1. Perfect for storing planters.
One of the most common—and charming—uses of belly bars is as a built-in support for planters.
The outer curve creates a shelf or natural space where you can place pots of colorful flowers, herbs, or small decorative plants. The bulge helps to secure the box and prevents it from tipping over.
Imagine a row of windows, each adorned with hanging flowers: bright geraniums, climbing ivy, or fragrant lavender. These details instantly soften the appearance of a building and enliven streets with limited outdoor space. In many old European and Asian cities, wrought-iron balconies became a prized architectural feature precisely for this reason.
2. Make space for the air conditioning units
Another extremely practical reason for curved grilles is their ability to accommodate window-mounted air conditioning units.
In older apartments or houses without central air conditioning, window units are typically installed directly in the window opening. A flat safety bar would make this difficult, if not impossible. However, a bulging safety bar creates additional space.
This allows:
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Correct positioning of the air conditioning unit
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Sufficient space for ventilation and airflow.
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Secure installation without removing security features
It’s a clever way to maintain both comfort and protection, and one of the clearest answers to why many window grilles curve outwards: they make windows more functional without sacrificing security.
