The bow window is a close relative of the bay window, and they’re often confused with each other (see image below). The bow window is gently curved rather than angled and is considered a more graceful feature when used in a house’s living area. The bow window receives its name from the arrangement of a series of windows that arc out from the house’s exterior walls.

Typical Bow Window

Because of their curved shape, bow windows are necessarily made up of relatively narrow sashes or of many small fixed panes. When sashes are used, they’re generally the casement and occasionally the double-hung type.

With casement windows, either all of the sashes can open, or only the two end panels, or only the end panels and every other intermediate panel. When double-hung windows make up a bow, only the end panels open. Bow windows are also available in models in which none of the sashes open, with fixed large- or smallpane styles.

Advantages of Bow Windows

• They open up a 180-degree view.
• Not only do bow windows increase ventilation, they enable you to scoop in breezes that run parallel to the house walls.
• They form the same kind of delightful niche found with bay windows, for dining near, growing plants in, and sitting in.

Disadvantages of Bow Windows

• Because they protrude, they are not as energy efficient as windows closer to the walls.
• These windows are usually narrow or small, so there’s little opportunity to escape through them in case of an emergency.
• Some of their sections are normally fixed, and cleaning will have to be done from the outside.