Bay Window Sizes: How to Choose it Effectively

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A bay window can be a gorgeous and functional addition to your home, creating a cozy reading nook or a light-filled dining area. But how can you select the perfect bay window size for your home? Before starting your project, make sure to measure accurately to determine the best sizes so you can begin enjoying your new bright and spacious window.

What are Standard Bay Window Sizes ?

The standard bay window sizes are as follow below.

Type of windowWidth (in feet)Height (in feet)Depth (in feet)
Canted bay4 to 83.5 to 61 to 2
Box bayUp to 4Up to 41 to 2
Circle bay6 to 106 to 82 to 3
Bow window6 to 123 to 61 to 2
Octagonal bay window6 to 106 to 82 to 3
Hexagonal bay window4 to 83 to 61 to 2

How deep should a bay window be?

A bay window depth range Should be from 1 to 3 feet.

How far can a bay window stick out?

Bay windows can stick out from 1 to 3 feet and 13 to 19 inches. However, it’s important to consult with local building authorities and a professional window installer to ensure compliance with regulations and to achieve the best possible outcome for your home.

How to Measure a Bay Window?

Understanding Bay Windows

A bay window is a window that protrudes outward from the exterior wall of a building. They often have three or more panels, with the center panel being larger than the side panels. Bay windows offer a unique and attractive architectural feature, but they can present challenges when it comes to measuring for curtains, blinds, or other window treatments.

Tools Needed: 

  • Measuring tape 
  • Pencil 
  • Notepad 

Steps: 

Determine the Type of Bay Window: 

  • Flat-fronted: The front of the window is flat. 
  • Angled-fronted: The front of the window is angled. 
  • Bowed: The front of the window curves outward. 

Measure the Width of the Window: 

  • Measure the width of the entire window, including the side panels. 
  • If you have an angled or bowed window, measure the widest part of the window. 

Measure the Height of the Window: 

Measure the height from the bottom of the window frame to the top. 

Measure the Depth of the Bay: 

Measure the distance from the outer edge of the side panel to the wall. 

Measure the Angle of the Side Panels (if applicable): 

If you have an angled-fronted bay window, use a protractor to measure the angle between the side panel and the wall. 

Additional Considerations: 

Window Treatments: Consider the type of window treatment you plan to use. For example, curtains will require a wider rod than blinds. 

Overlaps: If you’re measuring for curtains, determine how much overlap you want between the curtains and the wall. 

Window Sill: Measure the width of the window sill if you need to cover it with a valance or other treatment. 

Example: Let’s say you have a flat-fronted bay window with a width of 10 feet, a height of 5 feet, and a depth of 2 feet. You plan to use curtains with a 1-foot overlap on each side. 

Rod length: 10 feet + 2 feet (overlap) + 2 feet (overlap) = 14 feet. 

Curtain width: (10 feet + 4 feet) / 2 = 7 feet (assuming equal widths for each curtain panel).

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