How to Drape a Bay Window
If you do have the good fortune of having a house with a bay window, you may find that draping a bay window is more difficult than you first anticipated. Because of the three-paneled structure of the window, it can be difficult to decide exactly how to go about covering the windows. Some people want to cover the entire bay window with drapes that hang to the floor, while others choose to use the window as a seating area and would like the window coverings to cover only the window panes. Fortunately there are some simple steps that can help you make the most of your bay window while still enjoying privacy and filtering sunlight. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Decide what style of drapery you are going to use for your bay window. Some people want curtains for each section of the bay window, while for others a roll-up Roman shade suits them perfectly. Still another option is to get a valance or swag curtain to decorate the wall just above the opening of the bay window. These can decorate just the top of the wall outside the bay window or can hang from ceiling to floor and cover the bay window area completely.
-
2
Take measurements for a valance or drapes that will hang outside of the bay window area, by measuring the width of the opening of the bay window. The valance or drapes should extend from one end of the bay window area opening to the other, although you may extend the measurement a few inches on either side to create the illusion of a wider window. For the height measurement, begin at the ceiling line and measure to the point where you want the valance or drapes to fall. You may choose to let them fall to the floor or simply to the "seat" part of the bay window.
-
-
3
Take measurements for Roman shades if you've chosen to use that particular style of drapery. Simply measure the height and width of each window to get the exact measurement for your shades.
-
4
Measure for multiple window-drapery panels if you've decided to cover each windowpane individually. Take the measurement of the height and width of each window. Multiply the width of your measurement by two. The number you arrive at, along with the height measurement are your dimensions for drapes. Doubling the width measurement for the window will ensure that your drapes are full and pleated when they are closed.
-
5
Decide what kind of fabric you want. If you want to block light completely when the drapes are closed, you will want to purchase drapes in a heavy, opaque fabric or ones with blackout liner already sewn into them. If you are looking for something that will gently filter light while also offering privacy, you may want to select sheer panels. In terms of decorative fabrics, you are limited only by your imagination as you can turn virtually any kind of fabric into drapes. If you have created a window-seat area in your bay window, you may be interested in coordinating the patterns and color of your drapery fabric with the cushion or pillows that you have placed on the seat.
-
6
Browse your options in a home-decorating store. When you have found the drapes or curtains you want to buy, double check your measurements to make sure they are correct before purchasing,
-
7
Purchase the correct hardware necessary to install your drapes. You can choose to either mount your drapes on the window frame with a rod and mounting brackets, or to slide the drapes onto a telescoping rod that can be fit between either side of the window casing. This tends to be the better option for bay windows as the simplicity of the window’s design can be easily overwhelmed by too much external hardware. However, ultimately what you choose will depend on your personal taste and the aesthetic of the room.
-
8
Install the brackets according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Generally, if you are installing mounted brackets you will need a power drill, a screwdriver and some extra screws.
-
9
Slide your drapes onto the wall-mounted curtain rod or the telescoping curtain rod, depending on which one you are using. Slide the wall-mounted curtain rod into its brackets and move the fabric around on the rod until you get the desired degree of fullness covering each window. If you are using the telescoping rods, open them to a width slightly wider than that of the window pane and gently wedge each end of the rod against either side of the window casement. Be sure that the rod is as close to the top of the windowpane is possible. Slide the drapes around on the rod until they have reached the degree of fullness you desire.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
