Bay Window Boosts Function and Style in Greenfield Living Room

Tucked in the hills of Western Massachusetts, Greenfield is a former mill town known for its charming neighborhoods, riverfront views and homes rich in traditional architecture. In one such home built in the early 1980s, a pair of Greenfield homeowners were ready to make a change. Their existing bow window looked the part but lacked the function they needed—especially when it came to airflow and ease of use. 

Their goal was to improve everyday comfort and functionality while staying true to the classic look of their traditional New England home. The solution came in the form of a wood bay window from the Pella® Lifestyle Series, customized to blend seamlessly with their home while solving a common usability challenge.

The original bow window featured two fixed picture windows flanked by outward-swinging casements. While the design offered style and light, the functionality left much to be desired. The casement panels opened into the home’s front landscaping—often hitting the bushes and making ventilation a hassle. Even when it was open, the airflow was limited, and operating the windows wasn’t easy. 

A bay window, on the other hand, offers the same architectural appeal but with more user-friendly operation. The new configuration features double-hung windows on each side that slide open vertically, providing better ventilation without interfering with the surrounding landscape. 

Because it was designed to fit into the existing bow opening, the new double-hung bay window delivers all the benefits of the upgrade—without requiring structural changes to the home.

The new wood bay window extends farther from the home than the previous bow, creating a subtle architectural highlight that adds depth and interest to the front façade. Inside, the window’s warm wood interior was custom-stained to match the existing trim throughout the house, keeping the look consistent and cohesive. 

For the homeowners, the material choice was key. Wood windows bring warmth and character, and unlike vinyl or fiberglass, they offer the flexibility of custom stains and finishes. Pella Lifestyle Series windows also include aluminum cladding on the exterior, providing long-term durability and resistance to New England’s rain, snow, and humidity. 

This smart blend of timeless style and modern performance makes wood window replacement a natural fit for homes like this one across Massachusetts.

While the landscaping around the front of the home presented a minor obstacle, our certified installers completed the full bay window installation in just one day. Thanks to their specialized training and experience with window replacement projects, they were able to navigate the bushes and older framing with ease. 

With Pella’s “no mess, no guess” installation promise, the process was smooth and minimally disruptive—an important factor for any homeowner upgrading a key part of their living space.

For the homeowners, the difference was immediately noticeable. What had once been a source of frustration—windows that were hard to use and offered limited ventilation—was now a feature they could enjoy every day. The new bay window not only improved airflow and comfort but also enhanced the home’s curb appeal and interior light. 

This project is a perfect example of how a thoughtful window upgrade can add both function and charm, all while honoring the character of an older home.