Bath is a city of first glances. Honey-coloured stone, sweeping crescents and graceful townhouses set the tone. When homeowners ask us about aluminium bay and bow windows Bath, they usually want two things: to respect that heritage look and to enjoy modern comfort.
Bay and bow windows both project from the wall of your home, bringing in more natural light and creating extra space inside. The key difference is shape. A bay window has hard angles, usually three sections. A bow window is rounded, made from four or five matching sections (curved like a bow before firing an arrow). In Bath townhouses, either can work beautifully, depending on your layout, budget and style goals.
In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between the two in more detail, whilst looking at their benefits and deliberating which may be the best suited for your Bath home. We’ve been installing both styles in the area for decades, and have gained a good understanding of which particular colours and materials work, so we’ll be advising on those too!
What are bay windows?
Bay windows have been part of British homes for centuries. Traditionally, you would see them in Victorian and Edwardian properties, often with sash windows or flush casement windows.
Structurally, a bay window has:
- A large central picture window
- Two side windows set at angles
- A strong base that supports the projection from the wall of your home
Today, we fit modern bay windows using uPVC or aluminium frames, with double glazing or triple glazing for excellent insulation and lower energy bills.
What makes bay windows different
- Hard angled sections create a bold focal point
- Usually three sections
- Faster to install than bow windows
- Lower overall cost
Benefits of a bay window
- More natural light from three directions
- Additional interior space for seating or plants
- A great way to create a reading nook
- Clear panoramic view
- Strong structural integrity with modern supports
What are bow windows?
Bow windows feel softer and more flowing. They suit homes where you want a gentle curve rather than sharp lines. In Bath, they often look right at home on grander townhouses with wide façades.
A bow window:
- Uses the same style of window in each section
- Usually has four or five sections
- Forms a smooth, rounded shape
We often install aluminium bow windows for heritage homes in Bath, using colours like cream, white woodgrain or light oak so they look like they have always been there.
What makes bow windows different
- Rounded design with no hard angles
- More glass overall
- Slightly more complex to fit
Benefits of a bow window
- Wider panoramic view
- Softer visual appeal from the street
- Brighter rooms thanks to more glass
- A stylish look that suits classic and modern homes
Comparing bay and bow windows
| Feature | Bay window | Bow window |
| Shape | Angled | Curved |
| Sections | Usually 3 | Usually 4–5 |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Installation time | Shorter | Longer |
| Visual style | Bold and defined | Soft and flowing |
| Best for | Compact rooms | Wide frontages |
Choose bay windows if
- You want a great option on a tighter budget
- Your room is not very wide
- You like strong lines and a classic look
- You want extra space for seating or storage
- You prefer faster installation
Choose bow windows if
- You have a wide front wall
- You want a softer, rounded shape
- You love lots of glass and big views
- You want your windows to be the main focal point
- You like a more decorative style
What makes aluminium a great choice for bay and bow windows?
Aluminium is a modern window material known for strength and slim frames. It allows us to create larger panes of glass without bulky window frames, giving a clean, minimalist look that still suits period homes when coloured correctly.
Benefits of aluminium windows
- Slim aluminium frames let in more natural light
- Low maintenance requirements, just a damp cloth
- Strong enough for large bay and bow designs
- Excellent thermal efficiency using thermal break technology
- Advanced locking systems with multipoint locking
Thermal breaks are insulated barriers inside the frame. They slow heat loss, helping to keep warmth inside during winter and outside during summer. That means lower energy bills and a more peaceful indoor environment.
For Bath townhouses, popular colours include:
- Cream
- White woodgrain
- Light oak
- Off white
- Textured anthracite grey for contemporary homes
These are available in a wide range of RAL colours, including metallic and textured finishes.
FAQs
Are aluminium bay and bow windows energy efficient?
Yes. With double glazing or triple glazing and modern thermal breaks, aluminium bay windows and bow windows offer excellent insulation. According to the Energy Saving Trust, upgrading to high-rated double glazing can save up to around £140 a year on energy bills in England.
Do bay windows cost less than bow windows?
Bay windows are usually less expensive. They use fewer sections and take less time to fit, which reduces labour and material costs.
Are bay and bow windows suitable for harsh weather conditions?
Yes. Our aluminium frames and high-quality glass are designed to cope with wind, rain and cold, while keeping strong sound insulation properties.
Bay and Bow windows from DM Windows
We supply and install bay and bow windows in aluminium and uPVC, using Spectus and Smart Systems. Our aluminium bay and bow windows can achieve energy ratings of A++.
You can choose from:
- Double glazing or triple glazing
- Over 60 colours in our uPVC range
- Standard and non-standard aluminium colours
- Georgian bars for a classic look
- Flush casement or sash-style designs
All glass comes from trusted local supplier Cwmtillerty Glass Centre. Every installation is bespoke and built around the number of windows and style of your home.
Who are DM Windows?
We are DM Window Installations, based in Bristol at 11–16 Cater Road, BS13 7TW. We work across Bristol, Bath and surrounding areas, serving domestic and commercial clients.
We are:
- CERTASS certified installers
- SafeContractor Approved
- Proud sponsors of Bristol City FC
We install:
- uPVC windows and aluminium windows
- Bay and bow windows
- Casement windows, sliding sash windows, flush casement windows
- Aluminium doors, bifold doors, French doors, front and back doors
- Roof lanterns, conservatories, orangeries and shop fronts
And much more!
We source from leading local manufacturers and fit systems from Spectus and Smart Aluminium. That gives you peace of mind on quality of the windows, security features and long-term performance.
Ready to talk about aluminium bay and bow windows in Bath?
If you are choosing between a bay window or a bow window, we are here to help. Call us on 0117 313 6884 or email sales@dmwindowsbristol.com to book a free, friendly chat or home visit. We will help you find the right style for your Bath townhouse.
