bow window

architecture

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Last updated

June 22, 2026

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A bow window is typically a curved bay window. A bay window is a window formed by the outward projection of a wall, designed to let in more light than a standard window. Bay windows can be rectangular, polygonal, or arc-shaped. When arc-shaped, they may be referred to as bow windows.12

The term "bay window" is older and more general. An oriel window is a type of bay window that projects from an upper story and is supported by corbels. Bay windows were historically featured in English Renaissance mansions and later became prominent in the Chicago School of architecture, emphasizing natural light.2

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bay window
…it may be called a bow window. There has been a continuing confusion between bay and bow windows. Bay window is the older term and has become the generic form. A bay window is also called an oriel, or oriel window, when it projects from an upper story and is…
Read More
…it may be called a bow window. There has been a continuing confusion between bay and bow windows. Bay window is the older term and has become the generic form. A bay window is also called an oriel, or oriel window, when it projects from an upper story and is…
Read More