Bow Windows
Bring Light & Depth Into Your Home
Some home improvements look great on paper and fall flat in person. Bow windows are the opposite. The moment installation wraps up, most homeowners feel it immediately: the room is bigger, brighter, and more connected to the outside in a way that’s hard to put into words.
Empire Home Remodeling has been helping Milwaukee and Southern Wisconsin homeowners make that happen for over 15 years. We know this region, we know these homes, and we know how to install bow windows that deliver on what you’re picturing. If you have a room that feels darker or smaller than it should, or a wall that has never quite found its purpose, a bow window might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
The Anatomy of a Multi-Panel Window
A bow window is made up of several individual panels joined into a continuous arc. That outward curve is what sets it apart from a typical window. The gentle sweep adds depth to the interior, widens your view, and brings in more radiance than a flat window ever could.
The configuration is flexible, which matters for older Milwaukee homes where wall openings are not always standard. Most bow windows include between three and six panels, and the total width can be adjusted based on the room and the look you’re going for. The result tends to feel like a natural focal point in the room rather than just another feature on the wall.
Where It Feels Right at Home
Living rooms and dining rooms are the most popular fit, particularly when they face the front or side of the home. The curved design captures light throughout the day, not just during certain hours, making the whole room feel warmer and more inviting.
The extended ledge created by the outward projection is also worth noting. Homeowners use that space in all kinds of ways:
A built-in style bench
A cozy reading nook
A dedicated spot for plants, candles, or decor
Low-profile storage tucked beneath the sill
It’s a useful addition that doesn't require any changes to your home's footprint. The extra function is simply built into the design.
WINDOWS INSTALLED
FOR ONLY $1**
ZERO PAYMENTS
ZERO INTEREST
FINANCING FOR 12 MONTHS*
Request a
FREE Quote
Insulation, Glass, & Installation That Work Together
Modern bow windows are built to handle the temperature swings that come with living in Wisconsin. Most use double- or triple-pane glass with insulating gas fills between the panes to reduce heat transfer and keep your home comfortable year-round.
Because a bow window involves multiple units joined together, proper installation and sealing are just as important as the glass itself. When measurements are taken carefully and the installation is done precisely, you shouldn’t deal with drafts, condensation, or air leaks down the road. A well-installed bow window performs just as reliably as any high-quality replacement window, even with its multi-panel construction.
Bow vs. Bay Windows
These two styles are often mentioned together, but they’re built differently and create different effects. A bow window uses four to six panels arranged in a smooth arc, which gives it a rounded, continuous appearance. It works especially well across wider sections of the wall.
A bay window typically uses three panels set at sharper angles, often with a larger fixed center pane and two operable sides. The best choice for your home usually depends on your wall width, the exterior look you want, and the room's layout. If you’re weighing both options, check out our bay windows page for more details.
Contact Empire Today
Empire is proud to serve Milwaukee, Wisconsin and all surrounding communities! If you are a Milwaukee area homeowner and you need window replacements along with window installation services then we have you covered! We can also provide door, roof, and gutter replacement and installation – and more!
What to Watch for as Windows Age
Windows don’t usually fail all at once. The signs tend to appear gradually, making it easy to write them off as minor annoyances rather than signals that something needs attention. But when those annoyances start adding up, it’s worth taking a closer look.
Drafts are one of the most common red flags. If you can feel air moving around the frame on a cold Wisconsin day, the seal has likely broken down, and your heating system is working overtime to compensate. Condensation between the panes is another cue that something has gone wrong. At that point, the glass is no longer doing its job thermally, regardless of how the window looks from the outside.
Beyond performance, there are practical indicators to watch for as well:
Windows that are difficult to open, close, or lock
Visible warping, rotting, or damage to the frame
Noise from outside that seems louder than it used to be
Uneven temperatures near windows compared to the rest of the room
Paint peeling or water stains on the interior sill or surrounding wall
If any of these sound familiar, it doesn’t necessarily mean every window in your home needs to go. The best starting point is a conversation with someone who can take a look at what you’re actually dealing with and give you a straight answer.
Why Choose Empire Home Remodeling?
Empire Home Remodeling is a woman-owned, family-oriented company that has been part of the Milwaukee community for over 15 years. We’ve worked on homes across Southern Wisconsin, including many with older construction and non-standard layouts. That kind of hands-on experience matters when installing a window style that changes the opening's shape.
Our guiding principle, Never Do Less Than Your Best, influences how we show up to every job, from the first conversation to the final walkthrough. We communicate clearly, arrive prepared, and don’t consider a project finished until you’re 100% satisfied with the results.
Rooted in Milwaukee, Serving Southern Wisconsin
We serve homeowners throughout Milwaukee, Waukesha, Brookfield, West Bend, Racine, Kenosha, Oconomowoc, New Berlin, Oak Creek, Wauwatosa, and the surrounding area.
Please visit our service areas page to explore our full coverage map.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most include three to six panels. The right number depends on the width of the opening and the aesthetic you’re after.
Yes! We take detailed measurements during your consultation, specifically because older construction often includes non-standard openings.
Absolutely. The extended sill is a natural fit for seating, storage, or display space.
It may be, depending on your project. We’ll go over all the available options during your in-home consultation.
See What Your Windows Could Be
If you’ve been thinking about a bow window for a while now, or even just wondering what one might do for your home, let's find out. Reach out to Empire Home Remodeling today to schedule your free in-home consultation.
Window Types
Double Hung Windows
Double-hung windows have two vertical glass panels that can slide both up and down in the frame at the same time. They can open very wide from either top or bottom and won’t protrude in any way whatsoever.
Casement Windows
These are hinged windows that operate with the simple turn of a crank arm that controls the opening mechanism. Depending on your home layout and what works best for you the hinge can either come on the left or the right side.
Picture Windows
Picture windows are generally very large fully stationary windows designed to let in the maximum amount of light possible. These are perfect for those seeking the best outside views and natural light coverage.
Bow Window Replacement
Bow windows give a unique 180° arc design which allows more light into your home and allows you to see a wider view. Bow window replacements are created from six windows of the same size and are not as deep as bay windows.
Bay Windows
Bay window replacement is great if you are looking for a stunning window that brings personality and function to your home. Bay windows consist of three windows at either 30°, 45°, 60°, or 90° angles and these are large enough for a seat or small mattress to fit comfortably on!
Awning Windows
Awning windows come hinged at the top and can be turned completely outwards to let air in from every single direction! They can be installed either above, below, or alongside your normal stationary windows.
Garden Windows
With a garden window, you can finally enjoy your plants and flowers year-round without worry about the weather outside! These windows project outwards a good couple of inches to give you space to put up things like photos, plants, or whatever else décor you may want.
3 Lite Slider Windows
These windows have three separate panels (called sashes) within one master frame. These windows are often chosen for all of the natural light that they allow as well as how easy it is to open both sides and let fresh air in. The 3 slider design is also very aesthetically pleasing and can operate at the touch of a fingertip!
“When installation day came, all 9 windows were installed with expertise in one day. The whole experience from start to finish was wonderful. And, we love our windows!”
- Larraine M.
The
Empire Home Remodeling
Advantage
Milwaukee's leader in home remodeling for over 15 years.
Leading Warranties
All of the manufacturers we work with offer generous warranties on their products.
Highest Quality
We use exceptional products made right here in the USA for all of our window installation projects.
Friendly & Courteous
With every project we do, we conduct ourselves as if we are installing windows for someone in our own family.
See Our Past Project Map
The Empire Home Remodeling Home Improvement Process
Contact us
M – F: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Sat: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Sun: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm