Bay windows are a beautiful feature in any room, but dressing them can be tricky business. While the architectural detail is an attractive addition to add interest for any room it presents an awkward shape for window treatments – but with the right know-how bay windows can be easy to dress with curtain ideas, blinds and shutters.
Here are our top ideas and designs for dressing bay windows – which work in any room and space.
How to dress a bay window
1. Add Roman blinds for perfect cover
Image credit: Future PLC/ Katie Lee
Choose a Roman blind for each bay window dressing, and measure them to hang slightly over the frame of the window to ensure the entire glass pane is covered and there are no gaps at the edges of the window blind idea.
Go for a large scale pattern for the blinds to create impact and team with a plain curtain in a toning colour. Roll-up Roman blinds are a simple solution for bay windows, while the curtains can either add extra privacy and warmth, or can simply be a decorative addition, framing the window for a smart finish and without the need to be drawn.
2. Use cafe-style shutters at the bottom of the window
Image credit: Future PLC/ Rachael Smith
For an informal effect, hang shutters at the bottom half of the bay window, allowing light through the top half, but also creating privacy – especially important in a bedroom. Hem the panels of fabric and hang them on a flexible net curtain wire, so they can be gathered at the side if you need more light.
The overall look is laid back yet contemporary, and bring the look together with other natural elements around the room, like linen cushions and pale furniture.
Interior designer reveals what not to do when choosing curtains – from measuring to styling, for more inspiration.
3. Hang a curtain at each window
Image credit: Future PLC/ Tim Young
Curtain ideas for bay windows can be expensive and tricky to fit around curves and bends, so fitting a separate pole at each window is a good option. Hang a pair of curtains at the middle window and then frame each side with another curtain. This will create an extremely sophisticated look, bringing the focus to the bay.
Tie back hooks fitted high up will allow the curtains to be gathered in an attractive swag of fabric. Finish the look with a narrow pelmet around the top of the window in a dark fabric to draw the eye upwards and create a sense of space.
4. Hang curtains across the front of the bay
Image credit: Future PLC/ Rachael Smith
For a simply, fuss-free look, hang a thin wire rail across the front of the bay window and use a light muslin or linen curtain to create privacy without blocking out the light. For a savvy bedroom curtain ideas you could use a black out material, to ensure total darkness for a better night’s sleep.
In a living room if you have a desk area or storage in the bay window space that you want to hide, then this curtain can act as the ideal screen, keeping the rest of the room clutter-free.
5. Combine panels with curtains
Image credit: Future PLC
Lightly patterned fabric screens are a neat way of diffusing light and creating privacy at a bay window. Fit the screens on a sliding rail, which is designed to fit around the curves of the bay. Combine with a curtain at each side. These curtains only need to be drawn at the sides of the bay, and can be fitted onto a simply rail, fitted at the top of each side window.
Choose a bolder patterned fabric for the side curtains to create a striking surround around the bay.
6. Filter out the light with full shutters
Image credit: Future PLC/ Chris Nook
Window shutter ideas are a highly effective way to entirely cover a window, with precision. And practical, providing light, privacy and reducing noise – as well as being low-maintenance, requiring nothing more than a frequent dusting to keep them looking their best.
When used to dress bay windows the frames are made to fit each panel of glass perfectly, meaning maximum light control.
7. Add panels of pattern
Image credit: Future PLC/ Simon Whitmore
Use your statement window layout even more captivating by dressing the panes with bold pattern. Simple drop down blinds can add decorative pattern and an accent colour to enhance the decor.
Try to find a pattern that brings in the colours you want to use in the scheme to ensure you don’t end up with a clash or a two-dimensional look. A good rich pattern can be used as the mediator, helping to define the palette, which can then be integrated into cushions or upholstery.
8. Opt for solid shutters for total privacy
Image credit: Future PLC/ David Parmiter
Solid shutters are perfect for period properties, especially in bedrooms, creating a barrier against noise and the elements. Don’t be afraid to go for a coloured option that will highlight any details on the shutter, especially if the rest of the scheme is pared back.
9. Incorporate a matching window seat
Image credit: Future PLC/ David Mereweather
Make the most of a bay window layout by installing a window seat idea, using the otherwise unused space below the window to allow for extra seating. Matching the fabrics for the window treatment to the seat cushions helps to make the window feel well-dressed as a whole.
The accent colour and pattern draws attention to the window, making it a feature to behold. This idea is especially good in a small room, to draw the eye to the view beyond to welcome a sense of airiness.
10. Enhance wooden frames with Venetian blinds
Image credit: Future PLC/ Robert Sanderson
To celebrate the shape of a bay window allow the frames to be the hero of you chosen window treatment. For these smart wooden framed windows the perfect pairing to blend seamlessly is slatted wooden Venetian blinds. A cheaper option but familiar to shutters, venetian blinds offer a substantial material for dressing windows.
The concertina design allows for freedom of movement. Meaning the blinds can be tilted, raised or lowered to adjust the level of light and privacy for any room.
The post How to dress a bay window – ways to style awkward layouts with blinds, curtains and shutters appeared first on Ideal Home.
