How To Dress Your Bay Window Curtains + Blinds
Bay windows are a timeless architectural feature that adds character, natural light, and a sense of space to any home. Choosing the right curtains and blinds for a bay window can enhance its shape, improve privacy, and create a stylish focal point while making the most of the natural light it provides.
Bay windows can be tricky to measure for and hard to style with made to measure curtains and made to measure blinds, so read on for our top tips on how to choose the best option for your bay window.
Originally popularised during the Renaissance in grand palaces and stately homes, the term ‘bay window’ refers to any window structure that projects outward from the main walls of a property, whether rounded, angled, or square in shape. Today, they remain a sought-after design feature in both traditional and modern homes. Those of us who live in homes with bay windows will no doubt appreciate the style and interest they lend to a room, but they are amongst the most difficult windows to dress and you may be struggling to find the right solution.
Wether you choose made to measure curtains or made to measure blinds for your bay windows, the best place to start is by measuring up. You can use our bay window measuring guides to achieve the perfect fit. Options for dressing your bay window can include curtains that are hung on each individual section of the bay window, curtains that stack only on the left and right hand side of the bay window, or roman blinds on each individual section of the bay window.
Something else to think about other than just how your window apparel will look on the bay window, is the light. Using light-coloured fabrics and avoiding heavy or bulky materials can help enhance the natural light that bay windows provide. Similarly, the size of your window may dictate what the best options are to allow the maximum amount of light into the room. With the right made to measure curtains and made to measure blinds, bay windows can become a focal point of a room, providing both beauty and functionality.
01 Curtains are best for privacy and blackout on a bay window
A pair of made to measure bay window curtains will allow light in the day and complete blackout and privacy at night, perfect for bedrooms or living rooms. Unlike blinds that may allow some light into a room where the individual blinds meet, curtains can be drawn across the entire length of the bay window, blocking any light from outside.
A continuous track is usually used to hang curtains in a bay window. It allows the fabric to glide easily around each corner without catching and because the curtains are hung on the track with hooks at regular intervals, the fabric will stay uniform as it is pulled back and forth. Poles are also an option for bay windows, but are more difficult to measure for and install. Take a look at our guide to tracks and poles for your bay window.
The heading type will determine the style of the curtains - - - take a look at our guide to curtain headings to see which suits your window most. Where space on either side of the bay window is limited, a wave heading or pencil pleat heading is the best option. Wave, pencil, goblet, double or triple pleat headings are best suited to a track, but avoid a wave heading on a pole as the folds won’t remain uniform.
02 Choose blinds for a clean, contemporary look
Made to measure roman blinds in a bay window will provide a fresh, uncluttered look. This is a particularly effective option when the bay is relatively small to avoid the window looking like it’s swamped in fabric. Although blinds are unlikely to provide complete blackout, they do allow the architecture of the window to shine and maximise the sense of space by allowing lots of light into a room. They also provide more flexibility as each blind can be lowered or raised independently. Choose made to measure roller blinds for a really paired-back aesthetic or for where privacy is key on your bay window.
Blinds are also a great solution if radiators sit under your bay window. Care must be taken when hanging blinds in bay windows however; if they’re not hung straight and parallel to each other, it will be very obvious and a source of much frustration!
03 Choosing both curtains and blinds for your bay window
For maximum impact and flexibility, opt for a combination of blinds and curtains. Not only will this create the ultimate statement but this option provides a number of practical benefits too. For bay windows with radiators underneath, blinds will allow the heat to circulate in the colder months, then on an evening, your curtains will lock that heat in your room. Similarly in the summer months, the two work together to help with temperature control by diffusing harsh sunlight and providing the best blackout.
A combination of blinds and curtains on your bay window also gives you the most flexibility on style. Perhaps you require privacy on your bay window, but don’t want to compromise on colour or texture? Choose transparent roller blinds, paired with made to measure curtains to give you both!
How to measure for curtains + blinds on a bay window
Take a look at our handy guide for measuring your bay window for curtains and measuring your bay window for blinds. If you need some help with measuring your bay window, just get in touch with our team by booking in a free video consultation. We’d be happy to talk you through it!
