Bay windows are the architectural gems of any home. They create a beautiful focal point, add extra square footage, and flood your space with warm and cozy natural light. But do their unique angles and shape scare you from choosing a cover for them? Well, consider custom curtains for bay windows if you have ever struggled with gaps, awkward hardware, or ill-fitting drapes.

First, How to Measure Your Bay Windows

Standard store-bought curtains rarely fit bay windows because the angles and widths vary significantly from house to house. Custom size curtains are the best solution here, but they require accurate measurements.

Don't let the angles scare you. Treat the bay window not as one giant scary unit, but as three separate flat windows.

• Measure the Width: Measure the width of each of the three window sections individually. Measure the left pane, the center pane, and the right pane separately. If you plan to use a continuous rod, you need to account for the space the brackets will take up in the corners.
• Measure the Drop: Decide where you want your curtains to end. For a modern look, measure from the rod to just above the floor (a "floating" look). For a romantic feel, add an inch or two so the fabric puddles slightly.
• Check the Angles: Most bay windows have 135-degree or 90-degree angles. Knowing this helps when selecting corner connectors for your rods.

An important tip here is that you should always use a metal tape measure for accuracy, and measure each section at least twice to ensure consistency.

Okay. Measurements done. Now let’s pick the right curtain styles for your bay windows.

Select Roman Shades for a Clean Look

If you have a built-in window seat or limited floor space, long drapes might not be practical. Choose Roman shades for windows. They offer a tailored, structured appearance that fits neatly inside each window frame.

Roman shades are excellent for bay windows because they operate independently. You can lower the shade on the center window to block the harsh afternoon sun while keeping the side shades up to maintain your view.

• The Flat Fold: Choose a flat fold style for a minimalist, modern aesthetic.
• The Hobbled Fold: Opt for a looped or hobbled fold if you want to add soft texture and depth to the room.

Because they fit inside the frame (inside mount), Roman shades leave the beautiful molding of your bay window exposed, highlighting the architectural charm of it.

Choose Velvet Curtains for an Elegant Vibe

For those who want drama and elegance, you can’t go wrong with heavier fabrics like velvet. Velvet curtains are a timeless choice that adds instant sophistication to your living room or bedroom.

Beyond style, velvet curtains also give you practical thermal functions:

Bay windows often have a lot of glass surface area, which means they can let in a lot of heat in the summer and lose heat in the winter. Velvet is a dense, thick fabric that acts as a natural insulator.

How to style them:

Instead of covering every inch of glass, use velvet panels to "frame" the bay. Place stationary velvet panels on the far left and far right of the bay unit, or in the corners between the windows. This softens the sharp architectural angles and makes the space feel cozy and enclosed without blocking the light.

Layer the Look with Sheer Curtains

If your goal is to keep the room feeling airy and bright while maintaining some daytime privacy, Layering is the ideal design strategy.

You can use sheers to diffuse sunlight, turning a harsh glare into a soft, glowing wash of light. And then pair them with heavier drapes for a functional and stylish combination:

1. Base Layer: Install custom sheer curtains on the inner rod or track. These stay closed during the day to prevent outsiders from seeing in while letting light filter through.
2. Top Layer: Install heavier blackout or thermal curtains on the outer rod. These can be drawn at night for total privacy and darkness.

This layered approach gives you total control over the environment of your room, adapting easily from day to night.

Pick the Right Rods and Hardware

The hardware is often the stumbling block for bay window projects. You essentially have two main options for hanging your treatments.

1. The Continuous Rod

This uses a special bay window curtain rod with "elbows" or flexible corner connectors. It allows the rod to bend around the angles of the bay.

• Pros: It looks cohesive and grand.
• Cons: You usually need passing rings (C-rings) and special brackets so you can pull the curtain across the support points.

2. Individual Rods

You install three separate, shorter rods—one for each window pane.

• Pros: Easier to install and often cheaper.
• Cons: You will have gaps in the corners where the rods don't meet, which can let light in. Finials (the decorative ends) might clash in the corners if they are too large.

For a sleek, modern finish, consider a ceiling-mounted track system. This makes the room feel taller and solves the problem of awkward wall angles.

Why Choose Joydeco?

At Joydeco, we believe that high-quality custom window treatments shouldn't cost a fortune. Whether you need custom size curtains to fit a tricky bay window or luxurious velvet drapes to warm up your home, we provide options that are affordable, stylish, and durable.

Our Custom Roman Shades are a favorite for bay windows. They are crafted to your exact specifications, ensuring a seamless fit for every panel of your window. With options for light filtering or blackout liners, you can control the light exactly how you want. Plus, we offer a range of neutral and textured fabrics that blend perfectly with any interior style.

We make the process simple: you measure, we craft, and you enjoy a home that feels complete.

Conclusion

Dressing a bay window does not have to be a headache. Whether you choose the clean lines of Roman shades, the luxury of velvet, or the breeziness of sheers, the key is getting the fit right. Bay windows are a feature worth highlighting, and with custom curtains, you can turn that awkward space into the favorite corner of your home.

Explore Joydeco’s collection today to find the perfect custom fabric and fit for your home.

5 FAQs about Bay Window Treatments

Q1: What are the best curtain fabrics for bay windows?

The best fabric depends on your needs. For insulation and drama, velvet or heavy cotton is excellent. For a light, airy feel that maximizes natural light, linen or polyester sheers are ideal. If you want a structured look, the stiff fabrics used in Roman shades work perfectly.

Q2: How do I choose the right curtain length for bay windows?

For a formal look, curtains should just touch the floor ("kiss" the floor). For a romantic look, add 2-3 inches for a "puddle." However, for bay windows with window seats (radiators), curtains should stop at the sill or just above the seat cushion.

Q3: Can custom curtains be made for irregularly shaped bay windows?

Yes. This is the main advantage of custom window treatments. Unlike ready-made curtains, custom options are cut to your specific width and drop measurements, ensuring coverage even if your side windows are narrower than your center window.

Q4: How can I add privacy to bay windows?

Layering is the best method. Use sheer curtains or solar shades as a base layer to provide daytime privacy without blocking light. Add lined drapes or blackout Roman shades as a top layer to close at night for full privacy.

Q5: What curtain styles work best for bay windows?

Roman shades are often considered the best style because they are neat and don't clutter the angled corners. However, floor-length drapery panels placed at the outer edges of the bay frame the window beautifully if you have enough wall space.