Drapes for bay window
Gorgeous Solutions for Bay Window Curtains
By Simona Ganea | Published on
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Bay window curtains have always been challenging because the shape of the window is unique and complex. Bay windows are designed to allow more light into a room than a flat wall with a single-window and are loved for that reason.
However, as useful as they are, it is necessary to be able to cover them for privacy and for light control.
In choosing the best curtains for bay windows, it is important to consider personal factors and needs as well as the particular shape to ensure the best style and type for your window.
Bay Window Curtains: Types and StylesThere are many varieties of bay window designs, so there are many types of bay window curtains. Consider the size and function of your bay window before you decide the best window treatments to use.
- Curtain panels – These are flat fabric panels that hang straight down from a higher rod. You can either hang two panels on either side to frame the bay window or hang two curtains on each window of the bay. Also, you can vary the type of fabric for the panel. Use heavy curtain fabric for an elegant look or lighter fabric for a more casual style.
- Valance – Some people opt for a curtain option that does not cover the whole window. For example, a valance is a good option as this is a window treatment that covers the top half of the window frame.
- Roman shades – If you are looking for a simple bay window treatment, roman shades are ideal. These are flat panels of fabric or another material that covers the whole window. You can adjust these by maneuvering a cord attached to the shade. Also, these work well in combination with other bay window curtains.
- Café curtains – These are a casual-style curtain that you hang on the bottom half of each window.
- Pelmet or cornice – Because the hardware for bay windows is complicated, many people cover it using a pelmet or cornice. A pelmet is a hard structure covered with fabric used over the top of the window treatments. A cornice is molding that is built to cover the top of the window. Curtain panels hang from both a pelmet and a cornice.
- Plantation or venetian blinds – Though not window treatments, blinds are useful for many bay windows with other curtain options or by themselves.
When thinking about the best curtains for your bay window, it is important to think through certain considerations that will affect your end design.
First, you should consider the main uses of your bay window area. Do you want to create a cozy alcove for a reading nook, or do you have room for a small dining area? If you are going to create a reading nook, heavy draperies may be in order to provide the peace and quiet necessary.
If the bay window is going to be a dining area, sheer curtains or shades will allow you to have a better outside view.
Next, consider privacy needs. Is your bay window in a bathroom or a master bedroom? If yes, the privacy needs will be greater in these more intimate spaces. Therefore, making sure that there is full coverage on the bay window is a priority.
Also, think about the sunlight in this area of your home. Is there considerable morning light in your bay window that you need to filter? Or perhaps, you don’t have much light at all. This will impact the style curtains you choose as you may need blackout curtains or just sheers.
Last, consider the look and design that you want for your bay window curtains. Do you want to create a focal point for the room or do you just want your curtains to blend with the rest of the room design? If you want to create a focal point, you can set the curtains apart by using a fabric with a pattern or luxurious material like silk.
There are a few approaches to hanging a curtain in a bay window and particular hardware that is needed for each approach.
- Bay window curtain rod – Bay window curtain rods can either follow the shape of the window or be placed on the flat section of the wall in front of the bay window. If you choose to use a rod that follows the shape of the window, you will need to use a rod that is built for this. These have junctions on certain parts of the rod that allow you to bend it to fit the shape of the bay.
- Café curtain rod – Café window rods are small rods that you attach to the middle of the window. This allows the café curtain to hang and cover the lower half of each window in the bay.
- Bay window tracks and rail – If you are going to cover the top of the window with a cornice or pelmet, you can use a curtain track or rail to attach curtains for bay windows.
- Shade or blind hardware – If you choose this approach to covering your bay window, each shade or blind will have hardware that you attach at the top of each window.
Every bay window is different as are the needs of particular homeowners. Therefore, there are many wonderful bay window curtain ideas. We have rounded up some of the best we have seen to give you a sense of what you can do for your own bay window curtains.
Curtains for a Bay Window
This designer has used a mixed approach to covering this bay window. There is a single rod that follows the shape of the bay. It is hung up to the ceiling to draw the eye upward.
The full-length curtains blend into the wall color. In addition, the shades are neutral but provide texture and blend with the shades on the other windows in the room.
Short Bay Window Curtains
Hamilburg Interiors designed this traditional cottage-style living room with a curved bay window. This bay window has a cozy seating nook that is integrated into the seating of this room.
The curtains are more decorative than utilitarian.
These designers installed elegant yellow curtains to dress up the sides of the bay. Also, notice these curtains are short in order to allow for the bench seat in this bay window.
Sheer Bay Window Treatments
The approach of this homeowner for this bay window is using a straight rod on the flat wall outside the bay window. They have used the sunny recessed space in this bay to grow their plants. Also, this is a good solution in a small room as multiple curtain panels can make a smaller room look heavy.
Kitchen Bay Window Curtains
This bay window is integrated into this kitchen design. Kate Jackson Design has used the bay to create a banquette seating area. This kitchen has a casual style. Therefore, the sheer cafe curtains work well on the three windows of this bay.
Dramatic Curtains for Bay Windows
If you want to create a striking focal point, colorful or patterned bay curtains are a wonderful way to do this.
Clare Gaskin Interiors used a contrasting color and patterned curtain for this bay window area. In addition, there are spare and neutral roman shades to keep the sunlight at bay.
Straight Curtain Cod on a Bay Window
This is a unique approach to hanging bay window curtains. This designer, Jo Alcorn, hung a straight curtain rod over the bay opening. Next, they hung sheer, textured roman shades over each window. Another idea for a simple window covering is plantation or venetian blinds rather than roman shades.
Curved Curtain Rod for Bay Window Nooks
This homeowner utilized a curved rod to follow the shape of the bay window. They hung curtain panels for each of the three windows. They chose an elaborate pattern to give the bay windows a more formal style.
Valance for Bay Windows
Valance window treatments create an elegant and formal style in any house. The look of this curtain is luxurious because of its style, material, and the trim along the bottom edge of the valance.
Panel Curtains for Bay Window Recesses
This living room from neuhaus design uses long panel curtains that go to the floor at each window. Rather than use a curved curtain rod, this team chose to use individual rods for each window.
The wood trim frames the bay window. However, the bay window curtains provide texture rather than contrast. They are simple in style and form which allows the stunning architectural details to speak for themselves.
Neutral Curtain Ideas for Bay Windows
This serene bay window look comes from sutroarchitects. If you like this look, hang curtains that are just a shade darker than the color of your walls. In addition, the designers have added relaxed roman shades in a sheer fabric. This design gives privacy, but it still allows filtered light into the room.
Squared Bay Window Rods
The bay window in this room does not curve like other bay window designs. The designer, mollymcginness, utilizes an adjustable bay window curtain rod for this recessed alcove.
They have attached the lined curtains at the end and corner of the curtain rod to create a more continuous look.
Curtains for Ornamental Bay Windows
If you are fortunate enough to have a bay window with decorative glass, you may not want to cover it. This designer chose curtains panels that frame the end of the bay. Therefore, they left the rest of the window free to frame the extra furniture, like the bar cart and accent chairs.
Modern Bay Window Curtains
You can find many bay windows in historic and traditional-style homes. However, because of the benefits they offer, bay windows are in many modern homes too.
In this design, risingerhomes utilizes a bay window for this eating nook. In order to keep the style in keeping with the home’s decor, the interior designer uses simple and neutral panel curtains for this bay window.
Bay Window Blinds and Curtain Ideas for Filtered Lighting
This bay window design from antoniomartins features a textured design that utilizes seagrass blinds and panel curtains.
If you don’t like the view outside your window or if the light is too strong consider a solution like this. For example, pair seagrass shades on each window with a curved bay window rod and neutral panels for each window.
Curtains and Blinds for a Bay Window
If you want a less rustic look, try wooden plantation shutters with panel curtains for your bay window. That was the approach of the designer of this room, amorybrown. They used the panels to frame the bay windows, but the shutters do the heavy lifting.
Pelmet Heading for a Bay Window
One ideal way to hide less attractive window hardware is a pelmet heading. The designer has covered the pelmet in the same fabric as the curtains. This frames the bay window to provide the perfect setting for the sofa tucked into the recess. This design comes from chrissnookphotography.
Bay Window Curtains for Kids
Bay windows are perfect in a kid’s room for creating a cozy space for relaxing.
These bay window curtains are not fussy; rather, they are practical for providing privacy and control of sunlight. A. Tate Hilliard created this lovely child’s bedroom design.
Coordinating Bay Window Shades
If you want to create a look of continuity in your room, coordinate your curtains throughout the room including the bay window curtains. In this room, the designer chose a muted pattern that matches the shade of the wood paneling. The roman shades provide a look that is simple and classic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
What curtains are best for a bay window?
The best curtains for bay windows depend on your needs. For example, if you want to create a formal look that creates a focal point in the room, frame the bay window with curtain panels. You can put the panels on each window or along the outside of the bay. If you want a more casual look, roman shades or café curtains are the best curtains for your bay window.
Can you put curtains over the bay window?
Yes, you can hang a single rod on the wall outside the bay window rather than use a curved rod that follows the shape of the bay.
How many curtains do I need for a bay window?
The number of curtains you use depends on the design of your bay window and the type of look you want. You can hang a curtain on each of the windows in the bay or hang a curtain on each side to frame the bay windows.
Are curtains old fashioned?
No, curtains are not old fashioned. In fact, interior designers use curtains in contemporary and modern interior design just like they use them in traditional design. In addition, curtains have practical value in that they give you privacy and allow you to control sunlight coming into the room. However, while curtains in and of themselves are not old-fashioned, there are styles like swags and valances that look more traditional than contemporary.
ConclusionBay window curtains are the perfect way to both frame your bay window and to control the natural light coming through these windows.
While it may seem like a complicated proposition, it is worth finding the right solution to accent bay windows.
Once you start looking, there are so many wonderful options that you will be spoiled for choice.
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55 interior photos, modern window design ideas
Recommendations for choosing curtains
A few recommendations to consider when choosing curtains:
- First of all, you need to pay attention to the general style of the room and its purpose.
- Bay windows should also be considered. It is important that the whole composition looks harmonious.
- In ledges with two or three windows, it is better to decorate each plane with separate curtains.
- For a round bay window, solid sheets on a flexible cornice are perfect.
Which types of curtains are best for bay windows?
The following types of curtains are used to decorate bay windows:
- Roman. Pretty versatile option. The canvases are fixed in the required position and create neat folds.
- Tulle. Curtains give such a window ledge a special lightness and allow you to further expand the space.
- curtains. They will become a win-win solution for any bay window and will undoubtedly make it the main focus of the entire room.
- Roll. Sun blinds are a very convenient and functional design option, they significantly save space in the room and do not overload it.
- Blinds. Horizontal, vertical slats or pleated blinds will be the most economical bay window design. Due to the huge variety of materials and colors, they can be matched to any interior.
- French. They are perfect for windows of the original form. French curtains form graceful picturesque folds and attract attention.
- Austrian. They create heavier draperies, which also fit elegantly and beautifully into this window design.
- Kiseya. It looks easy and impressive and does not weigh down the bay window.
The photo shows a bay window decorated with light curtains of a light shade.
Dimensions of curtains
The length depends not only on personal preferences and the design of the room, but also on the purpose of the room.
Short (up to the window sill)
Short curtains allow you to use the window sill functionally, place various furniture near the window opening and simply save space in a small room.
The photo shows a kitchen in light colors and short curtains on a bay window ledge.
Long
Such canvases look more presentable and give the interior a special chic.
The photo shows the living room and bay windows, decorated with long dark curtains with tulle.
Varieties of bay windows
There are main types of bay windows:
- Classical. Quite common in modern architecture. In a classic bay window, at least three sides are implied, it can also be in the shape of a semicircle. Almost all types of curtains are used to decorate this window opening.
- Poluerker. Better known as the corner bay window. Curtains allow you to correct its slightly irregular shape and correctly emphasize such an exotic architectural idea in the interior.
Bay window shapes
Basic geometric shapes.
Triangular (for 2 windows)
Triangular bay window, can be decorated with any configuration of curtains in various fabrics.
Most often, curtain rods are installed along the sides of the triangle.
The photo shows the interior of the bedroom and the curtains on the triangular bay window.
Rectangular or trapezoid (for 3 windows)
For decoration, classic curtains with lambrequins, Roman, French, Austrian curtains or various sun protection options are suitable. Fabric models allow you to smooth out the pronounced corners of the bay window. A rectangular bay window shape can be formed by redevelopment and alignment with a loggia or balcony.
Round
Known as the Venetian bay window due to its glazing with large or panoramic windows, it is an elegant design object.
The photo shows a bedroom with a round bay window, decorated with a combination of curtains and curtains.
Polygonal (4 or more windows)
Due to the unusual ledge, a lot of light and space are organized in the room.
For such a wide bay window, curtains for each window sash are suitable.
Pictured are Roman blinds on each polygonal bay window.
Interior ideas for rooms
This type of bay windows gives a lot of all kinds of ideas for creating an original interior.
Living room or hall
Classic curtains will look especially elegant and accentuate the whole structure. They complement the interior and do not weigh it down. For living rooms with a lot of furniture, shortened ceiling-mounted curtains are perfect.
The photo shows a living room in the modern classic style and curtains on the bay windows.
Kitchen and dining room
Kitchens in houses of the P44T series are characterized by triangular, trapezoidal or corner ledges. If there is a working area near the windows, then it is better to choose short models of curtains to the windowsill. For a bay area with a dining table, you can use long curtains or curtains.
Bedroom
The most commonly used night curtains made of dense materials or curtains. They fit especially well into the interior, smooth out the shape of bay windows and harmonize the overall look of the room.
Children's room
Children's rooms can be decorated with both models that do not transmit light, such as blinds or blinds, as well as the traditional combination of curtains with tulle, veil or organza.
On the photo is a children's room and half bay window, decorated with light curtains in combination with tulle.
Wooden house
Light, weightless flowing curtains on the bay window ledge in a wooden house, perfectly fit into the overall environment and unite all the windows into one composition.
Design options in different styles
Bay window decor should also match the style of the room.
- Provence. Linen curtains with floral motifs or decorated with embroidery and various laces look especially elegant. They perfectly transmit light and do not weigh down the window ledge.
- Classic. Dense curtains with massive folds in combination with tulle, decorated with lambrequins, tassels, tiebacks or other decorative elements, can change the atmosphere in the room and make it more solemn.
- Modern. For bay windows in a modern style, laconic and practical plain curtains in pastel colors, Roman blinds or blinds are suitable. They form a maximum of free space and perfectly complement the overall look of the room.
Pictured are Roman blinds on bay windows in a modern living room.
Bay window design
Various creative ideas allow you to create even more interesting bay window designs.
- Combined. Two-color curtains will become a special decoration of such a window ledge and give it exclusivity.
- Semicircular top. Reminiscent of an arch and allow you to bring a new sound to the already familiar design of the room.
- Asymmetry. Creates a light and playful interior, and brings a little dynamism to it.
Color palette
The color palette is able to create a special atmosphere in the room.
- Beige. They bring warmth, dimension and comfort to the room, and form a peaceful atmosphere in it.
- Blue. They saturate the space with air and fill it with lightness and purity.
- Red. Red curtains will emphasize the importance of the interior and help to achieve a stunning effect in the room.
- Pink. Cloudless pink creates a sophisticated and inviting room design.
- Grey. Perfectly combined with both cold and warm shades and harmoniously link them into a single whole.
- Greens. They evoke pleasant emotions, add brightness and freshness to the room.
- Brown. They warm the interior, make it more saturated and unusual.
Pictured is a living room and gray Roman blinds on a trapezoidal bay window.
Curtain decor
Interesting curtain decor creates a stylish and fashionable interior.
- Lambrequin. Bay windows, decorated with soft or hard bandeau lambrequin, look especially elegant and luxurious.
- Eyelets. Uniform folds allow you to harmoniously fit the curtain structure into the bay window ledge.
- With brushes. Curtains decorated with brushes acquire an original look, due to which the interior begins to play with new colors.
Photo gallery
Bay window curtains look very elegant and harmonious, and can become an indispensable decor element for any room with such an unusual architectural design.
photos in the interior of the kitchen, living room and bedroom
Bay window - part of a room of a rectangular, semicircular or multifaceted shape, protruding beyond the plane of the walls.
Bay window makes the appearance of the room more interesting, improves its illumination. But if you do not beat it competently, there is a possibility that it will turn into an architectural element that is devoid of meaning. Therefore, when choosing curtains for it, one should take into account not only the features of the glazing, but also the purpose of the room. We offer you a selection of photos with design ideas for bay window curtains in the living room, bedroom and kitchen.
Bay window in the kitchen: emphasizing the advantages and hiding the disadvantages
In most cases, a kitchen with a bay window is a fairly spacious room, divided into several functional areas. This can be a working and dining area and, if the size of the room allows, and a relaxation area with a TV and a sofa.
Apartments in houses of the P-44T, P-44M, P-44K and other series are characterized by a kitchen with a triangular, angular and trapezoidal bay window.
The photo shows short curtains for the kitchen with a bay window in the house of the P-44T series.
The photo shows options for decorating a triangular bay window with classic long curtains.
The photo shows examples of a bay window with Roman blinds.
Trapezoidal bay windows are most often found in kitchens. For them, you can choose from classic long curtains, as well as lifting Roman or roller blinds.
The photo shows Roman blinds in the kitchen with a trapezoidal bay window in the house of the P-44T series.
The photo shows a variant of the design of the same bay window with roller blinds.
If there is a work area in the bay window, then only short curtains with a length that does not fall below the window sill are suitable for it. The ideal option in this case would be lifting - roller, Roman, Austrian blinds or horizontal blinds.
We must not forget that the atmosphere in the kitchen is characterized by a high content of wet and greasy fumes, so the material from which the curtains for the kitchen with a bay window in the working area are sewn must be water-repellent.
And since the specifics of the kitchen require frequent ventilation, it is better to hang them not on a common eaves, but on each wall, if there are several windows or on each sash, if the window is panoramic.
When the bay window is used as a dining or sitting area, it can be decorated with long curtains that are not very thick or curtains with not too voluminous pleats. This solution is suitable for both classic and avant-garde settings.
If you choose light-colored fabric curtains for the bay window and complement them with a darker-colored lambrequin, an illusion of spatial depth will be created.
But remember that thick curtains are appropriate only in spacious rooms.
Even in a medium-sized kitchen, they will seem too massive, visually make the interior heavier, and the space adjacent to the bay window will look too simple against their background. In addition, it is advisable to separate the bay window with the dining area with a light air partition, for example, muslin.
She will not "eat" a single centimeter of usable area and at the same time perfectly isolate each of the zones, allowing them to be used with the greatest comfort.
Curtains for the bay window in the living room
For a harmonious interior, the color and texture of the curtains are very important, but the appearance and functionality of the bay window is largely influenced not by the model of the curtains, but by how they are hung.
Depending on the size and geometry of the bay window, curtains in the living room can be hung in several ways:
- Each partition (if there are several windows) or sash (if the window is panoramic) is decorated with an independent narrow curtain fixed on a separate cornice. If the glazing starts from the floor, the curtains should be long, such as classic curtains, curtains or awnings. In cases where the glazing height is standard (windows have window sills and start about 120 cm above the floor), short, window-sill-length Roman, Austrian or French curtains are also suitable.
- Curtains of medium density, drapes or curtains are hung in the same way as in the first case, above each window or sash (if the window is panoramic, without piers), but on a common cornice. The cornice is equipped with restrictive rings that allow the curtains to move only along a small area. At the same time, it is important to maintain harmony by hanging the curtains symmetrically with respect to the central window.
- Windows in a bay window are decorated in the same way as standard direct glazing - a classic curtain ensemble consisting of two curtains, tulle and a lambrequin. They are fixed on a common cornice. A lush curtain is hung closer to the glass, and curtains are located only at the outer corners of the bay window. This design does not block the view from the window and is especially good for panoramic and stained glass windows.
- Bay windows are decorated with diverse curtains. For example, for comfort, transparent tulle is hung across the entire width of the window, and for protection from the sun, Roman or roller blinds are mounted on each gap or sash of a panoramic window.
Another interesting solution, mirroring the previous one, is to hang thick curtains on the outer corners of the bay window, and install translucent Austrian or Roman curtains up to the window sill in each opening or sash.
These are basic designs for bay window curtains. When choosing the most suitable among them, do not forget to take into account the geometry of the window and the size of the living room.
So thick and lush curtains are not suitable for small and narrow bay windows.
And vice versa, for a spacious living room with a wide bay window, it is better to choose complex curtains, decorated with decorative elements and interesting finishes.
Bedroom with bay window
The main purpose of the bedroom is to provide us with good rest and sound sleep after a long day. And if when decorating windows in other rooms, you can limit yourself to only translucent curtains, then the curtains for the bay window in the bedroom should be dense, able to protect the interior of the room from sunlight during the day and from the light of street lamps at night.
The easiest way to decorate bay windows in the bedroom is to hang independent blackout Roman or roller blinds in each window opening or on each sash. They allow not only to completely darken the room, but also, if necessary, to use the entire window structure without restrictions. The latter circumstance is also important, since fresh air is necessary for healthy sleep, and the bedroom often has to be ventilated.
Roll-up curtains with a minimalist design, perfect for minimalist bedrooms. If the room for sleeping and relaxing is decorated in a classic or romantic interior, such a curtain composition can be supplemented with curtains or tulle hung in the outer corners of the bay window.
But still, in a bedroom with a classic interior, a traditional curtain ensemble, consisting of two classic curtains, one wide curtain and a lambrequin, is more appropriate. If the bay window has the shape of a semicircle, the cornice can be of a general, curved shape.
