The sizes of bay windows can vary greatly depending on the design, style, and requirements of the home. While there are no rigid standards, you can get a sense below for what is an average, large, or small bay window.
Typical Ranges for Bay Window Sizes
Bay windows open up your space, add architectural detail, and capture more light and beauty than your standard window ever could. However, that all comes with a price — bay windows are one of the most expensive window types available. And as you may expect, the bigger the bay window, the more it costs.
To get started, let’s take a look at what the typical size range is.
- Bay window widths: 3’6” to 10’6”
- Bay window heights: 3’ min to 6’6”
So What Size Do I Need?
If this is a replacement window, simply measure your existing window to see what size you’ll need. If you are installing a brand new bay window, then you’ll need to consider where the window is going.
Smaller bay windows typically function as breakfast nooks, bedroom reading corners, or in small living rooms.
Larger bay windows can be found in large dining rooms, living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms.
Average Bay Window Size
Whether you’re simply curious what the average size range is or you’re trying to eyeball your own bay window measurements, here is the range most homeowners typically find their bay window falls in.
- Width: Typically around 3 to 6 feet.
- Height: Usually from 3 to 6 feet.
- Depth: (from the wall out to the window) Often from 18 to 24 inches.
Large Bay Window
If you want to know just how big these windows can get, the answer is “very big.” However, your home’s structure may require additional support or remodeling in order to accommodate one. Here is the range you will typically find the largest bay windows in.
- Width: Up to 10 to 13 feet, or even more in some custom cases.
- Height: Possibly as high as 6 to 8 feet or more.
- Depth: Can be more than 24 inches, depending on the design and engineering of the home.
The largest size that can be installed will also depend on local building codes. An architect or contractor will need to evaluate the specific situation to determine the maximum possible size for a particular home.
Small Bay Windows
If you’re short on space or have a smaller budget, you can likely still install a small bay window to add an extra nook to your home and benefit from all the light and views bay windows provide. Here’s what the smallest bay windows typically measure:
- Width: Around 3 feet or even smaller in some custom cases.
- Height: As small as 3 feet or even less.
- Depth: Could be as small as 12 inches or so.
Even the smallest bay windows should be designed to suit the style of the home and meet local building codes.
Do I Need to Custom-Order My Window?
The larger and more custom-shaped your bay window gets, the more likely it is you will need to order it custom instead.
Other scenarios where you may find yourself needing to custom order a bay window include:
- You want your window to come with specific features like built-in seating or storage.
- You need your bay window to open in a special or unusual way.
- You live in a historic home or Victorian home and need a window that matches the time period your home was built in.
- You live in an area with stricter local building codes.
What Should My Next Steps Be?
If you don’t have any either questions about standard window sizes, then you can move on to exploring bay window costs or requesting quotes. Our window contractor directory can help you compare contractors in your area.
Modernize can also do the research for you. We can match you with up to four window professionals in your area to help you find the right contractor at the right price.
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