Custom windows: the bay window

There are lots of great reasons to install custom windows, apart from how lovely they can look and by opening up a wall they can significantly increase the flow of light, bay windows create useable space and give the illusion of a bigger room.

Bay windows are commonly associated with Victorian buildings. They are windows that project outwards from the main walls of a building, forming a bay in a room. They are either square or polygonal in shape, with panels at angles of 90, 135 or 150 degrees.

Limitless options with custom windows

Danni Robertson of Canterbury Windows and Doors says there are few limits to the size and style of bay window you can choose for your home. "Bay windows are generally custom made to suit the dimensions of the space," she explains. "You can choose from either timber or aluminium frames, as well the type of glass you'd like and the number of panels. Awning windows are the most popular, but casement windows, which push out on a single arm winder or with a truth lock, also work well for many people."

Timber framing for bay windows

Danni says that timber is the most popular choice of frame for bay windows. "Although timber requires ongoing maintenance, it does tend to be more popular than the more expensive aluminium frames. You can paint or stain timber and change its colour over time, which you can't do with aluminium."

There are also different types of timber to suit different looks, lifestyles and budgets. There are hardwoods that are treated to resist insects and decay, while a popular softwood choice is treated pine, which can be finger-jointed for extra strength.

A timber with a beautiful natural grain that is perfect for staining or lacquering is cedar, but Danni warns that because it's a softwood it can be easily dented and needs more care. "Cedar probably isn't an ideal choice if you have kids.

If you do have children, or a bit of a rough-and-tumble lifestyle, but still want a natural-grain timber frame, eucalyptus is a great option. It's a hardwood with a good consistent colour, making it suitable for varnishing.

Endless glass designs for bay windows

Bay windows lend themselves to a wide variety of glasses, from clear or tinted to single- or double-glazed. You can also choose patterned glass or glass that includes a film, which can be tinted or clear, to help make it more resistant to heat and cold.

"There are some regulations on the type of glass you can use, depending on the room," says Danni. "For example, if the window is in a bathroom, Australian standards stipulate that you would have to use a toughened glass."

Generally, it takes about a month to have a custom-made bay window manufactured. Because there is such variation in what you can do with your window, costs vary enormously, so make sure you get a couple of quotes.

To find out the range of custom windows you can choose from, head to a window expert in your area today: