Trying to pick between angled and curved windows for living room upgrade

Had the same debate. Went with bay windows - those angled ones.

“my house is old-ish, like 1970s ranch style”

I get what you’re saying about the bays fitting better with the ranch vibe - those sharp angles just make sense with 70s architecture. But I’ll admit, my main hang-up was insulation. Angled bays can be a bit draftier if you don’t go all-in on good seals and glass. I ended up splurging on triple-pane units and it made a noticeable difference in winter. Still, cleaning those corners... yeah, that’s a workout nobody warns you about.

Still, cleaning those corners... yeah, that’s a workout nobody warns you about.

Totally hear you on the cleaning struggle - those angled bays are dust magnets. I had a similar issue after swapping out my old single-panes for triple-pane in my split-level. The insulation was instantly better, but wow, getting into those tight corners with a rag is a pain. Have you tried one of those flexible microfiber wands? Not perfect, but it beats contorting myself every time. Curious if curved would be any easier to keep clean, or just a different kind of hassle...

Yeah, those microfiber wands help, but honestly, the corners on bay windows are always going to be a bit of a pain. The curved ones - bow windows - aren’t exactly maintenance-free either, though. The glass panels are smaller and there’s more framing in between, so you end up with more edges and seams to wipe down. It’s a different kind of hassle, but not necessarily less work.

From what I’ve seen, the big difference is how they look from outside. Bays stick out at sharper angles, which can look a little dated on some 70s ranches unless you really lean into that mid-century vibe. Bows have a softer profile, but sometimes they look out of place if the rest of the house is pretty angular.

Either way, you’re probably going to be cleaning more than you want. If you go for custom sizes or odd shapes, just keep in mind replacement glass isn’t cheap. I’ve had clients who regretted not thinking about that part.

Had a bay window put in a few years back because I thought it would make the living room feel bigger - turns out, it mostly made my cleaning routine longer. The corners are forever collecting dust bunnies and the occasional dead bug (gross). I do like the extra ledge for plants, but yeah, the sharper angles look a bit odd on my brick house from the 80s. Sometimes I wish I’d just gone with a regular window and called it a day... but then again, my cat thinks it’s the best seat in the house.

Funny how a window upgrade can turn into a dust bunny magnet - I've seen that a lot. Those sharp bay angles do tend to trap debris, and honestly, the cleaning gets old fast. Curved (bow) windows are a bit easier on that front since there aren’t those tight corners, but they can look even more out of place on certain 80s brick facades. Did you ever consider swapping out the ledge for something sloped or adding trim to soften the look? I’m curious if the cat would still approve...

I’ve always wondered if those sloped ledges actually make a difference, or if the dust just slides down and piles up on the floor instead. I swapped out my old bay window for a bow style a couple years back - looked great from inside, but I gotta admit, it clashed with the brick outside way more than I expected. The cat still claimed the spot, though... guess comfort wins over aesthetics for her. I’m not convinced trim alone can fix that weird 80s/modern mashup either. Anyone else’s pets have strong window opinions?

That’s funny - my dog picked the sunniest ledge no matter what style window we had. I’ve found sloped ledges do help a bit with dust, but honestly, you still end up sweeping the floor more often. When I swapped from angled to curved windows, I ran into the same issue with exterior clashing. Tried a couple different trims and even some paint touch-ups, but it never really blended in. If comfort’s the pet’s priority, you might just have to work around their preferences... or resign yourself to a little design chaos.

Curved windows can look great from the inside, but I’ve always wondered if they’re worth the trouble on the exterior. Matching up trims and siding gets tricky, especially on older homes where nothing’s quite square. I’m not convinced angled ledges are much better for dust - seems like it just slides off onto the floor faster. Has anyone actually found a trim that doesn’t look awkward around curved frames? I’ve seen a lot of “creative” solutions, but not many that truly blend in.

We put in curved windows in our sunroom a few years back, and I totally get what you’re saying about the trim. Nothing in our 1940s house is square either, so getting the exterior to look right was... let’s just say, a process. What finally worked for us was using a flexible molding - think of it like bendy baseboard. It took some patience (and a lot of caulk), but once it was painted, it actually blended in better than I expected.

About the dust on angled ledges: I thought it’d be worse, but honestly, it just means I vacuum the floor more instead of wiping the sill. Not sure if that’s an upgrade or not, but at least I’m not staring at dusty ledges all day.

If you’re leaning curved, I’d say budget a little extra time for trim headaches, but it can look pretty sharp when it’s done right. Just gotta be ready for some trial and error.

- Gotta admit, I went with angled windows in my last reno and honestly, I haven’t missed the curves.
- Trim was way easier - just regular wood, no bending or fighting with it. Saved me a bunch of headaches (and probably a few curse words).
- Dust does collect on the sills, but I just swipe it every week or two. Not really a big deal, at least for me.
- I do get the appeal of curved windows - they look awesome when done right. But the price tag and extra labor pushed me toward angled.
- One thing: with angled, you can usually get replacement glass or screens a lot faster if something breaks. Curved stuff can take weeks to order, at least in my area.
- If you’re after a more classic vibe, angled fits in with older houses pretty well too. Curved is definitely more of a statement.
- Just my two cents... sometimes simple is better, especially if you’re not looking for a project that drags on forever.

That’s a solid rundown. I’ve installed both types for clients and I’ll say, curved windows always look stunning, but the install can get tricky fast - especially if your walls aren’t perfectly plumb or you’re dealing with older framing. Angled is definitely more forgiving and budget-friendly. Out of curiosity, are you planning to keep the original window openings, or are you thinking about resizing or reshaping them for the new style? That can make a big difference in the labor and cost.

curved windows always look stunning, but the install can get tricky fast - especially if your walls aren’t perfectly plumb or you’re dealing with older framing.

I get the appeal of curved windows, but honestly, I think the “wow” factor sometimes gets overhyped compared to the actual hassle. If your place has any settling (which most older homes do), you’re looking at custom framing and maybe even messing with exterior finishes. That adds up fast. Angled might seem basic, but I’ve seen some creative trim work really elevate them. Sometimes simpler is just smarter, especially if you don’t want to open a can of worms with demo and reframing.

- Curved windows look amazing, but you’re right - the install can get pretty involved if your framing isn’t square or the house has settled over time.
- Angled windows are way easier to fit and seal, especially in older homes where nothing is quite level.
- Sometimes, creative trim or a unique grid pattern on an angled window gives you just as much visual interest without the stress (or cost) of custom work.
- Have you thought about how natural light will hit each style in your space? That’s made a big difference for a few of my clients.

That bit about creative trim on angled windows is speaking my language. I mean, “

creative trim or a unique grid pattern on an angled window gives you just as much visual interest without the stress (or cost) of custom work

I keep picturing curved windows looking all fancy, but then I remember my house is about as level as a funhouse. Anyone else worried curved windows would just highlight how crooked everything else is?

Honestly, that’s exactly why I chickened out on curved windows in my 1950s ranch. I kept thinking they’d just make my slanted floors and “character” walls stand out even more. Angled windows with creative trim might not have the same wow factor, but at least they don’t scream “this house has settled weird.” Plus, way less headache if you ever need to replace one down the line... curved glass is not cheap.

Curved windows look awesome in catalogs, but in real life with wonky walls? Yeah, I’d worry they’d just make everything else look even more off. Plus, have you ever tried to get custom blinds or curtains for a curved window? Total pain. Have you looked into how much extra work it’d be to frame them out if your walls aren’t square? That’s what made me stick with angled windows - just seemed way easier if you ever need to swap one out down the road.

I get where you’re coming from - curved windows are definitely more complicated, especially with older or less-than-perfect framing. But I’ve actually seen some pretty clever solutions for both the framing and the window treatments. There are flexible track systems for curtains now, and some trim carpenters can work wonders even if the walls aren’t dead-on plumb. Not saying it’s cheap or easy, but sometimes the architectural payoff is worth the hassle. I do think if you’re planning to swap windows out in a few years, though, angled is less risky. Still, if you want that wow factor... curved might be worth a second look.

I get the appeal of curved windows, but honestly, I’d be nervous about it unless you’re really committed to the look long-term. You mentioned,

“if you’re planning to swap windows out in a few years, though, angled is less risky.”

Flexible curtain tracks are cool tech, but in my experience they can get finicky over time. The last one I tried for a bay window started sagging after six months (and that was with light linen curtains). Maybe there are better ones out now? But I’d double-check reviews before banking on that for daily use.

Honestly, unless you’re doing a full-on period restoration or trying to make a big architectural statement, I’d lean angled for now. You can always go wild with trim or mullion patterns to dress them up. Plus, resale is easier if you keep things a bit more conventional - at least where I am, most buyers want “unique” but not “oh wow, how do I even clean that?”

Curved looks awesome in magazines, but living with it day-to-day (and paying for repairs) is a different story. If you do go for it, definitely budget extra time and money for surprises.