If you’re the proud owner of a Victorian or Edwardian property, you’ll know that the right windows can make all the difference to your home’s character and charm. And let’s be honest – wooden bay windows are practically synonymous with period properties. These architectural features are a beautiful and fundamental part of what makes traditional homes so appealing.
Whether you’re looking to restore original timber bay windows or install new ones that match your property’s heritage, this blog will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover design styles, material options and glazing choices, to help you make an informed decision. After more than a decade of crafting bespoke timber windows, the team at Windows & Doors UK understand the nuances of period properties and we’re here to share our expertise with you.
Bay windows have been a cornerstone of British architecture for centuries. They weren’t just added for aesthetics; historically, they served practical purposes too, maximising natural light and creating additional interior space. Today, preserving or restoring wooden bay windows is essential if you want to maintain your property’s period integrity and value.
The beauty of period bay windows lies in their craftsmanship. Each timber window tells a story of skilled joinery and attention to detail. When you invest in quality wooden bay windows, you’re not simply buying a window, you’re preserving a piece of architectural heritage.
Period properties with original or sympathetically restored heritage bay windows consistently command higher property values. According to estate agents and conservation specialists, homes featuring authentic timber windows often sell faster and for more money than those with modern replacements. Beyond the financial aspect, there’s something irreplaceable about the aesthetic appeal of traditional wooden bay windows.
Not all bay window designs are created equal. Let’s explore the main styles you’ll encounter, particularly in Victorian and Edwardian properties.
Splay bay windows are perhaps the most common type found in Victorian terraced houses across the UK. These windows angle outward from the building line, creating a distinctive shape that’s both elegant and practical.
The beauty of splay bays lies in their geometry. The angled sides catch more light and create interesting interior perspectives. When we craft splay bay windows at Windows & Doors UK, we pay meticulous attention to the angle, typically between 30 and 45 degrees, to ensure perfect alignment with your property’s original specifications.
Splay bays work particularly well with sash windows, creating that quintessential Victorian appearance that homeowners adore.
Box bay windows feature straight sides that extend perpendicular from the building line, creating a rectangular projection. You’ll commonly find these on Edwardian properties and more formal Victorian homes.
Box bays offer several advantages:
These timber bay windows integrate seamlessly with both casement and sash window styles, giving you flexibility in your restoration or replacement project.
For something more dramatic, curved bay windows create a sweeping, elegant profile. These are less common than splay or box bays but incredibly striking when done well.
Circular bay windows require exceptional craftsmanship; each timber frame must be custom-made to achieve smooth, flowing curves. At Windows & Doors UK, we’ve spent over a decade perfecting the techniques needed to create flawless curved bays. The timber selection, joinery methods, and glazing installation all demand precision.
When specifying your wooden bay windows, one of the most important decisions concerns the opening mechanism. Both sash and casement options have merit for period properties.
Sash windows remain the gold standard for Victorian properties. These vertically sliding windows feature counterweights that allow smooth operation. They’re iconic, efficient, and unmistakably period appropriate.
Advantages of traditional sash windows in bay configurations:
Modern sash bay windows can incorporate contemporary draught-sealing and insulation improvements without compromising their traditional appearance. We use sustainably sourced timber and advanced joinery techniques to ensure your sash bay windows operate smoothly for decades.
Casement windows, where panes open outward on hinges became more common during the Edwardian period and are perfectly appropriate for many period properties. These timber casement windows offer certain practical advantages.
Benefits of casement bay windows:
The choice between sash and casement often depends on your property’s era. Victorian terraces typically look best with sash windows, while Edwardian and early 20th-century homes often suit casement styles.
At Windows & Doors UK, we’re passionate about sustainability. Every piece of timber we use in our wooden bay windows comes from responsibly managed forests, certified by internationally recognised bodies like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
Not all timber is equal. The quality of the wood directly impacts:
Our sustainably sourced timber comes from carefully selected sources, chosen for their grain structure, stability, and environmental credentials. We work exclusively with suppliers who share our commitment to responsible forestry.
Different timber species offer distinct characteristics:
Softwoods
Hardwoods
At Windows & Doors UK, we typically recommend softwoods for properties where authentic period appearance is paramount (they’re often what was originally used), but we also offer premium hardwood options for homeowners prioritising longevity and minimal maintenance.
Modern wooden bay windows can incorporate contemporary glazing technology while maintaining period aesthetics. This balance between heritage authenticity and modern performance is essential.
Installing double glazing in traditional properties requires careful consideration. The key is maintaining the original appearance, slender glazing bars, authentic proportions, and period-correct aesthetics, while achieving modern thermal performance.
Our approach to double-glazed bay windows involves:
The result? Your period bay windows look authentically traditional while performing like modern windows.
As you can see, wooden bay windows are an important part of many UK period properties. If you’d like to find out more about how the team at Windows & Doors UK can help you with your period property upgrade project, get in touch today. You can call us on 0333 335 5416 or contact us online.
