Bay Windows in the UK: Types, Costs, Styles & Benefits

Bay windows are a welcome addition to any home with the space or solid foundation, providing great lighting and ventilation. Available in a variety of different styles, they can suit any type of home, whether traditional or contemporary. Although they can cost a lot, they have many advantages. Let’s take a look at whether they will be worth it for your house.

If you’re looking for new windows of any kind, you will need an installer. Installation costs, particularly for bay windows, can vary a lot, which is why you need to know whether your installer is trustworthy. However, finding the right one can take hours and still may not turn up a good lead. That’s why our service is a far better alternative.

Simply click the button below, fill out a short 30-second form, and we’ll get back to you with up to 4 free, non-binding quotes from the best installers in your area.

Bay windows consist of an outward projecting bay with window frames on 2 sides or more. They consist of external windows and are easily visible from outside the house, with a protruding structure consisting of multiple panes. Generally, the side windows around the bay are openable, while the middle panel consists of picture windows or fixed sash windows.

Bay windows have a storied history. Starting off as a functional element due to its lighting and ventilation benefits. They became immensely popular during the Gothic Revival, where ornate woodwork, stained glass windows, and all kinds of accoutrements were common. They are not as common as other window types, but are incorporated into semi-detached and detached houses.

Typically, simpler bay windows will have 3 windows, but 2-panel designs also exist. These will usually start at about 1 to 2 metres. More elaborate types can go up to 6 or 7 panels and span 3 to 4 metres. The side windows are usually casement windows, which provide ventilation from the cross-section of the bay.

Bay window designs vary, but they are often supported either by a ground foundation or held up by corbels, brackets, or cantilevers.

Bay windows can cost between £1,000 and £3,000 on average. Total prices can range anywhere from £350 to £8,000, but the average cost is somewhere in the middle since sizes and material needs can vary.

Bay window prices can vary depending on the number of panels, their size, the style of the window, the type of glazing, and the materials used for the frames. uPVC bay windows tend to be the cheapest, while wooden frame ones are the most expensive. Aluminium can be a good mid-range option for many homes.

Labour costs will generally run between £100 and £150 per window, but bulk discounts might apply for more windows, which can potentially decrease the total cost. These costs should be factored in separately from the purchase price of the window.

The cost of bay window replacement can be extensive, especially if you’re looking to add or remove the bay itself. This will require much more extensive work in and around the wall. This is also why bay window installation takes longer than most other designs.

How much bay windows cost also depends on the rates your installer charges. That’s why it’s best to get the right prices from reliable professionals. Finding one worth your time can take hours of research and calling up random companies, and you still may not find the best option. That’s why our service is a better alternative since we provide you with prices from vetted installers for free. The form takes less than a minute to fill out, and we’ll do the rest.

Click the button below to receive up to 4 free, non-binding quotes from reliable installers in your area.

Aside from designs, bay window styles can also vary, with many more classical Victorian bay window styles being common in old homes. These can have complex ornamentation or even stained glass windows. More contemporary styles can be a lot simpler, in comparison, often being minimalistic and smaller.

The most common materials for bay windows are uPVC, aluminium, and wood. These options can vary in price, physical properties, and sustainability:

Less common yet still notable materials include composite windows. Composites combine multiple materials, most notably wood, fibreglass, plastics, and aluminium, to create mixed materials with favourable properties at a decent manufacturing cost. Composite window prices can be more favourable than wood, while still containing many of its properties. However, composite bay windows are very rare in the UK, so they might be hard to find.

Double glazed bay windows are the most common out of the many different glazing options. They can be energy-efficient, which is important since bay windows always face the outdoors. Good glazing can help you recoup £140 per year.

Double glazing is also subject to a number of government grants, which can make it affordable to upgrade from single glazing to double. However, such incentives do not apply to triple glazed windows in the UK, which can be 30% to 50% more expensive. It’s also possible to get finance for windows, so it might be wise to check options outside of government programs.

Triple glazing can also be an option for much colder climates. It provides much better insulation, noise reduction, and security (due to the thickness of the glass layering). While triple glazing has many benefits, additional energy savings will only apply in far colder climates, outside of which, double glazing can suffice.

Secondary glazed windows are best for homes where you might need approval for altering your bay windows. If you have single glazed windows, and your landlord will not approve upgrades, secondary glazing is a good temporary measure. It may not be as efficient, but it can be a lot cheaper to install and remove.

Bay windows provide potentially unparalleled lighting and ventilation and add visual flair to your home’s design. They come in many different varieties, suitable for both modern and classical aesthetics. Bay windows can also enhance the value of your property and make it a worthy prospect for resale.

Bay windows belong to a grand tradition in the UK, expanding the home with a visually pleasing addition. While they can be costly, they are a timeless design with a distinct visual identity. They provide a wide view of the outside and can support multiple openings.

Adding a bay window (or any complex window installation) does require expertise, however. This is why you will need an installer who knows what they are doing and won’t stiff you on the bill. Finding one like that can take numerous hours if done on your own, but that’s where our service comes in.

Receive up to 4 free non-binding quotes from the best installers in your area. All you need to do is click the button below and fill out a quick, 30-second form.