What Are Bay and Bow Windows?
Bay and bow windows project outward from your home’s exterior wall, creating a striking architectural feature that adds space, light, and character.
Bay windows consist of three panels — a large central fixed window flanked by two angled side windows, typically set at 30°, 45°, or 90°. The result is a bold, geometric projection that adds a defined interior ledge or window seat.
Bow windows use four to six panels arranged in a gentle, sweeping curve, creating a softer, rounded silhouette. They’re narrower in projection (typically 1–2 feet) but wider in overall span, offering a more panoramic view.
Both styles are available in custom sizes, angles, colours, and wood finishes at BestCan — and all units are ENERGY STAR® certified.
Bay Window vs. Bow Window: Which Is Right for Your Home?
| Feature | Bay Window | Bow Window |
| Panels | 3 | 4-6 |
| Shape | Angular/geometric | Soft curve |
| Projection depth | 3–4 feet | 1–2 feet |
| Interior space gained | More | Less |
| Best home styles | Modern, traditional, contemporary | Victorian, colonial, classic |
| Typical cost (Ottawa) | $1,500–$5,000+ installed | $2,000–$6,000+ installed |
| Standard angles | 30°, 45°, 90° | 10°, 15° |
Not sure which to choose? Our designers can visit your home and recommend the best option based on your architecture, wall structure, and budget.
Why Ottawa Homeowners Choose Bay & Bow Windows
Ottawa’s climate is demanding — winters routinely drop to –20°C or colder, and summers bring heat and humidity. The right window must perform in all four seasons.
More Natural Light Year-Round
Because bay and bow windows project outward and capture light from multiple angles, they bring significantly more daylight into your home — a major benefit during Ottawa’s long, dark winters.
Added Interior Space
The projection creates a real functional ledge inside your room — ideal as a reading nook, window seat, display shelf, or extra storage. Many Ottawa homeowners pair this with built-in seating or cabinetry for a custom look.
Improved Energy Efficiency
With ENERGY STAR® certified glass, triple weatherstripping, warm-edge spacers, and Low-E coatings, BestCan’s bay and bow windows are built to minimize heat loss through Ottawa’s coldest months. Properly insulated units can reduce drafts and lower your heating bills.
Enhanced Curb Appeal & Home Value
Bay and bow windows are among the most visually impactful exterior upgrades available. They add architectural depth and are consistently cited as features that attract buyers and increase resale value.
Ventilation & Comfort
Side casement or double-hung panels on bay windows can be opened to allow fresh air circulation throughout spring and summer, helping regulate indoor temperature naturally.
What Styles Work With Bay & Bow Windows in Ottawa?
Bay windows complement a wide range of home styles — from newer builds in Barrhaven and Kanata to older homes in the Glebe and Westboro. Their clean geometric lines suit modern and traditional aesthetics equally well.
Bow windows are a natural match for homes with Victorian or colonial architecture — common throughout Ottawa’s older neighbourhoods like Sandy Hill, New Edinburgh, and Rockcliffe Park. Their graceful curve echoes the ornate details these homes are known for.
Not sure what suits your home? BestCan’s designers will assess your exterior and recommend a style that blends seamlessly with your existing décor and architecture.
Customization Options
Every BestCan bay and bow window is made to order. Choose from:
- Angles: Bay windows in 30°, 45°, or 90° standard angles; bow windows in 10° or 15° — plus fully custom angles
- Glazing: Optional 1⅜″ triple glazing for maximum thermal performance
- Glass types: Low-E glass, frosted glass for privacy, or decorative glass
- Window configurations: Combine any KV window styles — casement, double-hung, fixed, or slider
- Seating & storage: Window seat options with optional built-in storage underneath
- Energy upgrades: Triple weatherstripping, warm-edge spacers, argon-filled sealed units
- Head & seat boards: Available in a variety of wood species and finishes
- Colours & finishes: Wide selection to match or complement your existing windows and trim
The BestCan Installation Process
Proper installation is as important as the window itself — especially in Ottawa’s freeze-thaw climate, where poor sealing leads to drafts, moisture damage, and mould.
Step 1 – Free In-Home Consultation Our team visits your home, assesses your wall structure, discusses your goals, and provides a no-obligation quote.
Step 2 – Custom Manufacturing Your window is built to your exact specifications — size, angle, glass type, colour, and finish.
Step 3 – Professional Installation Our certified installers ensure proper structural support, spray foam insulation beneath the seat, flashing at the roofline, and high-performance weatherstripping throughout.
Step 4 – Final Inspection & Cleanup We inspect every seal, joint, and finish before leaving your home — and we clean up completely.
How to Care for Your Bay & Bow Windows
Well-maintained bay and bow windows last 20–50 years, depending on the frame material. Follow these tips to protect your investment:
- Clean Twice a Year (Minimum) Use warm water with mild dish soap for regular cleaning. For hard water stains or stubborn grime, a diluted white vinegar solution works well. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch the glass or damage frame finishes.
- Inspect and Refresh Weatherstripping & Caulking Ottawa’s freeze-thaw cycles put pressure on seals over time. Check caulking and weatherstripping annually — particularly in spring — and replace any sections that are cracking, shrinking, or pulling away.
- Control Condensation Condensation on interior glass is a sign of excess humidity in your home. Run ceiling fans, use a bathroom exhaust fan consistently, and consider a whole-home dehumidifier if condensation is persistent. Left unchecked, moisture can warp frames and promote mould growth.
- Trim Nearby Trees and Shrubs. Branches that touch or overhang your windows can scratch the glass during wind and become a projectile hazard in storms. Annual trimming keeps them safely away.
- Lubricate Moving Parts If your bay window includes operable casement or double-hung panels, apply a silicone-based lubricant to hinges, cranks, and tracks annually to keep operation smooth.
Get Your Free Quote Today
Ready to add a bay or bow window to your Ottawa home? BestCan’s design team is here to help — from first consultation through final installation.
📞 613-226-7611 Or fill out the form above to request your free, no-obligation quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do bay and bow windows cost in Ottawa?
Do I need a building permit for a bay or bow window in Ottawa?
Are bay windows energy efficient in Ottawa's cold winters?
What is the difference between Low-E glass and regular glass?
Can I add a window seat to my bay window?
How long does installation take?
