Bay Window Replacement Projects Around the Country

Many homeowners find themselves in homes with existing bay windows—whether you’ve been in your home for 20 years or recently bought a fixer upper— it may be time to consider replacing these windows.

When it comes time to replace what options do you have? Should you replace your existing bay window? Are there more budget friendly options available? In this article, we answer these questions by providing four different solutions for replacing your bay windows.

In many cases, homeowners look to replace their existing windows with a bay window to enhance natural light and provide additional interior space. The use of angular glass allows sunlight to enter your space any time of the day, alleviating the need for excessive artificial lighting.

This Ohio home, for example, replaces an outdated, sliding window for a bay window in the kitchen. This window selection now perfectly matches the existing wooden cabinetry thanks to the customizations that can be made with wood windows. Now, this bay window acts as the focal point of the kitchen, brightening the room and adding more space above the sink for storage or plants.

Another way a bay window can be styled is by using grilles to match your home’s existing style and design. For instance, this 1950s cedar shake home in Berkshire County, MA improves curb appeal and adds timeless style. This window choice perfectly matches the other black windows found throughout the home, keeping the same color palette.

Modern bay windows are the perfect addition to enhance your home’s curb appeal. They invite more natural light into the space, while complementing the exterior facade. For example, this split-level ranch house added a bay window with color-matched grilles. This new window serves as the home’s new focal point, adding design interest to the space.

To create a noticeable upgrade, this West Granby home underwent a complete renovation and full window replacement. The homeowners replaced their old, dated windows with white ones, complementing the new exterior siding. Our local team recommended using a bay window, alongside the other window types, to create a striking contrast against the gray facade.

If you enjoy your current bay window, yet are looking for a modern upgrade, a bay window replacement may be right for you. A bay window replacement allows homeowners to keep the same function yet change the style and design to better fit the needs of their home.

A perfect example of a bay window replacement is this Scarsdale, NY home. The homeowners used a new bay window to enhance curb appeal and durability. Our local experts helped them select a wood bay window that would withstand the harsh Northeast weather conditions. An exterior aluminum cladding wraps the frames to protect the wood from the harsh elements of Scarsdale winters.

Bay windows can also increase energy efficiency in your home. For example, this Waynesburg, PA home underwent a replacement to remove their outdated and inefficient bay window. The new bay window uses a picture window with two casements on the side to enhance air flow in the living room and provide a fresh look and feel. The added fresh air helps to keep the family cool and comfortable all year, reducing the need for excessive HVAC system use. A bay window replacement can be an excellent choice if you are looking to keep the same window style and functionality. If you’re looking for something new, replacing the bay window with a modern style may be something to consider.

Another replacement possibility includes replacing bow windows with bay windows. Although the two window designs are very similar, understanding the key differences between bay and bow windows is very important. Bay windows only use three windows, while bow windows use four or more. Since fewer units are used in bay windows, they are typically a more cost-efficient choice compared to bow windows.

If you’re looking for a simple design and improved ventilation, see how this Greenfield, MA project replaces its inefficient, hard-to-operate bow window with a bay window with convenient ventilation. This design features one picture window in the center and two double-hung windows on the sides, for superior and easy ventilation. Now, the home has an abundance of fresh air with the simple opening of the double-hung windows.

Bay windows also highlight innovative window treatments that elevate modern luxury. This Coatesville, PA home, for instance, has blinds-between-the-glass for easy cleaning and more privacy. This was a great option for their new bay windows since they have large glass panels overlooking the front yard, making privacy for the family essential.

If you’re looking to modernize your curb appeal on a budget, you can consider replacing your bay window with a large picture window. These windows offer minimal sightlines with their large glass panels, ideal for overlooking amazing views from anywhere in the home. Picture windows are typically more cost effective than a replacement bay window. They use one inoperable window instead of a bay window that uses three.

In the kitchen, a picture window makes an ideal replacement as seen in this Everett kitchen window replacement project. Our local Pella team helped these owners replace their old, outdated bay window with a fresh, modern picture window. For a cost effective and low maintenance solution, we recommend a vinyl window solution. Our precision welded frames avoid twisting and warping, helping to ensure the frame stays strong.

• Materials options:

  • Wood: Provides homeowners with excellent energy efficiency and style flexibility.
  • Fiberglass: Delivers unmatched strength and durability with sleek, timeless style.
  • Vinyl: Creates a low maintenance, cost efficient solution for homeowners with durable frames.

• Design options:

  Bay windows can be harmonized with any home style, adding a unique flair to each and every home through unique customizations.
  • Traditional: Bay windows with traditional grille patterns are a great way to enhance a classic home style. 
  • Modern: If you're looking for a modern window design you might consider replacing your existing bay window for a sleek picture window with expansive glass. Adding a bay window without grilles is another way to modernize your replacement design.

Bay windows add character to any space while providing more seating or storage for your home. They add an abundance of natural light and fresh air to any space, keeping the room bright and airy.

If you choose to replace your home’s bay windows, know that you have several options. We explored how you can keep your home’s original design by simply replacing the bay window or if you’re looking for a modern enhancement, you may choose a picture window replacement. Whatever choice you make, our local Pella teams are here to help you along the way. From in-home consultations to tailored recommendations, our team will make your window project a priority.