Bay windows are among the most charming architectural features in East Tennessee. They project outward from the home, catching the sunlight and offering panoramic views of the rolling hills or your own garden. Whether you live in a grand Victorian in downtown Knoxville or a midcentury ranch in the suburbs, a bay window presents an opportunity. With the right design, it can be a focal point that reflects your style, provides practical benefits and improves your home’s value.
One of the most popular ways to use the extra square footage a bay window provides is by creating a dedicated nook. Transform the window from a background feature into a stunning focal point and a practical extension of your living area. Here are three ways to customize your bay window for your Knoxville home:
Imagine arranging a favorite armchair or loveseat near your bay window to create a sunlit spot perfect for reading or relaxing with a cup of tea. Adding pillows or a small side table alongside can help create a welcoming, comfortable corner that takes full advantage of the beautiful natural light and views your bay window provides. The natural light reduces eye strain and makes for a cheerful, inviting atmosphere that will draw family members of all ages.
Why not start your day with a view? If your bay window is in the kitchen or dining area, it is the perfect location for a morning bistro setup. A small round table flanked by two chairs creates an intimate setting for coffee and conversation. This setup takes advantage of the morning light, energizing your start to the day. The bay window can serve as a natural extension of the room, creating a bright and airy dining spot. Matching the table and seating to your window trim pulls the look together.
The deep sill of a bay window offers a prime stage for decor. It’s an ideal spot for an indoor herb garden, a collection of vintage glass bottles, family photos or seasonal decorations. Choose items that reflect your personal style, bringing life and color into the room.
Owners of older homes often struggle with a lack of storage space. A custom bay window offers creative solutions to this common problem. By using the area beneath the window seat or shelf, you can integrate storage that is easily accessible and invisible.
Transform the base of your bay window into concealed storage with built-in drawers or cabinets. This is the perfect place to hide away extra blankets, board games or children’s toys, keeping your living space tidy and organized. Sleek doors and hardware can blend seamlessly with your existing millwork for a cohesive look.
If you prefer a lighter, airier look, open shelving creates a beautiful frame for the window while providing storage. These shelves are a great place to store colorful cookbooks, pottery, baskets of toys or decorative items. Using baskets or decorative boxes can keep items organized and attractive.
Older homes in Knoxville often have radiators placed under windows to maximize heat distribution. While effective, they aren’t always the most attractive feature. A custom ventilated cabinet can safely conceal the radiator while allowing heat to escape through decorative grilles, transforming a utilitarian item into an elegant feature that complements your architecture.
The long-term beauty and performance of your bay window depend heavily on the materials you choose. Modern advancements in window technology mean you no longer have to choose between the classic look of wood and the durability of vinyl. Selecting the right materials is crucial for achieving both longevity and energy efficiency.
Fibrex® is a composite material that offers the strength and stability of wood and the low-maintenance qualities of vinyl. It won’t rot, warp or corrode, and it never needs scraping or painting. It also resists bowing and cracking under extreme temperature swings. This strength allows for narrower frames, which means more glass and a better view. Plus, its superior insulating properties help keep your home comfortable while reducing energy costs.
High-Performance™ Low-E4® glass is engineered to provide superior insulation. In the summer, it helps block the sun’s heat, and in the winter, it helps keep heat inside your home. Installing bay windows with this type of glass makes your home more comfortable and contributes to significant energy savings over time. To further increase your home’s energy efficiency, consider bay windows with an inert argon gas blend between the panes and low-emissivity glazing.
Choose a bay window with large, picture-window center panels, minimalist frames and slim grilles to flood an open floor plan with light and modernize the curb appeal. Bay windows can be easily mixed and matched with any architectural design through custom frames, trim or a combination of window styles. The two most common choices are casement and double-hung windows. Casement windows are hinged on the side and crank open, providing maximum airflow and an unobstructed view. Double-hung windows have two vertically sliding sashes, offering versatile ventilation options.
Consider a casement sash if you have a taller, narrower bay. If you have a shorter bay window, consider a double-hung sash. Whether you select sliding windows, double-hung windows or casement windows, they all provide sufficient ventilation, increasing indoor air circulation and enhancing your home’s comfort. Adding decorative grille patterns can help blend the new window with the rest of the facade.
The locks, latches and cranks on your windows are the finishing touch that can tie the whole look together. Whether your home’s interior is classic, rustic or modern, there is a hardware style and finish to match. From the warm glow of classic brass to the sleek coolness of brushed nickel, the right hardware adds a final layer of customization. Choose from the antique look of oil-rubbed bronze or the modern shine of polished chrome to match your lighting fixtures and door handles.
Bay windows will dramatically change the exterior and interior appearance of your home at a fraction of the cost of major renovations. Renewal by Andersen® is the local source of custom windows. We’ll work with you to design your bay window, taking into consideration your style and your home’s architecture. When you choose us for your replacement windows, you won’t only have a brighter and more beautiful home, but also energy savings.
To learn more about our installation process, please call us today at (866) 609-5033 or schedule a consultation with the professional design consultants at Renewal by Andersen of Knoxville.
