Adding Bow Windows to Your Home
Adding bow windows to your home offers you a beautiful view of the outdoors and creates a striking focal point within your house. They are also excellent for those who want to grow indoor plants.
As with bay windows, bow windows allow more natural light to fill your living spaces. Bow windows are typically fixed (non-operational), unlike bay windows which can be opened to allow for ventilation.
Aesthetics
Bow windows are an attractive architectural feature that can be utilized in and out of your home. They can be framed with a variety decorative elements to create an unique focal point that attracts attention and matches the design of your home.
The curved aesthetic of bow windows is a welcome view in any home. Their style and elegance make them ideal for creating a cozy window seating area or breakfast nook. The bow windows can be framed with a curving curtain rod that allows you to hang curtains or drapes for added privacy. You can even opt for bifold shutters, which are a great method to filter light without sacrificing the window's curved look.
A bow window consists of four to six windows of equal size that are set at a 10 degree angle. They give your home a more balanced appearance and increase the living space in your home, by bringing natural light and expansive views. This type of window is ideal for homes with plenty of wall space and want to create a feature to complement the architecture.
Both bow and bay windows are excellent at letting in natural light. This will lighten your living space, and reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day. However bow windows are the better choice if you want to include an eating or sitting area in your home's space since they offer more floor room than bay windows.
Bow windows frames are made out of a variety of materials including vinyl, wood and fibreglass. You can also incorporate enhancements like etching internal grids, glass or oak wood grain finishes, and custom paint to create the perfect look for your home.
sash windows bow are curved, which allows them to let light in from various directions. You can control the amount of light that enters your home by adjusting the number of windows and their positions. This creates a feeling of spaciousness and openness in any space. It also adds a unique feature to the exterior of your house. These windows are popular because they offer a the view of the entire city which is the reason that many homeowners choose to live in their house in the first place.
Bow windows are similar to bay windows in that they allow more light and make your home appear bigger. They are great for dining rooms and kitchen corners, where more flooring space is required for tables and chairs. The windows' arcs can be lowered to hip or knee height, creating the perfect seating area with a beautiful view.
Bow windows can be found with a range of four to six panes, depending on the size of space you want to fill. You can put shades on each window pane to create an unison look that lets sunlight flow through. This style can be achieved using shades such as flat-fold Roman blinds, cellular shades or woven blinds.
The bow and bay windows let in more natural light than normal windows, but which is right for your home? It's all about what you want for your home. Bay windows are more costly than bow windows, and require a more substantial structure to install. They can be combined with double-hung, casement or picture windows and you can style them with a variety of roof options, grilles and colors to suit the architectural style of your house.
Ventilation
Similar to bow windows, bay windows are a great option to increase the amount of light that enters your home. This is due to the fact that they aren't as far from the wall as other window styles such as casement or double hung windows. This makes them an excellent option for homes that don't have a lot of additional space on the exterior of their property.
Another wonderful feature that comes with bow windows is the ventilation they provide. Because they are made up of up to six separate window panes, you can decide to open any of them open to allow for ventilation. This gives you a wide range of options for air flow and is especially beneficial during rainy weather.
You can add tilt and turn or side hinged casement windows to your bow window based on the style. This will allow you to have many more options for how you let in fresh air. This will reduce the necessity for artificial cooling in your home.
You can also add shades or drapes to your bow windows to enhance the look. For example, you can make use of a curved rod to hang curtains that fit the curve of the window. This creates a gorgeous traditional look that will complement the bow window. You can also opt for bifold shutters to cover your windows when you're not using them, and these are a great match for the unique style that bow windows provide.
It is recommended to schedule a consultation with an experienced professional installer in St. Louis. Thompson Creek's experts can guide you through the different options for both window types and also the cost and installation process.
Energy Efficiency
Bow windows offer the same views and air flow as bay windows, but they don't protrude from your home at a sharp angle. They typically consist of three parts referred to as "lites" and can be fully tailored to suit your taste. They can be found in composite, vinyl and wood, with each providing distinct advantages.
Vinyl is durable and inexpensive while composite is more environmentally green than wood. Composite frames can be easily maintained and appear like wood, even though you can't paint or stain vinyl. Bow windows come in many shapes and sizes. You can also choose from a variety of colors and textures that will match your interior decor. Wood offers a natural look and can be tailored to fit your home's style.
No matter which type you choose, bay and bow windows can enhance the aesthetics of your home and increase its resale price. Regular maintenance is crucial to get the most value of your new windows. Washing glass panels and panes cleaning the hardware, and lubricating moving components can aid in preventing damage and extend their longevity. It's recommended to have your windows professionally cleaned and inspected annually to look for indications of wear or damage.
When selecting the bow replacement window, you should also consider the energy efficiency. Although they don't open and hinge to the side as double-hung windows or casement windows, bow windows are made up of multiple panes of glass and are protected. They are therefore more energy efficient than other styles of windows. They're also available in energy-efficient models that can help you lower the cost of your energy usage. The insulated glass on these windows features Low-E coatings which block out the UV harmful rays of the sun and unwanted heat in summer.
Installation
If properly installed when they are properly installed, bow windows can make a room appear larger and enhance the overall appearance of your home. A professional window builder is required to complete the job which could involve modifying the wall to accommodate the bow windows, as well as building an additional header. The process involves complicated framing and drywall construction, and should only be completed by a skilled window contractor who has a thorough understanding of permits and building codes.
In contrast to bay windows bow windows don't typically have a central glass pane that is larger than the frame around them. Each window is sized to be able to fit in the space and is arranged in a semi-circle that is reminiscent of a bay but without the protrusion. The bow window's curved shape creates an interior shelf that can be used as a seating area or as a way to decorate the room, or even for storage. The shelf can be elevated to knee or hip height, which is great for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors.
The unique arc that forms the windows also offers plenty of floor space for chairs as well as tables. Some windows have a built-in seat for reading or talking with neighbors. It is also necessary to cover the top and bottom of the bow window with soffits.
The window frame is generally composed of composite or vinyl material. The frames are available in different finishes and colors. You can also select energy-efficient upgrades and customization options for the size or ornamental details. The contractor will help you choose the best features to meet your budget and requirements. He or she will also assist you in determining whether the project requires structural modifications to accommodate the new windows.