What is a characteristic of most bay windows?

A characteristic of most bay windows is that they typically have one side parallel to the main wall. This design allows the bay window to extend outward from the structure while maintaining a connection with the main wall, creating a distinctive architectural feature. The parallel side aligns with the wall, which helps to enhance the room's interior space by providing a wider view and more light.

Bay windows generally consist of three panels, with the center panel being larger than the two side panels. This configuration emphasizes the outward projection and provides a clear view of the surroundings. The option mentioning four panes of glass does not accurately represent the common structure of bay windows, which do not typically feature this number of panes. Additionally, while bay windows can be cantilevered, this option describes a limitation that does not characterize most bay windows. The flush alignment with the wall does not apply, as bay windows are designed to project outward, distinguishing them from being flush with the structure.