Window Treatment Ideas for Bay Windows

Today I’ve asked Tammy Tant, a window covering specialist at BG Custom Windows and blogger at In Stitches to share with us solutions for covering bay windows. She has over 20 years experience in the creating custom window treatments for interior designers and homeowners.

A bay window is a group of windows, usually three or five, that are set at angles to each other and can be challenging when deciding how to cover them. Some of the main areas to consider are architecture, privacy, heat gain or loss and air flow. This room is in a house on Martha's Vineyard and the designer, Lisa Sternfeld didn't want to obstruct the gorgeous views of the sea. If you are lucky enough to have an amazing view and don't need privacy then feel free to leave your bay windows bare.

{photo via TradHome}

Most of us aren't that lucky and our rooms can really be enhanced by the perfect window coverings. You can treat each window separately with individual shades and valances like I did in this breakfast nook. This is a good option if you have several inches of wall space between each window casing.

{photo via In Stitches}

Putting stationary side panels on the outside edges and a continuous valance across the top is a great option if you don't need privacy or you are putting individual blinds or shades at each window. These swags and panels frame the window in an elegant way that is a little more formal.

{photo via BHG}

Do you have beautiful trim that you don't want to cover ? If so and you want a clean look, shutters can be a great solution. They are available painted or stained and come in varying louver sizes depending on the look you want.

{photo via HRA} 

My favorite treatment for a bay or bow window is to have the rods mitered in the corners if they are made of wood. Mitering is tricky and I recommend a professional installer for this one. Iron rods use a special corner bracket to join them in the corners. This treatment allows you to fill in all the wall spaces with curtain panels for a soft look and feel and you can close each panel for privacy.

 

{photo via Cote de Texas}

Some bays are inset and have wall space above the window. On these types of windows you can mount your treatment on the outside so it frames the bay. We used 3" wood poles and 3 widths of silk in these panels that are lined and interlined to make them nice and full. 

{By BGCW for MAMS Designs}

Another option is to hang your valance from medallions, this is a great look for a kitchen or breakfast nook {below}. They come in different diameters and can be made of wood or iron. You can also hang panels from these instead of a rod.

{photo via Decorate My Windows}

Hopefully you got some great ideas for decorating your bay windows and all of these solutions would work on your regular windows too!