NYC homes with bay windows to put holiday decorations front and center

By CityRealty Staff | From Great Listings Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Bow windows at 25 Riverside Drive

It's tempting to lament that "they don’t make them like they used to," but one timeless architectural feature from pre-war design is making a comeback: the bay window. These charming apertures can be found in historic townhouses and new-construction condos alike, bringing character and practicality to both settings.

A true bay window consists of three sections: a larger center window flanked by two smaller, angled ones that extend outward from the wall. This design creates visual interest on the exterior while flooding interiors with natural light. However, not all protruding windows are bay windows, no matter what a listing might claim. Sometimes, the term is mistakenly used for bow windows, which feature four or more windows arranged in a curved arc.

Bay windows instantly add charm to any home and offer endless possibilities for design and decor. During the holiday season, they become natural focal points for Christmas trees, menorahs, or other festive decorations. All year round, they lend themselves to creative uses such as breakfast nooks, compact home offices, or even window seats as seen in 11 Hoyt Street. Below, we showcase listings from various eras where bay windows serve as a centerpiece of the home.

Please note that some of these homes feature designs inspired by bay windows or include curved exposures to enhance views and maximize interior light, rather than true bay windows.

25 Riverside Drive, #TH
$55,000,000

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Townhouse | 6+ Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 12,000 ft²

25 Riverside Drive, #TH (Nest Seekers LLC)

From the Listing: Presenting an extraordinary masterwork in the Beaux-Arts style, 25 Riverside Drive is an opulent mansion that graces the Upper West Side with its elegant presence. Situated at the corner of 75th Street and Riverside Drive, this free-standing mansion underwent meticulous renovations in 2022, coupling its grand, old-world heritage and charm to that of modern sophistication. See floor plan and full details here.

The Cortland, #20AB
$23,000,000

Chelsea | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 6+ Baths | 4,603 ft²

The Cortland, #20AB (CORE Group Marketing LLC)

From the Listing: Residence 20AB is 4,603 square feet with four bedrooms and five-and-a-half bathrooms. The expansive, open-plan living and dining areas feature unobstructed views of the Hudson River, a 29-foot corner great room, a windowed eat-in kitchen with a custom Olson Kundig-designed Jackbox, warm wood flooring, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The primary bedroom suite features two walk-in closets connected to two full bathrooms. Each of the additional bedrooms is complete with an en-suite bathroom. See floor plan and full details here.

20 East End Avenue, #16A
$9,250,000

Yorkville | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 3,088 ft²

20 East End Avenue, #16A (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Residence 16A draws inspiration from the grand prewar apartment houses of the 1920s, including walnut-stained white Appalachian solid oak herringbone floors, custom moldings and casings, oversized sound-attenuated windows, and custom-built closets throughout. This residence is not one to be missed, a special home seamlessly incorporating modern finishes with prewar proportions. See floor plan and full details here.

455 Central Park West, #9L
$7,800,000

Central Park West | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths | 4,400 ft²

455 Central Park West, #9L (Serhant)

From the Listing: This extraordinary luxury residence is a rare find, offering panoramic views of Central Park, a spacious private landscaped terrace, and a thoughtfully designed layout with high-end finishes. Nestled in a landmark castle commissioned by John Jacob Astor in 1884 and transformed into a full-service condominium in 2005, this unique property at 455 Central Park West underwent a meticulous gut renovation over 10 years ago and is still in exceptional condition. See floor plan and full details here.

455 Central Park West, #11
$5,300,000

Central Park West | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 4 Baths | 4,146 ft²

455 Central Park West, #11 (Compass)

From the Listing: This breathtakingly grand Central Park West residence showcases an extraordinary circular living room, approximately 36 feet in diameter, with 12-foot ceilings and a wood-burning fireplace. Elegant, oversized windows encircle the space, offering views of Central Park to the east and tranquil treetop views to the south and west. Ideal for grand-scale entertaining, this truly unique space complements a large, sun-soaked formal dining room. The opulent primary suite, also circular, is equipped with two large dressing rooms and a spa-like bathroom. See floor plan and full details here.

Lantern House, #515
$4,695,000

Chelsea | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 1,591 ft²

Lantern House, #515 (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Residence 515 is a spacious and meticulously crafted three-bedroom, three-bathroom home, offering panoramic south and west-facing views that captivate from every room. A welcoming foyer opens to an expansive great room, designed for effortless flow and ideal for both relaxation and entertaining. The adjoining chef's kitchen is a masterpiece, featuring custom convex fluted oak cabinetry handcrafted in the UK, a Waterworks faucet in custom burnished bronze finish, state-of-the-art Gaggenau appliances, and elegant Calacatta Venato marble countertops that create a stunning focal point. See floor plan and full details here.

The Astor, #305
$5,600,000

Broadway Corridor | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 4 Baths | 2,432 ft²

The Astor, #305 (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: Welcome home to the finest prewar condo conversion of the Upper West Side, The Astor! Originally built in 1901 by William Waldorf Astor, this expansive 4 bedroom, 3 ½ bath Residence has interiors exquisitely redesigned by the renowned Pembrooke & Ives, preserving the best of the prewar details and adding 21st Century finishes and amenities. This apartment features high ceilings, South facing windows, seven-inch-wide rift and quartered white oak flooring, an open concept Kitchen with custom cabinetry, and a gracious Living/Dining Room with a restored wood-burning fireplace. See floor plan and full details here.

One Beekman, #7B
$2,999,000 (-14.3%)

Beekman/Sutton Place | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

One Beekman, #7B (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: This extraordinary and exquisitely renovated home is striking from the moment you enter. The foyer is an ideal transition before moving to a stunning entrance gallery with extensive space for your artistic expressions and the convenience of two oversized closets. This leads to the highlight of this masterpiece, the grand and spacious Great Room where you will bask in bright and spectacular river views framed by an entire eastern wall of bay windows. See floor plan and full details here.

1 East End Avenue, #3C
$2,600,000 (-7.1%)

Yorkville | Cooperative | 4 Bedrooms, 4 Baths

1 East End Avenue, #3C (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Bring your contractor to design your custom 4-5 bedroom dream home with gorgeous river views drenched in eastern sunlight. A semi-private elevator landing introduces you to this wonderfully spacious 8 room home featuring an elegant floor plan with 4 bedrooms plus a double sized staff room with full bath. The generously proportioned living room enjoys river views from oversized bay windows and features a fireplace. See floor plan and full details here.

Claremont Hall, #18A
$2,355,000

Morningside Heights | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,261 ft²

Claremont Hall, #18A (Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group)

From the Listing: Occupying Claremont Hall's coveted southwest corner, this beautiful two-bedroom home showcases unmatched views of the iconic spire of Riverside Church, the Hudson River, and Riverside Park. Residence 18A offers a practical L-shaped living room with one of Claremont Hall's signature oversized bay windows, an open chef's kitchen, and a functional split bedroom design that contributes to sense of privacy. See floor plan and full details here.

Liberty Terrace, #23DE
$2,200,000

Battery Park City | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,408 ft²

Liberty Terrace, #23DE (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: This one-of-a-kind two-bedroom residence features river views from every room. a generously proportioned open concept living space. Large bay windows windows offer excellent natural light and endless river views. The kitchen includes stainless steel appliances and dishwasher, while the countertops highlight a warm and neutral palette. The updated bathrooms feature marble floors and wall tiles plus a large vanity that provides plenty of storage. See floor plan and full details here.

11 Hoyt, #46J
$1,495,000

Downtown Brooklyn | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 879 ft²

11 Hoyt, #46J (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: With breathtaking helicopter western views of the entire lower Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty and the waters, this home features signature bay windows in both the living room and primary bedroom. 46J is outfitted in the Classic finish palette which offers a bright, fresh, contemporary feel with pale white oak floors, and an open chef's kitchen. The primary suite offers a habitable bay window seat which is ideal for reading or relaxing, a large walk-in closet, and an adjacent large bathroom. See floor plan and full details here.

40 East 74th Street, #3R
$1,399,999 (-11.1%)

Park/Fifth Ave. to 79th St. | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 832 ft²

40 East 74th Street, #3R (Compass)

From the Listing: This sun-flooded residence, with its bay windows and open views over gardens and trees, is the most charming with a European flair. It has very high ceilings, a wood-burning fireplace, beautiful flooring, huge windows and would be the perfect full-time or pied-a-terre home. See floor plan and full details here.

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NOVA, #14C
$1,395,000

Long Island City | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 966 ft²

NOVA, #14C (Nest Seekers LLC)

From the Listing: Residence #14C boasts triple exposures through beautiful bay windows resulting in sun-washed roomy interiors. Dine with ease in an open concept kitchen with custom Italian two-toned cabinetry, Blanco sink and top-of-the-line Bertazzoni stainless steel appliances that make any night in, feel like a night out. Ample closet space and interiors with 10-foot ceilings are accented by natural materials and handcrafted details making it the next standard in comfort, elegance, and sustainability. See floor plan and full details here.

The Whitney, #12F
$1,295,000

Yorkville | Condop | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

The Whitney, #12F (Compass)

From the Listing: Airy and elegantly updated, Residence #12F offers sweeping views to the east. Thoughtfully re-created, the windowed kitchen is now open to the living room, allowing the unit's bay windows to flood the spacious living and dining area with natural light from its eastern and southern exposures. See floor plan and full details here.

Central Park Place, #33E
$1,225,000

Midtown West | Condominium | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 766 ft²

Central Park Place, #33E (Compass)

From the Listing: Welcome to this sun-drenched 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom residence on the high floor of Central Park Place, one of Midtown’s most coveted condominiums. The living room showcases the building’s signature floor-to-ceiling bay window, while the dining area boasts its own oversized observation window. The updated, windowed kitchen features stainless steel appliances, a sleek white tiled backsplash and a sunken stainless-steel sink. See floor plan and full details here.

The Chelsea Warren, #3D
$1,200,000

Chelsea | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 940 ft²

The Chelsea Warren, #3D (Elegran LLC)

From the Listing: Oversized one-bedroom home is top-of-the-line, completely renovated, and still possesses prewar charm. The generous entry leads to an open-concept floor plan. A true dining area unites the large kitchen and the living area, which creates an impressive entertainment layout. The dining area leads to a sunken living room with large bay windows which keeps the home bright throughout the day. See floor plan and full details here.

1174 Putnam Avenue, #1
$1,190,000

Bushwick | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 1,646 ft²

1174 Putnam Avenue, #1 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Looking for your new home sweet home? Introducing 1174 Putnam Avenue! Unit 1 was thoughtfully designed and executed to typify the best of Bushwick! This sun-drenched space is comprised of quality materials and high-end features a new homeowner will absolutely love! See floor plan and full details here.

293 Riverside Drive, #3A/4A
$1,100,000 (-8.3%)

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

293 Riverside Drive, #3A/4A (Compass)

From the Listing: If you are enchanted by a Parisian apartment experience, consider this lovely co-op in Manhattan, a two-bedroom duplex, located in a former historic Beaux-Art mansion. All the windows, including two very large bay-style windows, face onto leafy Riverside Park and the Hudson River. The uber-light-filled apartment has gracious living and dining rooms, and a kitchen that includes a Liebherr refrigerator. See floor plan and full details here.

The Markenfield, #41
$900,000

Morningside Heights | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths

The Markenfield, #41 (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: This 3-bedroom home offers classic prewar details with an expansive living and dining room. Upon entering through the gallery hallway, you are greeted by the large, light-filled living space with 10-foot ceilings, crown moldings, and south-facing bay windows. Adjacent to the living room lies the formal dining room. The oversized windowed kitchen, next to the dining room, could easily be designed to offer an eat-in area, along with loads of countertop space and storage. See floor plan and full details here.

1388 Lexington Avenue, #2W
$890,000

Carnegie Hill | Cooperative | Studio, 1 Bath

1388 Lexington Avenue, #2W (The Agency Brokerage)

From the Listing: Featuring 13-foot ceilings, intricate period details, and a wood-burning fireplace, this parlor-floor apartment exudes timeless charm. The bay window floods the space with natural light, offering serene views of a massive private garden with a majestic maple tree. The western-facing garden offers a rare connection to nature, and the apartment's alcove provides a cozy nook for a bedroom or Murphy bed. See floor plan and full details here.

875 Saint Marks Avenue, #1B
$850,000

Crown Heights | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath | 791 ft²

875 Saint Marks Avenue, #1B (Compass)

From the Listing: Nestled on a picturesque, tree-lined street in the landmark district of Crown Heights, this two-bedroom condo offers a perfect blend of pre-war charm and modern luxury. This parlor level residence boasts a clever layout and features bay windows, soaring ceilings, hardwood floors throughout, bright airy living area, and well-sized bedrooms with plenty of closet space. The crown jewel of this residence is the spacious private garden. See floor plan and full details here.

280 West End Avenue, #2A
$839,000

Broadway Corridor | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 800 ft²

280 West End Avenue, #2A (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

From the Listing: Upper West Side junior four-room home is dripping in Old World charm. A turret in the main living space creates a circular bay with four huge windows surrounded by floor to ceiling mahogany paneling and decorative plaster work, facing south and west. Archways, mirrored panel doors, decorative fireplace, and deep functional window sills all add to the overflowing charm of this home. See floor plan and full details here.

The Corinthian, #55H
$835,000

Murray Hill | Condominium | Studio, 1 Bath | 571 ft²

The Corinthian, #55H (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: One-of-a-kind studio condo boasts bay windows, kitchen with stainless steel appliances, marble bathroom, and gigantic closets throughout. White-glove condo offers 17,000 square feet of amenities including fitness center and spa, sun terrace, full-size swimming pool, golf simulator, jogging track, kids playroom, and much more. See floor plan and full details here.

Rockefeller Apartments, #11D
$790,000

Midtown West | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

Rockefeller Apartments, #11D (Engel & Volkers New York Real Estate LLC)

From the Listing: Residence #11D is a bright and spacious one-bedroom residence bathed in natural light. Enter into a sunlit living area that showcases the room’s potential, beautifully illuminated by the bay windows — a hallmark of this thoughtfully designed residence. The ample natural light lends warmth and character, inviting you to envision its transformation into a timeless and chic urban sanctuary. Residence #11D includes a private storage room on the same floor. See floor plan and full details here.

152 East 35th Street, #3A
$749,000

Murray Hill | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath | 670 ft²

152 East 35th Street, #3A (Elegran LLC)

From the Listing: Meticulously renovated home features 9+foot ceilings, a stately living room with picturesque bay window, glorious natural light, and captivating city/sky views amidst the lush treescape of historic East 35th Street. The living room boasts custom built-ins and a dual-zone wine fridge discreetly integrated for your convenience. The home’s high ceilings add a taste of grandeur to the open concept living and dining plan, which accommodates a formal dining table. See floor plan and full details here.

The Endicott, #319
$725,000

Broadway Corridor | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

The Endicott, #319 (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Residence #319's open living and dining area is perfect for entertaining, while the bedroom and dressing area offer fully outfitted closets for ample storage. Enjoy tree-top views over 82nd Street from the charming bay window and savor the historic elegance of a fireplace and high ceilings. See floor plan and full details here.

632 West End Avenue, #2F
$700,000

Riverside Dr./West End Ave. | Cooperative | 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

632 West End Avenue, #2F (Keller Williams NYC)

From the Listing: As you enter Residence #2F, you are greeted by an oversized living room with soaring 12-foot ceilings and huge western windows looking onto a tree-lined street. The living room also features a lovely wood burning fireplace, and plenty of space for a living area as well as dining area. You will find gorgeous prewar details and moulding throughout this gracious home, and the bay window adds elegance and charm to the space. See floor plan and full details here.

Lincoln Spencer Arms, #52C
$520,000

Lincoln Center | Cooperative | Studio, 1 Bath

Lincoln Spencer Arms, #52C (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: When entering this renovated studio, the original hardwood floors lead down a long entrance hall and into a large living space with a soaring ceiling. Light pours into the space by a set of bay windows with open city views facing west. The newly renovated, open-concept kitchen features full-sized, high-end stainless-steel appliances. See floor plan and full details here.

Castle Village, #45
$475,000

Washington Heights | Cooperative | Studio, 1 Bath | 535 ft²

Castle Village, #45 (Brown Harris Stevens Riverdale LLC)

From the Listing: Residence #45 is a uniquely large studio that lives big. The entry foyer with a walk-in closet outfitted by California Closets is adjacent to a wide hallway that houses a designated office space, found neatly behind bi-fold French doors. The windowed, eat in, cook's kitchen is in perfect proportion to the entire living space, and is equipped with high-end appliances and finishes. Treetop views beyond that ubiquitous Castle Village bay window are delightful, as is the same view from the breakfast bar in the kitchen and the windowed bathroom. See floor plan and full details here.

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In this article:

25 Riverside Drive, #TH
$55,000,000

The Cortland, #20AB
$23,000,000

20 East End Avenue, #16A
$9,250,000

455 Central Park West, #9L
$7,800,000

455 Central Park West, #11
$5,300,000

Lantern House, #515
$4,695,000

The Astor, #305
$5,600,000

One Beekman, #7B
$2,999,000 (-14.3%)

1 East End Avenue, #3C
$2,600,000 (-7.1%)

Claremont Hall, #18A
$2,355,000

Liberty Terrace, #23DE
$2,200,000

11 Hoyt, #46J
$1,495,000

40 East 74th Street, #3R
$1,399,999 (-11.1%)

Select which properties are of interest to you:

NOVA, #14C
$1,395,000

The Whitney, #12F
$1,295,000

Central Park Place, #33E
$1,225,000

The Chelsea Warren, #3D
$1,200,000

1174 Putnam Avenue, #1
$1,190,000

293 Riverside Drive, #3A/4A
$1,100,000 (-8.3%)

The Markenfield, #41
$900,000

1388 Lexington Avenue, #2W
$890,000

875 Saint Marks Avenue, #1B
$850,000

280 West End Avenue, #2A
$839,000

The Corinthian, #55H
$835,000

Rockefeller Apartments, #11D
$790,000

152 East 35th Street, #3A
$749,000

The Endicott, #319
$725,000

632 West End Avenue, #2F
$700,000

Lincoln Spencer Arms, #52C
$520,000

Castle Village, #45
$475,000

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