If you’re installing windows, it’s important that you educate yourself on windows of all types. Bow windows are an option that you may want to consider, let’s find out what they are, what pros and cons they feature and how to style them.
What Are Bow Windows?
A bow window is a window that is curved outwards. It has multiple panes and can be a 180-degree curve, or less, only occasionally more. They bow out from the house like someone has blown a bubble from within. The windows were very popular in the 1700s and 1800s, which is why you’ll see some of the old mansions in the United States with them. A lot of people tend to confuse bay windows for bow windows. The two are similar but with a few crucial differences. The biggest difference is that a bay window is usually cut into three sections. When it comes to bow windows, you will see a rounder shape, that is almost always curved rather than given straight lines.
A beautiful coastal living room with a bow window that shows off amazing sea views and a windowsill bench with pillows.
A boho living room with a bookcase, potted greenery, a leather sofa, a desk and a bow window and a climbing plant.
A boho living room with a leather sofa, a rattan table, a gallery wall and potted plants filled with light through a bow window.
A boho lux living room with a bow window, a comfy lounger next to it, a neutral sofa and a low coffee table plus potted plants.
A bright grey and yellow living room with a bow window done with printed curtains, grey seating furniture and a refined table.
A charming cottage dining space with a bow window, a windowsill seating, a round table and neutral chairs plus a vintage chandelier.
A colorful nook with a bow window, blue plaid curtains, colorful chairs and pillows plus a round table.
A contemporary living room with a bow window and a seating zone there, a green sofa, a pretty table and a ledge gallery wall.
A contemporary space with a bow window and a large and soft daybed on the windowsill is an amazing space to relax.
A cool kids' room with a bunk bed, a bow window with a windowsill sofa and built-in bookshelves plus a cool chandelier.
What Are The Pros And Cons?
A reading nook is a cozy spot that is usually hidden in the crook of a window. A bow window is a perfect place to stow one. The curved wall is inviting and you can use the space to install a seat with storage.
If you don’t install a reading nook or seat, you can leave the space left when you install bow windows. This will add several square feet, depending on the curve of the window. You can use that space for storage, a table, or simply to add flow.
Although bow windows look great from inside the house, they are even more eye-catching from outside the house. They can even change the entire shape of your house, giving a curved look to an otherwise square structure.
Because the change in a house is so drastic after adding bow windows, you know that when you do, you’ll be making a statement. You will probably be the only house in the neighborhood with them, especially with new ones.
It’s a known fact that all windows add light, but bow windows add even more light than other windows. This is because they are adding light from multiple angles, while most of windows will give light only in one direction.
Bow windows are versatile, and they can be used not only in vintage interiors, they can be easily integrated into a modern, contemporary, Scandinavian and many other spaces, here everything depends on how you dress them up and what you will do with the windowsill.
A cozy farmhouse nook with a bow window, a windowsill banquette seating, a wooden table and wooden chairs plus a retro lamp.
A farmhouse dining zone by a large bow window, with a vintage table and chairs plus decorative baskets on the wall.
A large bow window with a view, neutral shades and an upholstered bench going along the whole window.
A lovely bow window with a windowsill daybed and pillows, pendant lamps over the bed and a duo of tables.
A lovely bow window with a windowsill daybed with pillows make up a lovely reading nook in the space.
A lovely nook with a bow window with mosaic glass and a yellow loveseat plus a bookshelf next to it is cozy.
A monochromatic nook at the bow window with black framing, with neutral curtains and a built-in sofa, a black round table.
A neutral farmhouse bedroom with a large bow window and a seating nook placed there, the sleeping zone seems separated.
A neutral farmhouse kitchen with black countertops and a pretty bow window that fills the space with natural light.
A neutral farmhouse living room with a bow window draped with curtains for more privacy and less light and a grey sofa.
Cons
Because bow windows require so many panes and they are curved, they usually don’t open. Although it is possible. You can get bow windows that open but they are rare and costly.
Bow windows are curved. You can’t add a standard couch to a bow window. You need specific furniture if you plan on putting any in that nook.
If you’re not okay with bow windows being what your house is known for, you may reconsider getting them. They are a statement piece and will draw the eye in.
A Nordic bedroom in white, with a bow window and much light, plus touches of black for more drama.
A Nordic living room with a monochromatic color scheme, graphic pillows, a bow window and a woven pendant lamp.
A pretty bow window with a small and narrow daybed with pillows make up a lovely reading nook or an oasis for relaxation.
A pretty bow window with a windowsill daybed and colorful pillows is a lovely idea for a modern space.
A pretty modern space with a bow window and a windowsill bench with pillows, a printed chair and printed textiles.
A white-brown bathroom design.
A refined bow window nook with a windowsill seating space with pillows and exquisite neutral curtains.
A refined modern living room with a bow window and a sofa built-in there, a green sofa, a mustard chair and potted plants.
A refined neutral living room with white furniture, rust-colored pillows,a vintage desk and chair by the bow window.
A refined space with a bow window and a daybed on the windowsill, refined chairs and glass and metal tables.
A Scandinavian living room with a bow window, a black sofa, a round table and taupe curtains paired with shutters.
A Scandinavian space with a bow window and a windowsill bench with firewood storage, potted plants and much natural light.