How to Dress a Bay Window

Bay windows bring extra space, visual interest and additional light to your home. The important thing to remember when dressing your bay window is to enhance its beauty, not overwhelm it. Heavy draperies in dark fabric should be avoided. If the window is in an area where privacy won't be compromised, consider leaving it without any window treatments to maximize its impact.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Voile
• Curtain rods
• Wood blinds
• Textured linen

Bay Window Style

1. Hang a single layer of embroidered voile over each window. Voile is thin semitransparent fabric. You can achieve this look with a custom rod, single rods, or ready-made bay window rods. Choose a color that complements your decor. The advantage of voile is its ability to diffuse light and provide a level of privacy when closed. However, if you use the bay window area during evening hours and want privacy, voile might not be the best choice.

2. 
    
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   Consider lace cafe-style curtains. The foundation of a bay window is its arched elegance, and lace will complement this. Cafe curtains are available ready-made in many lengths, and can be purchased with matching valances.

3. You also can choose wide-slat wooden blinds, painted in colors that match your decor. If you have an eclectic, multicolor decor, choose blinds that match a single piece of furniture or work of art. This creates a sense of harmony and balance. Blinds have an air of simplicity which will not interfere or overwhelm the beauty of your windows.

4. Hang fabric panels between windows for a wall-sized bay. Group the fabric panels together between windows to allow light in during the day. The fabric should be pastel or white. At night, the panels are pulled to the center to cover the windows, providing privacy.

5. Try textured linen or natural roman shades, which come in a variety of colors (see 'Resources' below). Roman shades are adjustable and naturally elegant and will beautify, not overwhelm your space.

Dressing Your Bay Window

6. Decide on the style and length of the window dressing you want to use and measure your windows accordingly. Purchase the fabric according to the bay window dimensions and be sure to make allowances for hems. The rods will go through the top hem.

7. Buy a curtain rod for bay windows (see 'Resources' below) if you've decided on voile draperies or cafe curtains. If you are using blinds or roman shades, follow manufacturer's instructions for installation. For cafe-style window dressing, buy separate rods for the lower portion of the window treatment. Bay curtain rods can be used for the valances.

8. Create a seating area within the bay for reading and viewing nature. Bay windows often have a built-in padded seat for this purpose.

Resources

• Bay Window Rods
• Roman Shades-Natural Material
• Embroidered Voile Panel