Bay or bow window add a touch of style and character to a home, owing to their unique design. By projecting outward from the main walls, they give a room a spacious effect. However, the resulting angular spaces pose a bit of a challenge when it comes to finding the right window covering. While the choice between blinds and curtains for bay windows can be a difficult one, the choice is often directed by the location of this interior feature and the intended use of the room.
Curtains
The key consideration when choosing curtains for your bay windows is ensuring that the covering doesn’t overshadow your windows. Some curtain styles to consider include:
- Single track: This is a simple design intended to cover the window area without cluttering the space. Just draw them across the front of the bay when you need some privacy.
- Curved or bent tracks – One shortcoming with single track curtains is that they create light gaps in the bay window when drawn. Curved curtains are fitted inside the bay space, with each section having a separate section for complete cover. Alternatively, you can install curved tracks with a single curtain that extends across all the sections, or use a conventional pair of curtains designed to meet at the centre of the bay.
Blinds
If you don’t want to use long and heavy curtains as your covering, then you should consider using blinds. Great options for bay windows include:
- Roller blinds: These are great for accentuating the lovely character of your bay windows, especially if they have a built in nook, seat, or other window furniture. To create a clean look, consider using a single roller blind for each window.
- Roman blinds: Simple and elegant, Roman blinds are ideal for controlling the privacy and light provided by your bay windows. They are usually designed to fit precisely above a window seat to fill the required window space. As with roller blinds, you should use three or four separate blinds to give your window a uniform look. Keep in mind that Roman blinds reach over the top part of the window when raised, so they may not be right if there’s a feature you wish to accentuate.
Roller blinds are recommended for bay windows that feature mullions between each section to minimise the amount of light gaps when you draw the blind. Roman blinds, on the other hand, are great insulators, as they can be customized to include thermal and blackout lining.
Verdict
There are several types of bay windows, including multifaceted bay, angled bay, and even bow windows, each of which has a unique shape. Since no single design can be right for all of them, you should consider getting a custom window covering that will provide a neat and tidy look. That said, you should consider using long curtains for each window if you have large bay windows that extend to the ceiling.
