Choosing curtains or blinds for your bay window
- Lynne Whitteker
- Consultant
In short
Both curtains and blinds can look beautiful in a bay window — the right choice usually comes down to where the window sits and how the room is used. Curtains soften the space and suit a curved or bent track that follows the bay, while roller, roman and venetian blinds keep things neat and work well above a window seat. A consultant can help you weigh up light, privacy and the look you’re after.
Bay windows are a beautiful interior feature, adding a touch of character to your home with their intricate detailing and departure from the squared lines of a modern room. Choosing between curtains and blinds for your bay window can be difficult, but is generally dictated by the location of your window and the rooms intended use.
Table of contents
Should you choose curtains for a bay window?
There are a number of options when it comes to using curtains in your bay window, but the most important thing is that the windows are not overshadowed by your choice in curtain.
When does a single track work best?
A simple, effective option is to use curtains that are drawn across the front of the bay. This allows you to cleanly cover the window space without cluttering the bay with curtains. Team light, breezy curtains with simple roller blinds to get the look you want with the practicality and privacy of blinds.
What about bent or curved tracks?
If you’re after curtains that will sit inside the bay space then your best option is to go with a bent or curved track, this helps to eliminate light gaps in your bay window when the curtains are drawn. As bay windows have a number of sections you can choose to have a separate curtain on each section, the traditional pair of curtains that meet in the middle of the bay or a single curtain that goes across all the sections.
Are blinds a good choice for a bay window?
There are a number of options when it comes to using blinds in your bay window and these vary depending on the type of blind.
How do roller blinds suit a bay window?
Roller blinds are a hugely effective option for a simple window covering which works to accentuate the beautiful character of the window space itself. You will need a single roller blind for each window aspect to create a clean, minimalist look.
They’re ideal if your bay window has a built in window seat or other furniture as they don’t take up too much space in the bay. Roller blinds look best in bay windows with mullions between each section as this reduces the amount of light gaps when the blind is drawn.
How do roman blinds work in a bay?
As with roller blinds, roman blinds are a simple and effective yet elegant option for controlling the light and privacy of your bay window. They can be made to fill the required window space, and fit cleanly above a window seat or kitchen bench.
You will need three or four separate blinds across each window aspect to achieve a uniform, clean look. It’s important to consider that when they’re raised, roman blinds do hang over the top part of the window, potentially blocking an aspect that you would prefer to accentuate. Roman blinds are effective insulators and can be customised to include black out and thermal lining.
Are venetian blinds right for a bay window?
Venetian blinds create a classic, timeless look however they can in some circumstances, be too busy for your bay window, making it feel cluttered. If you are furnishing a window that extends as high as the ceiling, simple Venetians may work well over the lower part of the window, offering privacy and light control.
If you do decide to go for full-length venetian blinds, white slats are an excellent option for a clean, uncluttered look.
Ready to find the right curtains and blinds for your home? Request a free in-home consultation and one of our local consultants will bring the samples to you, measure up, and give you a no-obligation quote.
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Guides
Choosing the right blinds for your home
Not sure which blinds will suit your home? From blind types and key features to room-by-room advice, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Frequently asked questions
Are curtains or blinds better for a bay window?
Neither is automatically better — it depends on your window and how the room is used. Curtains soften the space and suit a curved track that follows the bay, while blinds keep things neat and work especially well where there’s a window seat or bench below. Many homes combine both.
Do you need a special track for bay window curtains?
If you want the curtains to sit inside the bay and follow its shape, yes — a bent or curved track is the best option, as it helps eliminate light gaps when the curtains are drawn. Alternatively, a single straight track across the front of the bay is a simpler choice.
How many blinds do I need for a bay window?
Usually one blind per window aspect, so a typical bay needs three or four separate blinds for a clean, uniform look. Roller blinds in particular look best where there are mullions between each section, as this reduces light gaps.
Which blinds are best above a window seat?
Roller and roman blinds are both excellent above a window seat because they sit close to the glass and don’t take up space in the bay. Roman blinds can also be lined for blockout and thermal performance if light control and warmth matter to you.
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