Bay window

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A bay window is a window space projecting outward from the main walls of a building and forming a bay in a room. A bow window is a form of bay with a curve rather than angular facets; an oriel window is a bay window that does not touch the ground.

A window may be all three: projecting outward from the main fascia of a wall, curved in shape, and not reaching the ground. A bay window may be supported from the ground by a foundation, or in space by corbels, brackets, or cantilever.

A typical bay window consists of a central windowpane, called a fixed sash, flanked by two or more smaller windows, known as casement or double-hung windows. The arrangement creates a panoramic view of the outside, allows more natural light to enter the room, and provides additional space within the room. Bay windows are often designed to extend beyond the exterior wall, either adding to floor space, often filled with a table, desk, or seating area, or turned into a window seat (often with storage or a grated radiator below). They are found both in residential buildings, particularly in living rooms, studies, dining areas, or bedrooms, and in commercial and public structures.