How to Decorate a Bay Window with Made to Measure Curtains & Blinds
Bay windows are one of the most elegant architectural features in a home. These big, beautiful windows offer character and charm, welcoming an abundance of natural light into your dining room, living area, or bedroom.
However, dressing a bay window can be a challenge, as its distinctive shape and angles often make standard curtains and blinds difficult to fit. With made to measure bay window curtains and blinds, you can achieve a timeless look that not only complements your interior, but also provides the privacy and light control you desire. Discover more about the types of window treatments for bay windows below.
Choosing the right made to measure curtains for your bay window
Made to measure curtains are ideal for bay windows, as they can be precisely measured and cut to size. Whether you’re seeking a soft, traditional aesthetic or a more refined, structured look, the right made to measure curtains can transform your bay windows into a true focal point of the room. However, there’s a few things you’ll need to consider when choosing bay window curtains:
Fabric & texture
When dressing your bay windows with made to measure curtains, you should always opt for high-quality fabrics that drape beautifully, such as linen blends or delicate cotton weaves. We offer a fantastic range of lightweight 100% linen, linen union (a mix of 60% linen and 40% organic cotton), and woven curtain fabrics that hang perfectly in front of bay windows.
Colour
Light-coloured fabrics work best for bay window curtains, as they help to enhance the natural light that these windows provide. Our made to measure curtain fabrics are available in a vast array of colours and patterns to complement your bay windows – Little Fern, Cow Parsley, Lattice Leaf, and Pretty Maids are some of our most popular bay window designs.
Light & temperature control
Bay windows bring in lots of daylight – but you might require more control over the amount of light that enters your room. You may also need to keep the room temperature warm in the winter and cool during the summer. Many of our made to measure curtain fabrics are available with blackout linings, which helps to control the light and temperature in your room.
Curtain style
Bay windows look truly stunning with full length made to measure curtains. This elegant, floor-to-ceiling effect adds height and drama to your bay window, especially when paired with a light-coloured pole or discreet track. Or if you love the layered look, you could consider pairing Roman blinds with curtains.
Curtain poles or tracks?
Many people ask us whether curtain poles or tracks are better for bay windows. It all depends on your personal preferences. Curtains can be hung from a custom curved pole which follows the window’s shape, allowing them to glide smoothly from end to end. But if you prefer a more seamless, understated look, you could fit a curtain track to the ceiling or window frame.
Enhance your bay windows with made to measure blinds
Made to measure bay window blinds offer a sleek alternative to curtains – or, as mentioned above, they can be used alongside curtains to create a layered effect. Roman blinds are well suited to bay windows, as three or more blinds can sit side-by-side to maximise the amount of light entering your room. Here’s how to choose the perfect made to measure Roman blinds for your space:
Colour palette
As with curtains, you’ll need to pick your Roman blind colour palette wisely. If you have an inbuilt bay window seating arrangement, make sure that your blinds complement the furniture colours. Some of our most popular fabrics for bay window blinds include using one of our Plain 100% Linen or Plain Linen Unions with a contrasting border, or a simple stripe such as Simple Ticking Detail.
Borders
Pattern matching is a great option for bay window blinds. This means that when the fabric is joined, the pattern continues seamlessly across the blind.
We can also add a 5cm contrasting bottom border or an all-round border on the right, left, or bottom edge of the blind using any of our fabrics. For example, a Simple Ticking Detail blind in Lichen looks stunning with a bottom border of Plain Lichen.
Mounting position
People often wonder where to mount Roman blinds on their bay windows. For a classic, tailored look, mount your blinds inside the recess of each individual window. Or, you could mount your Roman blinds outside the recess to create an impression of height and grandeur. This is ideal if your window features intricate mouldings or frames that you’d like to highlight.
We now offer pelmets that cover the top of your Roman blinds if they are outside the recess, helping to smarten up the blinds for a more formal feel.
Decorate your bay window with Vanessa Arbuthnott Fabrics
Looking to enhance your dining area, living room, or bedroom with the addition of some bay window curtains or blinds? We can craft made to measure window dressings that fit your extra-wide or non-standard bay windows perfectly. Our bay window curtains and blinds beautifully frame the window and maximise the natural light entering your room, helping to create an elegantly charming and inviting space.
Need help creating your dream bay window? Get in touch with one of our interior designers today to discuss your bay window dressing ideas.
We sell fabrics exclusively designed by Vanessa Arbuthnott, along side small, bespoke collection of Made to Measure items which includes curtains, blinds, sofas, footstools, chairs, headboards, and quilts, all handmade specially for you by master crafts people.
