Bay and Bow Windows South London and Surrey
If you’re looking for bay and bow windows in South London and Surrey, Glitz Windows designs and installs made-to-measure units that combine character, space and energy efficiency. From Victorian terraces in Wandsworth to semi-detached homes in Sutton, and from period properties in Kingston to new builds around Guildford, we help homeowners choose the right style, material and specification for their property.
This page explains what bay and bow windows are, how they differ, the benefits, typical costs and what to expect from installation across South London and Surrey.
Bay and Bow Windows in South London and Surrey
Bay and bow windows are multi-panel window structures that project outward from the face of a building, rather than sitting flush within the wall. Instead of one flat pane, you get three or more panels working together — pulling in light from multiple angles, adding genuine floor space, and giving the front of a house real architectural presence.
They’re often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same window and which one suits your property often comes down to when it was built.
Bay Windows Explained
A bay window usually features three panels: a large central pane with two angled side windows (often casements). The side panels are typically set at 30° or 45° angles, creating a classic angular projection.
Common bay window styles seen across South London and Surrey homes include:
- Canted bay – angled sides with a flat front; very common on Victorian and Edwardian terraces and semis
- Box bay – square projection with right-angled sides
- Victorian bay – multi-faceted front for a more ornate appearance
Bay windows are ideal if you want a strong architectural feature, a window seat or noticeable extra floor space in a living or dining room.
Bow Windows Explained
A bow window is made up of four or more equal-sized panes joined to form a gentle curve. Instead of sharp angles, bow windows create a smooth, rounded projection that blends more softly into the façade.
Typical characteristics:
- 4–6 panels (sometimes more on larger properties)
- Curved frame and head for a continuous arc
- Often used on period homes and higher-spec new builds in areas like Richmond, Wimbledon and Guildford
Bow windows suit properties where you prefer an elegant, flowing look and wider, panoramic views without the pronounced angles of a traditional bay.
Bay Windows vs. Bow Windows: What's the Difference?
Both window types project from the wall and deliver similar benefits, but key differences affect aesthetics, cost and structural requirements.
Feature | Bay Windows | Bow Windows |
Shape | Angular (canted or square) | Curved, rounded arc |
Typical panels | Usually 3 | Usually 4–6 |
Projection | More pronounced, boxier look | Gentler, softer curve |
Internal space | Great for window seats and furniture | Creates a curved nook, often used for seating or plants |
Typical cost (South London & Surrey, installed) | Around £1,500–£3,500 for uPVC; higher for aluminium/timber | Around £2,000–£4,500 for uPVC; higher for premium materials |
Best for | Traditional homes, strong street presence | Period and character homes, elegant curved façade |
In short: choose a bay window for a classic, structured look and slightly lower cost; choose a bow window for a smoother, more refined curve and wider views.
Benefits of Bay and Bow Windows
More Natural Light
South London terraces in particular are often narrow-fronted with limited light at the front of the house. A bay or bow window pulls in daylight from multiple directions instead of just one, making a real difference in rooms that otherwise face north or sit close to neighbouring properties.
Extra Interior Space
That outward projection isn’t just visual — it’s usable. A window seat, extra shelving, or simply more breathing room around a sofa, without any building work or extension required.
Enhanced Curb Appeal
On a street of similar-fronted houses, a well-fitted bay or bow window is one of the few features that genuinely sets a property apart — something local estate agents across South London and Surrey consistently point to when valuing a home.
Better Ventilation and Views
With opening sections angled in different directions, you get airflow a single flat window can’t match — along with a wider outlook onto your street or garden.
Bay and Bow Windows Material
uPVC Bay and Bow Windows
The most popular choice across both South London and Surrey — low maintenance, thermally efficient, and available in woodgrain foils that suit period properties without the upkeep of real timber. For terraced homes especially, uPVC offers the best balance of cost, performance, and authentic look.
Aluminium Bay and Bow Windows
Slimmer frames, larger glass areas, and a sleeker, more contemporary finish — a strong option for the larger, more modern properties common across parts of Surrey, or for homeowners wanting a more architectural statement.
How to Choose the Right Bay or Bow Window for Your Home
- Check if you’re in a conservation area. Large parts of South London (and several Surrey towns) have conservation area status, which can affect what’s permitted for front-facing windows on period properties. It’s always worth checking with your local council before committing to a style — we can advise on this during your survey.
- Match the window to the property era. Bay windows generally suit period terraces; bow windows suit wider, more modern frontages.
- Think about the room. Living rooms and bedrooms benefit most from the extra light and space.
- Consider projection and structural support. Larger projections may need a supporting bracket or sub-cill — something we assess on-site, not over the phone.
- Decide on glazing. Double glazing is standard; triple glazing is worth considering on busier roads (common across parts of South London) for extra noise reduction.
What Our Customers Says About Us
Residential and Commercial Bay and Bow Windows
We install bay and bow windows for homeowners across South London and Surrey — from single-window replacements to full-property upgrades — as well as for landlords, letting agents, and commercial premises looking to improve a building’s frontage. Same standard of survey, same materials, same guarantee, whatever the scale of the job.
Bay and Bow Windows FAQs
Are bow windows more expensive than bay windows?
Generally, yes. Bow windows use more panels and more glass than a standard three-panel bay window, which increases both material and installation cost. The exact difference depends on the size of your opening and the spec you choose, so it’s best compared with a proper like-for-like quote.
Do bay windows add home value?
In South London and Surrey specifically, yes — bay windows are considered a desirable, in-keeping feature on the period properties that dominate much of the region, and estate agents regularly cite them as a value-adding feature, particularly when replaced well and in a style sympathetic to the property’s age.
How long does installation take?
Most single bay or bow window installations take one to two days, depending on size and whether any structural work is needed. We’ll confirm a realistic timeframe as part of your survey, not a generic estimate.
What Do We Offer
Double glazing
GLITZ Windows & Conservatories Ltd provides premium double glazing solutions in Croydon, delivering superior insulation, enhanced security, and long-term value for homeowners and businesses.
Upvc Windows
At GLITZ Windows & Conservatories Ltd, we offer high-performance windows in Croydon that enhance your property’s energy efficiency, security, and aesthetic appeal.
Composite Front Doors
At Glitz Windows, we supply and install composite front doors in Sutton that provide the utmost in strength, style, and energy efficiency. At Glitz Windows, we provide doors designed to withstand
Windows and Doors
If you’re searching for high-quality windows and doors in Sutton, Glitz Windows is here to deliver. We specialise in supplying and fitting uPVC windows, double glazing,
DOORS
At GLITZ Windows & Conservatories Ltd, we supply and install high-quality doors in Croydon that combine strength, insulation, and visual appeal. Whether you’re replacing your front door,
Porches
Enhance your home’s entrance with a custom-built porch from GLITZ Windows & Conservatories Ltd, Croydon’s trusted specialists in porch design and installation.
Bifold Doors
Transform your home or business with sleek, modern bifold doors from GLITZ Windows & Conservatories Ltd, your trusted specialists in Croydon. Our high-quality bifold door
Roof Lantern & Rooflight
At GLITZ Windows & Conservatories Ltd, we design and install stunning roof lanterns and rooflights in Croydon, bringing natural light and architectural elegance to your home
Conservatories
Add light, space, and value to your home with a beautifully crafted conservatory from GLITZ Windows & Conservatories Ltd, Croydon’s trusted specialists in bespoke home extensions.
Make Appointment
Get a free quote with no obligation - Contact us now
Have a unique idea or specific requirements? Our team specialises in tailored window and door solutions to suit your vision—built to exact specifications and installed with precision.
- 53 Chipstead Valley Rd, Coulsdon CR5 2RB
- info@glitzwindows.co.uk
- 020 3370 7955
- Mon-Fri 08:00 - 17:00
Make Appointment
Get a free quote with no obligation - Contact us now
Have a unique idea or specific requirements? Our team specialises in tailored window and door solutions to suit your vision—built to exact specifications and installed with precision.
- 53 Chipstead Valley Rd, Coulsdon CR5 2RB
- info@glitzwindows.co.uk
- 020 3370 7955
- Mon-Fri 08:00 - 17:00
Our Process
Four Steps to Order Window for Your Home
