Advantages of a bay window over a flat window.

I could use a flat window, but I have a hunch that a slightly bayed window would be more pleasing. I can see that installing a bay window represents some added work and cost, so I'm wondering if there are any practical benef its of a bay window, to help me make a decision. Anyone got any opinions on this?

more cost, more heat loss, more floor space, better appearance, more roof l eaks.

NT

Assuuming you just mean a bay unit - a bay window ledge underneath, a bay window and "roof" over, just added to the front, as obviously upstairs you can't build a bay underneath your answer is in your first sentence

"an upstairs room with a nice view."

Basically the one real advantage a bay window would give you is a wider view plus a bigger window ledge which may or may not be of benefit. A nice place for a vase of flowers or pictures or ornaments maybe or just a clutter magenet.

Round where I live there are gentrified former "workman's cottages" i.e terraces one room wide with no front gardens where such add on bays are very popular. So they may give the illusion of extra space inside although only at window height.

michael adams

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Depending on orientation, more light.

I could use a flat window, but I have a hunch that a slightly bayed window would be more pleasing. I can see that installing a bay window represents some added work and cost, so I'm wondering if there are any practical benef its of a bay window, to help me make a decision. Anyone got any opinions on this?

The ability to look sideways down the wall of the building can be nice/usef ul.

The drawback is from outside your house might look like a 'park home' with a bolted-on bay window.

Owain

Is it a bay or bow window?

I would call this a bay window

and this a bow window

Fitting the bay would be expensive.

Especially if your house is in a conservation area and the local planners tell you to remove it and reinstate the original.

Have you got the T shirt?

We had two rectangular bay windows at the last house, the only real benefit was the extra floor space. As far as light with curtains they were no bett er than flat windows as even when the curtains were fully opened the two si de windows were still obscured. Doing away with curtains and just using bli nds did increase the light and airiness of the two rooms concerned.

Richard

Ours are the type with the side windows at about 45 degrees to the main one. On both sides, the curtains draw clear of the windows. It's a single curtain track with bends at the sides of the main window.

(the angle might be a little more obtuse than 45 deg but ICBA to go and check!)