Bay Windows
When designing one's window features some people might wonder what are bay windows
used for. They appear attractive enough but they will cost more than
regular ones that run flush with the facade of the building. The bay
window projects outward from the face thus creating more interior space
and light. They are called bay windows because they create a bay in the
room at angles of 90, 135 and 150 degrees.
The bay first became popular during the Victorian era in the 1870s. They
are and were ideal for small spaces because they create the illusion
that the room is larger. The bay window also adds a distinctive
personality to any living space be it a house or apartment. Tiny dark
alcoves will suddenly have breathing space where the light has been
captured by the addition of a projecting window.
The popularity of the bay window was not limited to the UK or Europe. In
the US too in cities such as San Francisco, the bay window became
immensely popular. They usually project out about two to three feet from
the wall. A problem developed as a result of this when they intruded
onto the public space above public streets. City ordinances were created
to control where these windows would be permitted to be built.
The modern day window tends not to be as ornate as its predecessors. In
San Francisco the window from the past centuries ranged in style from
Edwardian to Mission to Italian. The neoclassic windows serve as a
decorative enhancement for facades and interior walls.
Today's newer apartment buildings duplicate Victorian architecture but
not very successfully. They often lack the imagination that the
craftsmen of the past were able to integrate into their work.
The bay window still has an important role to play in modern
architecture. They can accommodate greenhouses and hot tubs just to name
a few examples. The imagination is the limit when it comes to creating
new living spaces.
They are used in kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms. The bay is
composed of three or more panes whereas the bow window consists of four
or more panes joined at equal angles creating a curve. They will create
multiple views and create extra counter space.
The bay is being added to many suburban homes for architectural
detailing as well as the creation of space. It is a clever little detail
that allows owners of existing homes to replace their existing panes
and add the bay or bow window. Older homes of the 1940s and 50s were
very cramped and boxy with small windows. When these are opened up they
are transformed into very desirable homes.
When asked what bay windows are used for one can easily see that they
are an innovative solution for adding light, creating space and
injecting new character to an existing building. They are suitable in
many rooms and in many settings. They will more than likely continue to
be integrated into the architecture of the future with new architectural
interpretations.
Bay Window Treatments