Home trends are constantly evolving, and modern doors and windows in different styles have the potential to transform a home’s look dramatically. However, one home feature has never gone out of style: the bay window.
Bay windows were once considered chiefly ornamental, but they are now often deliberately chosen for adding extra space to a room and letting in a flood of natural light. They have been featured in homes since the late 15th century, and their enduring appeal will make them a common fixture on homes in 2022 and beyond.
Although many people can immediately conjure up an image in their mind of a basic bay window, you may be surprised to learn that there are many different varieties. Here is a look at some of the most popular types and styles of bay windows for Northern Virginia homes to consider when replacing windows.
Top Types Of Bay Windows For Northern Virginia Homes
All bay windows are made up of a group of windows extending outward from the structure of a home, but there are many different ways to customize them. Homeowners can choose bay windows with different window styles, architectural details and angles to get the precise look they seek. Most types, however, will fall into one of the following four categories.
1. Canted Bay Windows
Canted bay windows have the traditional shape that most people associate with bay windows. They are often used on Colonial-style homes but work well with nearly any style. They feature a flat front with dual angled sides and are generally only found on the first level of homes.
2. Box Bay Windows
A box bay window is very similar to a canted window in nearly every respect, with the only difference being that the flanking windows on the side are joined to the front window using a 90-degree angle. This gives the bay window a box shape.
3. Oriel Windows
The oriel bay window is the oldest type of bay window and first made its mark on sprawling mansions in the time of the English Renaissance. Its name comes from the Latin term for “porch”. These windows are built into the side of the home and do not touch the ground.
As a result, they can be used on any story, unlike other types of bay windows that are generally confined to the ground floor. Oriel windows get structural support from decorative brackets or corbels of stone, masonry or wood beneath the window.
4. Circle Bay Windows
Another type of bay window that can be found on some homes is a circle bay window. These windows are characterized by bigger panes of glass on the sides of the bay with extra panes above the windows. The windows extend from the house in a circular fashion. They can extend from the building by two or three feet and can be up to six feet high. They often feature intricate molding and ornamental designs and may be capped with a cone-shaped roof.
Popular Bay Window Styles
Although there are only four main types of bay windows, there are many different styles of bay windows that look attractive on Northern Virginia homes. Here is a look at some of the types of bay windows for Northern Virginia homes that suit the most popular architectural styles.
1. Modern Bay Windows
Modern bay windows feature small frames and large expanses of glass. Unlike ornate traditional bay windows, they use clean panes and avoid grilles to maximize the amount of natural light that enters the home. Some modern homes use circle bay windows with tall panes of unobstructed glass.
2. Craftsman Bay Windows
These windows are a great choice for Craftsman or bungalow-style homes because they can make the space inside appear larger. The Craftsman bay window allows a window space to be more functional because the nook it creates can easily serve as additional seating or a ledge for displaying photos or decorations.
3. Victorian Bay Windows
If you have a Victorian-style home, consider a classic canted bay window with a straight front and angled sides. Window dressings can be used to add more character to the window. Another good option for Victorian homes is oriel windows featuring ornate details.
4. Tudor Bay Windows
On two-story, Tudor-style houses, small oriel windows can be used on both levels, and wood brackets matching the rest of the facade may be used to support them. Many homeowners opt for casement bay windows given the popularity of casement windows in Tudor architecture.
5. Mid-Century Modern Bay Windows
For homeowners who want a clean and minimalist aesthetic, a mid-century modern bay window is the ideal choice. Casement or picture windows could be combined into a mid-century modern bay window to enhance the looks of split-level or ranch homes and emphasize the beauty of the home’s surroundings.
Contact The Experienced Northern VA Window Replacement Contractors
Bay windows can enhance a home in a way that few other features can accomplish, adding beauty and character, along with plenty of light. To find out more about bay window installation and window replacement in the Northern Virginia area, reach out to Adelphia Exteriors today.
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