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Customers who want to bring more light into their kitchens and grow herbs in their windows often describe their desire for garden windows. However, they sometimes mean that they’re searching for bay windows. Garden windows and bay windows share some similarities, but they’re two different window styles. Though garden windows are certainly a good option for some homeowners, most Indianapolis home owners are actually seeking what’s known as a bay window.
Here’s a closer look at the differences between these two window styles, along with the reasons why bay windows are typically preferred.
Garden windows are shaped like boxes. They extend outward from the home’e exterior wall. Inside, there is a shelf where you can place plants, giving them plenty of access to sunlight. Many homeowners grow herbs, flowers, or even a few small vegetable plants in their windows.
One downfall of garden windows is that they have a very boxy look, which does not always coordinate with the overall style of your home. They are also not always great at shedding water, which can lead to leaks and mold growth.
Bay windows are similar to garden windows in that they extend outward from your exterior wall. However, instead of consisting of one large box, they have three side-by-side window panels that are placed at an angle to each other.
Like garden windows, bay windows create a “space” inside that’s surrounded on three sides by windows. You can easily use this space to grow your herbs if you desire. Bay windows are typically placed above a counter in a kitchen, making it easy to access this shelf-like area.
Since both bay and garden windows provide a sun-filled space for growing, why are bay windows a better option for most Indianapolis homeowners? For one, bay windows offer more flexibility. You don’t have to use the space for growing flowers; it also makes a good spot for extra kitchen utensils, a few decorations, or even a photo collection.
Bay windows are also more stylish than garden windows when viewed from the exterior of the home. They look in-place in most country and traditional homes, and many more modern homes feature bay windows, too. The fact that they emerge from the exterior wall at an angle gives them a softer, more flowing look than that of boxy garden windows.
Bay windows also tend to be wider than garden windows. Plus, the varied angle of the window panes allows them to capture sunlight coming in from multiple directions. This will result in a sunnier, brighter kitchen throughout the day. You can have a bay window installed into any large window opening – even if there’s not currently a bay window in place. Many homeowners install them in place of picture windows.
If you’re looking for a window to bring more sunlight into your home and provide you with an area to grow herbs and small plants, a bay window from Renewal by Andersen is a great choice. Our bay windows come in 47 different exterior/interior color options, making it easy to customize them to fit your home decor. Contact us to schedule a free,in-home consultation and learn more about the options for your Indianapolis home.