Every home or apartment comes with its own unique decorating challenges, and bay windows are often one of them. Are you grappling with how to dress yours?
When Mark and I first saw this house, we immediately fell in love with the natural light streaming in through the bay windows. We have two in the dining room and a third in the adjacent living room. Bay windows are a fantastic feature—they flood a space with sunlight and create an illusion of more space. However, they also come with their quirks. In our case, all of our bay windows have built-in ledges, and one even has a cabinet integrated into it, functioning almost like a window seat.
What’s more, the dining room has two distinct types of bay windows. One juts out prominently from the wall, while the other is more seamlessly incorporated into the floor plan. Even the ceiling above them highlights their differences! These architectural distinctions are beautiful but posed some unique challenges when it came to dressing them.
The window on the left is straightforward—it could easily be dressed with a rod and curtain panels. But the window on the right is a different story. It features six angles that would require wrapping a rod around them. Six angles!
I was determined to hang panels on my windows rather than opting for roman shades or leaving them bare. So, I spent countless hours scouring magazines, Pinterest, and Houzz for inspiration on how to overcome these obstacles.
Creative Ideas for Dressing Bay Windows
Bay windows offer endless possibilities when it comes to dressing them. Here are some ideas I discovered during my research:
Curtain Panels Between Each Window Pane
Adding panels between each window section creates a tailored, classic look. This method works particularly well if you want to emphasize the architectural design of your bay window.
Rod Across the Top
If your bay window has a simpler structure, you can install a single rod across the top to hang your curtains. This creates a cohesive and streamlined appearance.
Wrap-Around Rods
For windows with multiple angles, like mine, a custom wrap-around rod can follow the curves and angles of the bay. It’s a sophisticated option but requires precise measurements and potentially custom fabrication.
Bamboo Shades
Bamboo shades are a chic and natural way to dress bay windows. They add texture and warmth while allowing for flexible light control.
Combination of Bamboo Shades and White Curtains
One of my favorite looks combines bamboo shades with crisp white curtains. The contrast between the organic texture of bamboo and the softness of white fabric creates a serene and inviting vibe.
Examples That Inspired Me
Here are some of the inspirations I found:
Eileen K. Boyd for Lonny Magazine
Clean lines and vibrant fabrics showcase how bay windows can become a focal point of a room.
Better Homes & Gardens
Layered treatments like curtains and shades add depth and flexibility
Canadian House & Home
Neutral palettes with a mix of textures create a timeless aesthetic.
Candice Olson’s Divine Design
Olson’s design incorporates tailored drapes that emphasize the window’s architectural beauty.
After weighing all my options, I decided to take an unconventional approach. For my dining room’s more challenging bay window, I hung curtains using retrofitted cabinet knobs instead of rods. While this method didn’t provide the continuity of a wrap-around rod, it allowed me to flank the windows with panels, maintaining the look I wanted while working around the space’s constraints.
Sometimes, you have to embrace your home’s quirks and work with what you have!
Adding curtains to the dining room has completely transformed the space. It’s amazing how something as simple as window treatments can make a room feel polished and inviting. The dining room is visible as soon as you walk into our house from the garage—the entrance most people use. Dressing the windows has given the space a more “finished” feel, making our in-progress house look and feel more like a home.
Quick Note on Bay vs. Bow Windows
By the way, have you ever wondered about the difference between a bay window and a bow window? The distinction lies in their shapes. A bay window typically has three sections, creating a more angular design, while a bow window features a curved structure with more panes for a rounded appearance. So, the next time someone casually confuses the two, you’ll have the facts to set them straight!
For even more inspiration on bay window dressing, check out my Pinterest board. You’ll find a variety of creative approaches to suit any style or home. Whether you’re a fan of minimalist shades, layered curtains, or bold patterns, there’s something to spark your imagination.
Bay windows may present unique challenges, but with a little creativity and inspiration, they can become one of the most beautiful features in your home. Whether you choose to dress them with elegant panels, natural bamboo shades, or a combination of both, the right treatment will enhance the character of your space while making the most of the light and views.
