Cost | Cost |
| Vary in price depending on many factors, the main of which is the number of window units. Still bay window prices in Edmonton tend to be lower than those for bow windows. For example, at Ecoline, replacing an old window with a new medium-sized triple-pane bay window with a LoE coating will cost you approximately $2,310-$2,520. | Vary in price depending on many factors. Tend to be more expensive than bay windows. The price depends on the number of components, their size, additional features, etc. At Ecoline, the installation of 5 energy-efficient bow window units in Edmonton will cost approximately $2,650 – $3,150. |
| Common Home Styles | Common Home Styles |
| Fit perfectly into contemporary-style homes because of their angular lines and flat planes | Go well with houses in traditional and Victorian styles due to their charming curved design. |
| Pros & Cons | Pros & Cons |
| Pros: | Pros: |
| are less expensiveeasier to installsignificantly protrude out from the wall of the house, thereby creating additional alcove-like space | offer a wonderful panoramic viewlet in more sunlight due to the large glazing areahave slight curves that to create a sophisticated look |
| Cons: | Cons: |
| not as wide and give a more limited viewlet in less sunlight | are more difficult to installtend to be more expensivecreate less extra seating space |
Having grasped the distinctions between bow and bay windows, selecting the ideal style for your residence becomes a simpler task. Regardless of your desired exterior design, both bow and bay windows offer ample opportunity to enhance its character. To make the most informed decision, carefully evaluate the cost, visual appeal, and additional attributes of both bow and bay window types.
Understanding the nuances between these window styles empowers you to make a choice that aligns perfectly with your aesthetic preferences and budget. Whether you seek a classic or contemporary look, bow and bay windows present versatile options to elevate your home’s curb appeal. Weighing their respective advantages ensures a satisfying and well-considered investment.
Typical Bay Window Styles
Bay windows have a centuries-old history. On the technical side, their basic types have not changed much. You can use a variety of window and arch styles, vary the angle of tilt, determine the size of the opening and the color of the bindings, and add interesting architectural details to create a unique design. But despite the wide range of styling possibilities, there are basic bay window types from which to choose.
Canted Bay Window
The canted bay window stands out as a time-honored choice. Characterized by a straight central pane and flanking angled sections, this design frequently graces ground floors. Its enduring appeal and classic aesthetics render the canted bay window genuinely refined and stylish.
Select this style if you require an expansive window space on the initial level of your residence.
Box Bay Window
Box-shaped bay windows are named for their rectangular configuration. They share a similar design with other bay windows, but are distinct in that the flanking sections meet the central window at a 90-degree angle, creating a box-like appearance.
These are a popular choice for modern constructions, as they offer extra room without demanding changes to the existing wall structure. Their installation is straightforward and adds valuable square footage.
Select this style if you favor unadorned aesthetics and desire to expand your home’s area with a modern touch. They represent a simple way to gain space.
Circle Bay Windows
Circle bay windows, while not as commonly chosen, present a noteworthy alternative. Typically more expensive than other styles, they incorporate extra glass panels above the main windows, creating a seamless, flowing arc, and frequently showcase elaborate, ornate trim. This particular bay window design can imbue a home with a distinctly Victorian ambiance.
Select this style if your aim is to optimize natural light within the space and enhance your home’s facade with decorative accents.
Oriel Bay Windows
Oriel bay windows stand as a time-honored, classic choice, with designs and visual appeal strongly echoing Gothic architectural influences. Typically, these structures are adorned with diverse ornamental features along their lower outer edges. They’re commonly built extending from the house’s side walls, not touching the ground, which allows for installation on both lower and higher levels.
Choose this style if you aim to add a dramatic flair to your home’s facade and desire captivating window designs for the upper level.
Are you in pursuit of sizable bay windows available for purchase in Edmonton, offering optimal performance and impressive beauty? Canglow windows is your solution. Our extensive product selection ensures we can meet even the most complex requirements of your window renovation endeavor.
How Much Do Bay and Bow Windows Cost?
The combined window designs known as bay and bow windows, which incorporate diverse window styles, pose a challenge when determining their cost. Bow windows generally command a higher price point due to their construction involving a minimum of five window units, whereas bay windows typically comprise three.
Starting prices are around $3,500 and can escalate based on several elements, including:
- Overall dimensions of the combined window structure
- Particular window models incorporated
- The selected type of glass (double or triple glazing)
- Chosen color finishes Intricacy of the installation process
- Any bespoke or specialized features included
For a more precise estimate tailored to the specifics of your project, we encourage you to get in touch with us directly.
