Not a pro. I think it’d be pretty though! With some added natural light.

We added a large bay window in front of the sink. We love it - lets in a ton of light and is a place where I can grow my cacti. I would recommend it!

So, my take on the bay window.

Regarding Thor's picture...I like it, but I have to admit that it's too deep, so I recommend a shallower bay. From the counter edge to the window, it's 47", too deep to reach the back window to clean.

How do I know? That's my Kitchen! I have long arms and while my fingertips reach the window, I cannot easily wipe it down and I do not want to climb on the counters (in case it would break the granite counter...it might not, but I don't want to take the chance).

We were working with what we had -- we converted a relatively shallow bay table space into cabs/counters (we had to raise the window from 22" off the floor to 36" off the floor). We didn't want to get into modifying the exterior.

That window is 6'10" across the widest part with the back window 4' wide.

I second Thor's recommendation to have counter-height windows -- it really makes a big difference in the view and light.

If you're designing one, I recommend making it no deeper than you can reach to clean.

Just to be clear, I do NOT regret it, it's one of the best things we did and I'd absolutely do it over again!

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A squared opening is another option. See MamaDadaPaige's and ErikaNH's windows in this thread:

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/2484108/counter-height-window-pictures-please

To see MamaDadaPaige's window, you will need to expand the thread so you see all comments (select the "See 16 more comments" link below the starting post).

If you do a "squared one", I'd make it deep enough to have windows on the sides as well as along the back. Maybe 12" wide windows on the sides.

How wide? As wide as you can and not sacrifice storage or other functional needs in the Kitchen (e.g., the need for wall space for tall appliances.)

Found the pictures on my computer:

MamaDadaPaige's:

Interior:

Exterior:

.

.

ErikaNH's:

Interior:

Exterior:

We put in a shallow three window bow (and moved the sink under it) when we did our kitchen reno. Very happy with it.

If the view is important, would you block it by putting stuff in the bay window link in picture #2? Maybe casement or awning windows (without any grid to block the view) would be better. WIndow frames look really thick and double-hung windows' meeting rails further block the view in Buehl's pictures.

-- amateur

We replaced our kitchen window over the sink with a bay, and it was a good decision, we brought it down to counter height, and it has really brightened and opened up the room.

Buehl: How do I know? That's my Kitchen!

I apologize for not crediting you earlier!
I just made a quick online search for the prettiest bay window I could find.

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@ wdccruise: There are different *ahem* views on whether windows should be as transparent as possible or should "frame" the view, as with a painting. There is no right or wrong answer: take the possibilities of framing into consideration.

https://ecoempathyproject.wordpress.com/2017/12/17/framing-the-view-to-nature-windows-as-empathic-mediators-between-indoor-and-outdoor-ecology/

Pattern 180 "Window Place" by Christopher Alexander et al. Pattern Language
http://www.iwritewordsgood.com/apl/patterns/apl180.htm

In theory, it sounds lovely. But my first thought was how difficult it would be to keep that sill clean. I'm only 5'3" so reaching back there would be difficult and I'm not sure I'd want to get a step stool every time I needed to clean the window sill.

Thor I don't care about credit I only mentioned it so people would know my comments were based on experience, not assumptions.

Thanks for the compliment about my kitchen window!

My husband didn't want to obstruct the view of our backyard, so we didn't include mullions in the bay window, even though the other windows in our home have them.

We have plants there, but because my family is tall, they don't block the view. If you're short, you might want to stick with short plants or other decorative items.

Megs1030, my window has no window sill because the window is counter height. It sits on the counter.

I have no problem wiping down the counter, it's the windows above a foot or so that I cannot easily reach.

Thanks, everyone! I'm only 5'3"ish (I used to be closer to 5'4" but at my last doctor appt, I was only 5'2" and some change....lol! Therefore, cleaning behind it would definitely be something to consider.

Since you're short, I'd probably stick to no more than a 6- to 9-inch bumpout.