Even a simple shape and structure (without many decorative details) can become visually attractive and original if some variety is planned, e.g. bay window.
When planning to build a house, you are looking for a dream project that will create a building that is not only functional, but also beautiful. Much attention is paid to the layout of the rooms, as well as the appearance of the house.
This protruding structural element of the house becomes its decoration and at the same time creates a lot of functionality inside the house. It’s worth understanding how to use it and how such a building element differs in order to decide whether it’s worth using in your own home.
Of course, it should be added that any significant change in the aesthetics of the house, in this case the creation of a bay window , will be associated with an increase in construction costs. Its location on the facade also often requires thoughtful decisions regarding design details.
Therefore, it is best to make a decision when choosing a house design (or designing one). It will also be very important to correctly design the span so that it does not negatively affect the energy efficiency of the entire house. The key here will be choosing the right windows. By learning about such factors and learning about the advantages and disadvantages of a bay window , you can most consciously approach changing the aesthetics of your home.
Types of houses with ecker
Typically, two-story buildings are decorated with such protruding structures, but a one-story house with a bay window also looks very unusual.
If the space for construction allows, then a house with two bay windows is built. With this planning option, they are located in opposite corners of one side.
Rules for choosing curtains
Ordinary curtains on bay windows look bad. Therefore, you should follow the recommendations when choosing them. The result is a beautiful window that adds a cozy feel to the room.
- Buy curtain models that will match the overall style of the interior.
- It is better to choose several curtains separated from each other for ledges with two or three window frames.
- Don't forget to take into account window parameters. The curtain must match the parameters of the frame in order to fit harmoniously into the room.
- If the bay window has a round shape, then the rational choice is a plain curtain mounted on a flexible cornice.
A bay window is like the main part of the interior, so it needs to be designed so that it emphasizes and completes the design.
A little history
The ancestors of this architectural element are considered to be the open areas of castles or fortress walls. The main task of such sites was to defend the interior of the structure and study the surrounding area to detect a potential enemy.
With the development of diplomacy and tolerance, the need for such events disappeared, and the sites began to be used as an architectural excess, charmingly changing the appearance of any, even the most austere, building.
The narrow loopholes gradually widened and acquired glass.
Bay windows of the Soviet period
In the Soviet Union, especially after the war, house designs with a bay window were loved not only because of the beauty and elegance of the buildings, but also because of their performance qualities. Such houses had a slightly larger living area and allowed them to waste less electricity.
Khrushchev and Brezhnevka buildings, which were erected at a very rapid pace, lost this design element.
But nowadays, when new residents prefer beautiful buildings rather than dull and boring houses, the bay window has again become a frequently used element.
In addition, it very often decorates the facades of private houses, creating additional aesthetics.
Stylish modern facade
The prototype of the bay window can be called watchtowers that were built in medieval castles, vaguely reminiscent of it. Niches open on three sides made it possible to notice the approaching enemy from afar. Over time, they lost their combat significance and became a decorative element. In Gothic architecture it was called a “lantern”; in Russian architecture hexagonal “drums” were common.
In modern cottage designs with one or two bay windows in front, columns, they are assigned not only a decorative, but also a functional role. They improve the insolation of the building, especially on the north side, where the sun enters the side windows from the east in the morning and from the west in the evening. They are often built several floors high - this technique is used in buildings with second light.
Types of bay windows
A house made of timber with a bay window or a brick building can have a wide variety of types of such projections. By shape they are divided into rectangular, multifaceted, round, and by location - into façade or corner.
A bay window can decorate any side of the house and be represented by single or paired elements.
Advantages of bay windows
In addition to its attractive appearance, this design allows you to use natural light longer, reducing energy costs.
A nice ledge adds elegance to the room, improves ventilation, and opens up a panoramic view of the outside world.
The interior space becomes larger, the unusual structure allows you to create the most amazing interior.
Options for reducing construction costs
A house with a bay window and an attic will slightly reduce the cost. A corner-type bay window design will not reduce the area, but will also make it possible to make the construction of a mansion more economical. In both cases, the roof of the bay window can become a continuation of the roof of the main building.
A good option would be to erect a bay window over the garage or decorate the roof of the ledge with a balcony.
How to decorate a bay window in different interior styles
For each style, there are separate recommendations for the design of window frames with projections:
- Provence. French type curtains with a floral print, openwork edges, and fringe are well suited for this direction. Lacy tulle and beautifully hemmed floor-length curtains with lambrequins will add volume and chic to the window.
- Modern. The most popular direction in which you can find bay windows. Laconic and strict curtains are suitable for such options. They try to use monochromatic models without additional decoration, accessories, and lack of ornament.
- Classical. Curtains for bay windows with large folds are purchased in this direction. Combine with openwork tulle. Such models are preferable in pastel colors. They are not limited to lifts, waves, interesting decorations, and the creation of multiple bunches.
In the three listed directions, bay windows are more common. Therefore, when designing, take into account the recommendations for each specific interior.
Glazing of bay windows
Usually, bay windows are used to decorate the southern wall of a building. It is this arrangement that allows you to make the most of all the advantages of this design.
For southern areas, glazing occupies the entire wall. In the northern regions, such beauty will cost too much in terms of heating the room. In these cases, a central window is usually installed, while the side walls are made blank. Sometimes every wall is glazed.
The height of the glass can be adjusted as desired. This can be a floor-to-ceiling panoramic window or regular-sized glass.
Interior design of bay window
The interior decoration of a room with a protruding wall depends on the purpose of the room.
Here you can equip a stylish living room, a romantic bedroom, a cozy dining room, a practical kitchen or an unusual children's room.
Installation locations in the apartment
The non-standard shape allows you to create an unusual room layout. The choice of style is influenced by factors depending on the architecture of the building.
Options for using additional space.
- Living room . A relaxation area with a fireplace, sofa furniture, and a coffee table directs the eye to the landscape outside the window. It is designed to accommodate all family members and receive guests.
- Bedroom . A space designed for privacy and reading books. Additional sofas, poufs, and comfortable armchairs will provide comfort and coziness.
- Dinner Zone . A bay window will solve the problem of small kitchen footage. A large window will provide a lot of light and visually expand the space. It would be more correct to install a round or oval table, a bench with a soft seat.
- Study . Organizing this option with a library will allow you to work at home. A wide window sill will bring practical benefits. Shelves for documents and office equipment are installed under it.
The bay window can be used as a small gym, or as a children's corner. The winter garden will look great.
Kitchen or dining room
In the bay window you can make room for a cozy dining room if the project does not provide for a separate room.
The work surface of the kitchen itself will also look good in this corner. With this option, the housewife will be able to observe the life of the yard without being distracted from cooking.
How to properly design bay windows?
The decor of window structures allows you to implement design solutions that use decorative, bendable cornices. The bay window glass can be equipped with mosaic fragments. The placement of the mirror will visually expand the space of the room.
When choosing profile systems, it is recommended to be guided by the style of the interior.
It is preferable to install wooden structures in a classically decorated room; aluminum systems emphasize hi-tech. Correct design of a bay window requires taking into account the location of the structure.
If the bay window is located on the sunny side, then you can use different colors in the decoration. The location in the shaded part of the building requires a design in light colors.
When planning the design of a bay window, you need to decide what tasks will be implemented. The bay window can act as a continuation of the room, then the design should be matched to the tone of the main room.
If you plan to focus attention on the protrusion of the façade, it is recommended to use bright colors.
In this case, the bay window should not look contrasting; you need to think through the details that will unite the element with the room. Such details can be fabrics of the same texture, sofa cushions.
For greater decorativeness, you can use cornice lighting. The design is emphasized by a white LED strip located along the ceiling mechanism for fastening the fabric, which illuminates the ceiling pattern and flowing curtains from above.
Bay window finishing
Curtains become the main design element. For rectangular bay windows, a common cornice is used; for polygons, a curtain will have to be attached to each wall, and a round design will require ordering a special cornice.
Curtain panels are selected in accordance with the design of the room and the selected finishing colors.
For the kitchen, light or bright curtains would be the ideal option; for the living room, thick fabric is chosen; the bedroom is decorated with curtains of pastel colors; in the children's room, blinds or simple curtains without elaborate folds and complex decor would be appropriate.
The spaciousness of the glazed space is perfectly emphasized by columns and arches and mirror surfaces.
A bay window can become a memorable and original addition to a private home, allowing you to increase the space without large financial investments. This is an excellent opportunity to create a unique interior interior and give the building noble elegance.
And this is perfectly proven by the photo of the house with a bay window.
What functions does it perform?
The bay window performs various functions both inside and outside the house.
In the latter case, the bay window is a truly unusual and original decoration and type of facade. This allows the home to stand out and add true elegance.
Breaking the straight lines of the body by adding a bay window will change the proportions of the house, and the facade will appear more open, warm and inviting to visit.
In addition to its decorative function, a bay window also performs important and useful service functions. In interiors, the main functions of a bay window are to let plenty of sunlight into the room while at the same time providing an additional and expansive view of the surrounding area.
The effect will be better the lighter the design of the supporting columns between the windows and the lower the window sills are placed.
Sometimes bay windows reach the floor, but it is more convenient when they protrude 50 cm above the floor. You can then install a heater or seat underneath them, and above them they will provide a panoramic view (like a garden).
Photos of houses with a bay window
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Category: Construction
