Bay windows are a series of three or more windows placed side by side in an arc that protrudes from your home’s exterior wall. This window style brings a lot of natural light into the home, increases your ventilation, and serves as a focal point in your room design. Bay windows are sometimes seen as overly old-fashioned or traditional, so you may initially assume they’re not the best choice for your Cincinnati home. But the truth is, bay windows can be customized in any number of ways, making them a suitable choice for most any style of decor.
This streamlined style was popular in the 1920s and is making a comeback in some Cincinnati homes. To coordinate your bay windows with geometric, art deco decor, consider outfitting them with a grille to divide the window into small, even sections. White painted window frames and brushed nickel hardware also coordinate well with this decor style.
The Craftsman architectural style is all about the use of natural materials, so choose double-hung windows with natural wood frames and sashes. Stone hardware complements the look well. Another hallmark of Craftsman architecture is placing a grille that divides the window into four sections on the upper window pane, but leaving the lower window pane bare. This is sometimes referred to as a 4-over-1 design and will look stunning on a bay window.
Light, breezy, and beachy, the coastal style is inspired by nautical themes and makes for a very relaxing setting. Choose white frames for your bay windows, and outfit each window with a white grille for a bit more casual appeal. You can even have a comfy window seat built inside your bay window so you can relax and watch the world go by outside — just as you might on the beach.
With sleek lines and bold colors, contemporary style focuses on basic shapes and forms. For this style of decor, you want a bay window without any grilles. The larger and more open the glass panes, the better. Also, choose a deep, rich color for the window frames. Shades of dark green and rust work well.
Bay windows are perfectly suited for country homes. If your Cincinnati home has a country style, outfitting it with the biggest bay window possible – one that takes up an entire wall – will really highlight your decor. Usually, white window frames look most appropriate in a country-style home, but natural wood is also a good choice. A prairie grille, which creates long rectangles on the edges of the window and small squares on the corners, will add to the appeal.
Also known as “cottage,” this decor style features floral motifs, cozy furniture, and vintage accessories. As with the country style, a bay window will look perfectly at-home with shabby chic decor. You may wish to choose a light color like pale gray or cream for the window frame, and once again, use a prairie grille on each window. Have your windows designed with a flatter, less dramatic arc for a softer, more beautiful look.
Renewal by Andersen offers bay windows in a wide array of colors and styles. To start designing a bay window that coordinates with your decor, schedule a free, in-home consultation with our knowledgeable technicians. From elegant to cozy, we’ll create a bay window that’s perfect for you.
Topics: Bay Windows, Cincinnati home
