Are those window bars purposeful or just pretty? We asked a metalworking expert to solve this mystery.
Here’s Why Some Window Bars Have a Potbelly
Updated on Dec. 10, 2024
As a high school student visiting Spain, many things caught my eye—Costa del Sol, La Rambla, the gigantic statues of bulls and the Hard Rock Cafe. (What can I say? I was a teenage tourist.) But there was one surprising thing that really captured my attention: the large, ornate wrought-iron window bars with scoops, swirls and a large bulge at the bottom. I noticed this architectural feature on buildings all over the country, and my scrapbook is filled with pictures of them. So I asked my host family: Why do some window grilles curve at the bottom?
They just shrugged. The mystery was a forgotten piece of my history until I received this assignment on “potbelly” windows, which one of my editors had noticed while walking through Manhattan’s Upper East Side. It turns out I’m not the only person who has wondered about the strange window bars.
One of those similarly minded folks is Nitin Deshpande, the founder of Wrought Iron World. He’s now known as the Wrought Iron Man, a metalworking artisan with more than 25 years of experience. But he was once a child like me, fascinated with those strange window structures in his hometown in India. He remembers watching his family members peer through the “belly bar grille, as we called them, peeping outside our wall and observing all the ongoings on the street.” He found them comforting, and they still remind him of home. It’s not surprising that when he grew up, he learned how to design and make them himself.
If anyone were to know why some window grilles curve at the bottom, it would be Deshpande. So I asked him my most pressing questions and got some fascinating facts in return. Read on to learn whether these curved window bars are for aesthetics, safety or just a quirky old-fashioned architectural feature.
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What are the theories behind window bars with a potbelly?
The internet is never short on speculation, as shown by several Reddit threads devoted to answering this question. When it comes to why some window grilles curve at the bottom, there are five main theories.
They could prevent items from falling
One of the most popular ideas is that the outward curve helps support flower boxes, air conditioners or other items precariously perched on windowsills. The bars help display these items and could catch them if they start to slip, preventing potential injuries or damage below.
They may deter crime
Some believe the potbelly design is a security measure. The outward curve makes it more challenging for burglars to maneuver tools between the bars, making break-ins harder.
They could protect young children
Another theory is that the bulge in the bars provides an additional layer of safety, especially in buildings with small children. The outward curve makes it harder for curious little ones to reach through the bars or try to escape through an open window.
They may increase ventilation
Another theory is that the bulge allows for more air and light to enter the window without compromising security. The curve creates space for windows to open wider (if you have windows that open outward from the bottom), improving ventilation.
They simply look pretty
Finally, there’s my personal theory: They’re just really beautiful to look at. They are a lovely design choice, meant to add a decorative flair to otherwise utilitarian window bars.
What are the actual reasons for these potbelly window bars?
According to Deshpande, all of these theories contain a kernel of truth. So why do some window grilles curve at the bottom? The primary reason potbelly window grilles exist is a combination of practicality and aesthetics.
“A potbelly window grille has multiple uses and purposes, including safety—both for preventing would-be burglars outside and protecting children inside—adding beauty by allowing space to place flowering planters on the window sill and adding an aesthetic appeal to the exterior of the building,” he says.
Cutting down on crime
Do they really prevent crime better than a regular wrought-iron barred window? Actually, they do, Deshpande says.
“The shape of the bars makes them more resistant to bending and twisting and cutting,” he explains. “They also create a physical barrier, signaling that the property is well-protected. Criminals look for easy targets, and the belly bar security grille significantly increases the time and effort required to break in.”
Keeping kids safe
When it comes to children, they do offer some protection, he says, making it harder for little ones to squeeze out or reach out. “The maximum space between the bars is 150 millimeters, and exceeding this limit makes the belly bar railing and grille unsafe, as small children can pass through,” he says.
However, there doesn’t seem to be much practical evidence that the potbelly shape offers more child protection than a standard straight-bar security grille. Many cities, including New York, have building codes that require window guards for buildings where children under 10 live—but they can be of several different styles and don’t have to have the potbelly shape. (Certain older buildings may have rules that mandate potbelly windows to maintain the historical look of the building.)
Adding aesthetic appeal
Lastly, Deshpande agrees that the potbelly windows are just plain attractive. They have a unique appearance, and their historical use lends a certain charm to buildings. In fact, his favorite part of making these windows is “adorning the curved sections with ornamental designs that enhance the beauty of the window grille,” he says. “They are truly a work of art.”
In other words: They’re so much prettier than regular security bars!
Where will you generally find them?
Deshpande is originally from India and has fond memories of seeing them on buildings all over the region. “They are widely used as railings for balconies and terraces, as the bulge of the potbelly allows knee space when resting on the railing,” he says.
You’re most likely to see them in older neighborhoods because they’re used more in traditional architecture than in modern builds. In the United States, they’re often found in cities with significant pre-war architecture, such as New York City, New Orleans and San Francisco.
Beyond the U.S., potbelly window grilles are prominent in Europe, particularly in Spain, Portugal and Italy. The design reflects a long cultural tradition of balconies and windows with decorative ironwork.
When were potbelly windows popular?
These curved window bars were most popular from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, aligning with the construction boom of urban residential buildings that prioritized safety and practicality. Here’s an interesting fact: In the United States, you’re most likely to find them on buildings constructed between the 1910s and 1950s.
Are there any challenges with potbelly windows?
Despite their charm and practicality, potbelly window grilles come with a few challenges:
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Maintenance: The curves can collect dirt and debris, and they rust more easily than flat bars, so they require regular upkeep.
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Limited modern use: Many contemporary architects prefer the look of sleeker or less-obvious security solutions and say potbelly bars feel outdated.
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Building code restrictions: In some areas, newer safety regulations or aesthetic guidelines for renovations may limit their installation.
However, for those who live in older buildings, these quirky window grilles remain a beloved feature that blends history, safety and style. Whether they’re catching flowerpots, keeping kids safe, adding character or fascinating students like me, potbelly window bars are a testament to how design and function can intertwine in the most beautiful ways.
About the expert
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At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. For this piece on why some window grilles curve at the bottom, Charlotte Hilton Andersen tapped her experience as a longtime journalist to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- Nitin Deshpande, wrought-iron artisan and founder of Wrought Iron World; email interview, Dec. 8, 2024
- Reddit: “Why do these window grills have a bulge. Seen in Spain.”
- NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene: “Window Guards: What Building Owners Need to Know”
