A bay window is a window that projects outward from the main wall of a building, creating extra space inside the room. Instead of sitting flat against the wall like most windows, a bay window pushes out, forming a small alcove or nook. If you look at a house from outside, you can see where the bay window bulges out from the building's surface.

Bay windows typically have three sections: a large center window facing forward and two angled side windows. This design lets in light from multiple directions and gives you a wider view of what's happening outside. Some bay windows are large enough to create a cozy reading nook inside, where you might place a cushioned bench or a few pillows. Others might have a windowsill wide enough for plants or decorations.

Architects began using bay windows in the 1600s, though they became especially popular during the Victorian era in the 1800s. They were partly practical, bringing more daylight into rooms before electric lighting, and partly decorative, adding visual interest to a building's exterior. Today, many older homes and some new houses still feature bay windows, prized for the extra space, natural light, and architectural charm they provide.