Northern California Bay Windows

Popular Local Trends & Styles

• Window Seats and Benches

  Because a bay window protrudes out, it opens up additional space inside your home. You can take advantage of the extra square footage to add more seating to your room. Bay window seats and benches are popular options for making a comfy nook or opening up more room for entertaining. Many people go the built-in route and create a window bench with storage for another spot to organize clutter. Large windows open up even more space, so you may have room to add a dining room table, couch, sofa, desk, or other furniture to your bay window nook.

• Bay Windows With Curtains With three windows angled together, it can be hard choosing the right treatments for bay windows. Curtains are the preferred choice in Northern California. Bay window curtains provide privacy and coverage but are light enough to bring in some sunlight. You can get traditional Victorian curtains to complement the architecture or opt for something contemporary for a more modern bay window treatment.
• Kitchen Bay Windows

  Bay windows maximize the light in narrow spaces — a necessity in many of San Francisco’s Victorian, Sticks, and Eastlake houses where your neighbors are within arm’s reach. Kitchens in these century homes are typically in the back, away from the big, beautiful bay windows. But adding a small bay window in your kitchen can make it feel bigger and brighter. If you have the space, large bay windows allow you to create a breakfast nook with a bench or expand your dining area to make more room for a table and chairs.

• Victorian Style

  The postcard-worthy rowhomes in San Francisco are the most famous examples of Painted Ladies — Edwardian and Victorian houses painted in three or more colors to enhance their ornate architectural details. Nearly 50,000 of them were built in the Bay Area but they’re not exclusive to Alamo Square. Sacramento has its share of Painted Ladies, too. Wooden windows offer the most prefinished color options. Select a bold color or white to pop against your home’s historic color palette and provide contrast.

Product Lines

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

Recommended Customizations¹

The standard bay window combination includes one large picture window flanked by two smaller windows. Most homeowners choose to make the flanking windows operational to bring fresh air into the home, often using single-hung, double-hung, or casement windows. Brass or rustic hardware, grilles, and colorful trim fit the Victorian styles found in San Francisco, Sacramento, and other Northern California cities. Find more customizations here.

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

Northern California Climate Recommendations

From the San Francisco Bay to the Sierra Nevada mountains and the valleys in between, Northern California has a broad range of climates. Low-E insulating glass helps protect against the California sun. Materials and finishes that can hold up to the area’s diverse climate help preserve the look and performance of your bay windows.

Why Choose Pella?

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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.