Chicago Bay Windows

Popular Local Trends & Styles

• Bay Windows for Bungalows

  Single-family bungalows are among the most common types of homes in the Chicago area. In a city of bungalows, all built with high-quality materials and craftsmanship but varying in sizes, colors, and levels, it can be difficult to stand out from the rest of the neighborhood. Bay windows can add a touch of exterior interest to what otherwise might be a plain or simple home.

• Historic Window Replacement Take a stroll through Chicago and you won’t have to go far to find neighborhoods like Oak Park and River Forest where older architecture is predominant. But as buildings age, the quality of their windows can fade and the functionality may fail, detracting from the aesthetic appeal. You’ll want to upgrade these windows without compromising the style that attracted you to the home in the first place. Replacement windows can also help make your home more energy-efficient.
• Kitchen Bay Windows

  Living rooms at the front of the house are no strangers to bay windows, offering a wide look out into the street. But that doesn’t have to be where your bay window lives. If you have the wall space and are looking to open up your kitchen, a bay window can let in more light and breathe new life into your kitchen. It can be as simple as a small bay window above the kitchen sink, inviting a glimpse of the outdoors as you prepare your meals each day.

• Fiberglass Windows

  Bay windows can provide a beautiful complement to your home, but the abundance of natural light and sense of increased space won’t mean much without long-lasting performance. Pella® Impervia® fiberglass composite windows offer exactly that, providing superior durability that can withstand high heat and subzero cold. Help improve the energy-efficiency of your home with a low-maintenance set of windows that will look like new for years to come.

Product Lines

• Pella® Lifestyle Series
• Architect Series® - Traditional
• Pella 250 Series
• Pella® Reserve™ - Traditional
• Pella® Impervia®

Recommended Customizations¹

Replacing the bay window in your home presents an opportunity to add a personal touch to your living space. Consider customizing your bay window with grilles, hardware, or between-the-glass blinds or shades that are suited to your style and complement the style of your home. Operable windows flanking the large center pane of glass can also help capture the cool breezes that have earned Chicago the appropriate moniker of “The Windy City.” Find more customizations here.

¹Not all customizations are available in all Pella product lines.

Chicago Climate Recommendations

Residents of “The Windy City” live in a moderate climate with four distinct seasons — from cool, wet springs to mild, pleasant falls. The city’s close proximity to Lake Michigan tends to moderate temperatures in both the winter and summer, providing relief from the summer heat and limiting precipitation during the summer months. Conversely, the lake effect enhances winter precipitation, adding an extra layer of snow to go along with the often frigid temperatures.

Pella Impervia windows feature a durable powder-coat finish for the stylish look of painted wood. Pella’s wood windows provide effective insulation to help keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. 

Why Choose Pella?

Find a Pella Showroom

Frequently Asked Questions

•   What is the difference between a bay window and a bow window?

  • Both bay and bow windows use a combination of windows to protrude from the exterior of a home. Bay windows consist of a set of three angled window panels — one large, fixed window and two flanking windows on the sides. In contrast, bow windows are made of four or more windows that create a curved shape. Learn more about the differences in size, style, light, ventilation and cost.

•   I need new windows. Where do I start?

  • Buying new windows is not something you do every day. Read our comprehensive guide to the window replacement process to get started on your project.

•   What factory-prefinished stain and paint colors are available on Pella products?

  • Wood Windows and Patio Doors – Wood interiors offer more design flexibility — windows and patio doors can be stained or painted to match your decor.  Explore the interior and exterior finish options available for Pella's wood products.

    As part of Pella Corporation’s commitment to environmentally-friendly practices, we use Water-Based Green Chemistry. Our factory-applied stain is water-based, which significantly decreases the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted into the air.

    Fiberglass Windows and Patio Doors – Available in colors offering the quality look of painted wood — including a dual-color option. Explore the interior and exterior finish options available for Pella's fiberglass products.

    Vinyl Windows and Patio Doors – Pella's unique vinyl formula is performance-tested for excellent weathering, durability, and color retention. Solid- and Dual-Color frames are available. Explore the interior and exterior finish options available for Pella's vinyl products.

    Fiberglass and Steel Entry Doors – You'll save time and finishing costs when your entry door arrives prefinished in your choice of paint or stain color that will look beautiful for years. Explore interior and exterior finish options for Pella's fiberglass and steel entry doors.

•   Where can I find current installation instructions for my Pella windows, doors and installation accessories?

  • When installing Pella windows and doors, the instructions need to address each individual wall and/or construction type. Pella's Product Installation Guides and animated installation videos provide specific instructions for multiple installation scenarios. Printed instructions are no longer provided with most Pella products due to the numerous variations in construction types.

    Not able to find the installation instructions you need?  Contact Pella Customer Service at (877) 473-5527 so they can provide the installation instructions you're looking for.

•   How do I apply paint or stain to my Pella wood windows and patio doors?

  • Learn how to paint your wood interior finish, prepare products for finishing, finish removable grilles, select the right paint or stain and more in the Pella Help Library.

•   How can I decorate or design around my bay window?

  • Bay windows are often a main focal point of your room. And their structure can present unique design challenges. These decorating, dressing and furniture placement ideas can help you design around your bay windows.

•   Which window style best fits my home?

  • The architecture of your home can impact your window choice. Find the right windows to fit the architecture of homes in the Colonial, Cape Cod, Craftsman, Bungalow, Victorian, Contemporary, Spanish or Mediterranean style.

•   What general maintenance is required for my Pella windows and patio doors?

  • Pella recommends you inspect your windows and patio doors at least annually as part of a home checkup. Maintenance can prolong the life of your Pella windows and doors and will help ensure maximum warranty coverage.
    
    As needed, clean, repaint or restain your windows and patio doors, and recaulk around them to help maintain optimal performance. Also, be sure to regularly check for leaks and improper drainage above or around vents and sprinkler systems that may subject your windows and patio doors to prolonged water exposure.
    
    Review the Maintenance section of the Pella Window and Patio Door Owner's Manual for additional details about how to properly maintain the interior and exterior of your Pella windows and patio doors.