Bay Window Dressings

Bay Window Treatments Because of the design and shape of a bay window, there are some considerations that are unique to designing a window treatment that is both functional and complements their beauty, including the bay seat often incorporated into the constructions of bay windows.
If your bays overlook a secluded area and light control isn’t a problem, window treatments may not be absolutely essential.
But bay window treatments can make your windows into a design focal point.
You can use any type of window treatment in a bay if you have the right hardware.
Curtain rods, for example, are available in versions especially designed for bay windows.
Other window coverings made to fit the special requirements of bay windows can include
You can certainly cobble together three separate rods if you have sufficient space to hang them (it may be a problem to fit them end-to-end in a smaller bay), but make sure to consider the issue and measure carefully to insure that you don’t accidentally purchase something that won’t fit.
The following are some ideas for bay window treatments:

• Bay Window Curtains – Long panels or café-style window curtains particularly suit bays. Accentuate your windows by hanging panels between them. The closer you hang the panels to the ceiling, the more dramatic the result. Café curtains topped with one long valance are another attractive option that also provides privacy if your bay overlooks a public area.

• Window Shades – If your bay has decorative molding that you don’t want to hide, consider using a shade. Shades come in many shapes to suit your rooms. You could select a roller shade, which rolls straight up and down from the top; a Roman shade, which pulls up into loose pleats; or a ribbon shade, which manually rolls up from the bottom and ties underneath.

• Valances – Consider accentuating your bay with a valance and leaving the windows otherwise uncovered if privacy and light control aren’t problems for you. The valance-only approach can be one of the most attractive and allows you to take a creative approach. You can purchase a valance or create your own using fabric or scarves.

• Window Blinds – Mini blinds are certainly a possibility, but in general it’s best to avoid them in bays. The long series of unbroken horizontal lines is busy and doesn’t make the most of the bay. Unless you have no other choice, it’s best to avoid them.

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