Garden Windows vs. Bay Windows

When it comes to replacement window styles, garden windows and bay windows seem to be about as opposite as you can get. Garden windows are on the smaller side, whereas bay windows tend to be rather large; garden windows are more utilitarian while bay windows are overwhelmingly aesthetic. However, despite their differences, these two window styles actually do bear some similarities.

Garden Windows

A garden window with pottery in the window sill.

A garden window (also sometimes called a greenhouse window) is a box-like window unit constructed of several small panes of glass connected by vinyl, wood, or metal framing. This configuration creates a glass box-like chamber that projects outward from a home’s outer wall. Most commonly, garden windows are installed above kitchen sinks, however, bathrooms are also another popular location for this style of window. Garden windows typically feature glass shelves which are often used to showcase potted plants, flowers, cookbooks, or other objects of interest. The side window panes on a garden window can typically be opened to allow for airflow while the rest of the panes are fixed.

Bay Windows

An exterior bay window on a white brick home.

A bay window is a large compound window unit that consists of three separate windows—one in the center that is mounted parallel with the home’s outer wall, and one on either side that is installed at an angle. These side windows are known as flankers. Most often, the central window is fixed while the flankers are operational, but this is not always the case; sometimes none of the windows is operational, and other times all three of them are.

What is perhaps most notable about bay windows, and one feature that they share with garden windows, is that they project outward from the home’s exterior wall. However, the projection of a bay window creates a semi-hexagonal space on the inside that’s known, unsurprisingly, as a “bay.” The extra space this bay provides is convenient because it can help to make a small room feel larger. Also, because the flankers on a bay window unit are angled (usually 30- or 45-degrees) they offer better ventilation than ordinary, flat-mounted windows as they can catch cross breezes from many different angles.

Get Started Today

Contact West Shore Home today to learn more about having new garden windows, bay windows, or any other style of replacement window installed. We specialize in super-fast, super-convenient home improvement services so you can enjoy the home upgrades you want without having to wait any longer than you have to. Contact us today to get started.