Transforming Bay Windows: 11 Strategies to Highlight and Elevate This Stunning Architectural Feature
Searching for unique ways to dress those quirky bay windows? Look no further, we've got you covered! Bay windows present a design challenge, but they don't have to be an eyesore. Here's a series of fresh and fabulous window treatment ideas that will grace your space while maintaining functionality.
1. Stick with the Basics: Battle-tested Shutters
Sometimes simplicity is key. In open and airy modern living rooms, an undressed bay window can do wonders. Traditional shutters, cleverly tucked away in the wall structure, can offer the perfect balance between minimalism and versatility.
"We opted to leave the bay window as is, two lounge chairs stylishly facing it," says Leo Wood, the mind behind Kinder Design. "The shutters have a tailored architectural aspect that provides the ideal blend of simplicity and adaptability for managing light."
2. Layer up the Romance: Roman Blinds and Curtains
Looking to add some warmth and coziness to your room? Layering Roman blinds and full-length drapes is a stylish and practical solution. Long curtains lend opulence to the room, framing the bay window flawlessly, while Roman blinds allow for quick and easy light control and privacy.
"The drapes encapsulate the exquisiteness of the bay window, accompanied by the convenience and privacy that the Roman blinds deliver without disrupting the well-dressed drapes," explains Jenny Luck, the interior designer of a breathtaking dining room.
3. Filter it out: Half-Height Voile Blinds
Want to keep the architectural magic of your bay window intact, but still need some privacy? Half-height voile blinds are just what you need. These delicate window treatments will keep your space feeling open while offering a level of privacy.
"Half-height blinds cater to rooms in need of privacy, while still maintaining an open atmosphere," says Pereen d'Avoine, the founding director of Russian For Fish. "These cotton voile blinds, with their filtering capabilities, block street-level views while maintaining a connection with the sky."
4. Let the Paint Speak: Paint it Up
Don't always feel obliged to cover your bay window with fabrics. Paint can be the best choice when it comes to window treatments, adding character to your room.
In this example, a charming pink and green color combination picks up on the bay window, drawing attention to it while complementing the surrounding furniture and space.
"The green, reaching up to dado height, softens the transition between elements," shares Pereen d'Avoine, Russian For Fish’s leader. "By extending the green to the window frames, we created a distinction while mirroring the outdoor greenery, turning the bay window into a private nook."
5. Coordination is Key: Paint & Curtains
When it comes to large bay windows, colorful options can make a statement. But neutral styles can keep your space calm and cohesive. In this elegant living room, the focal bay window is dressed with neutral curtains that allow the window's design to shine.
"Careful coordination of the curtains with the wall color helps establish a harmonious aesthetic," explains Bari Jerauld, founder of Blank Slate Studio. "Neutral curtains carry a timeless appeal and function well with a range of wall colors, ensuring a seamless fit over time."
6. Add Interest: Two-Tone Curtains
For a splash of flavor in your neutral room, consider two-tone curtains. In this captivating bedroom, two-tone curtains extend the color palette of the room, adding depth without overwhelming the space.
"The continuation of the blue takes over the bay window, creating a warm and comforting feel, even when the curtains are closed," shares interior designer Sophie van Winden, co-founder of Owl Design. "Yet, keeping the lighter color on the top half draws the eye to the bay window and highlights the scenic view outside."
7. Embrace Practicality: Full-Height Shutters
In this cozy living space, curtains were kept to a minimum, allowing full-height shutters to take center stage. Shutters offer classic charm while keeping things tidy, allowing light levels to be adjusted through slat positioning.
"The shutters provide a clean appearance that works well in small spaces, like this one," says Sophie van Winden of Owl Design. "They also let in ample light without being obstructed by fabric when closed."
8. A Seamless Look: Modern Pelmets
Sometimes, it's not the hardware that makes the bay window stand out—it's the fabric. This ingenious living room secures its curtain rail behind an architectural molding, creating a cleaner, more seamless look that elevates the space.
"This design idea for the pelmet works beautifully because it eliminates the cluttered sensation of additional hardware," says Alicia Meireles, creative director at OWN LONDON. "Your gaze is immediately drawn to the beautiful moldings, which would have been dimmed by the need for a curtain rail with elbows following the bay window's curvature."
9. Layer it up: Half-Height Shutters and Curtains
Striking the perfect balance between function and style, layering half-height shutters and long curtains is a sophisticated window treatment idea for bay windows, such as bedrooms.
"Blending curtains and shutters creates a design statement that combines both beauty and functionality," shares Caroline Milns, head of interior design at Zulufish. "Plantation shutters cater to changing light conditions throughout the day, while textured curtains introduce warmth and a decorative touch."
10. Harmonize your space: Color-Matched Shutters
Have fun color drenching your space? Don't forget to extend the color palette to the shutters! By painting the shutters to match the wall color, you create a seamless, sophisticated look that plays up the architectural features of the bay window.
"Color drenching is an impactful design technique, and in this space, it creates a cozy, peaceful atmosphere ideal for a bedroom," says Sally Denyer, design master at Shutterly Fabulous. "By matching the shutters to the wall color, the bay window blends harmoniously, as opposed to standing out in stark contrast as white shutters might."
11. Brighten up a Neutral Room: Dark Curtains
In neutral rooms, window treatments add the perfect opportunity to infuse some color. Bay windows present the ideal spot to make a statement while preserving the room's tranquil atmosphere.
"We opted for dark green curtains to highlight the bay window in this neutral bedroom, creating a serene and inviting space," shares Regan Baker, founder of Regan Baker Design. "The deep green color adds depth and intrigue to the room without clashing with the light color palette."
FAQs
Should I go with Curtains or Blinds for my Bay Window?
The ultimate decision between curtains and blinds for bay windows depends on factors like style preferences, privacy needs, and lighting conditions.
"The intended function of the space should guide your decision," advises Caroline Milns. "In a bedroom, where privacy and light control are essential, a blackout blind will deliver more control. For a living room where natural light streaming into the room will take center stage, sheers can provide a delicate and airy feel."
Leo Wood chimes in: "I believe that in the case of bay windows, curtains should always touch the floor to achieve a refined appearance. In spaces with a bay window seat or a bathroom that requires less light control, it's advisable to install cafe curtains for privacy and light filtering."
Can I use Window Coverings for my Bay Window at all?
Interior designers suggest that there are instances when window coverings may not be necessary for bay windows. In some cases, like bay window seats or kitchens, maintaining an open layout can be more desirable.
"In rooms where privacy isn't a primary concern, like a kitchen, it can be delightful to deploy cafe curtains for a touch of style and privacy management," says Caroline Milns.
- Simple elegance is achievable with traditional shutters tucked in the wall structure of a modern living room, offering a balance between minimalism and adaptability.
- Layering Roman blinds and full-length drapes can add warmth and coziness to a room, providing both opulence and quick light control and privacy.
- Half-height voile blinds offer privacy while maintaining an open atmosphere in rooms, with their delicate filtering capabilities, blocking views while maintaining a connection with the sky.
- Painting bay windows can add character to a room, with a charming paint combination picking up on the bay window, drawing attention to it while complementing the surrounding furniture and space.
- Coordination between wall color and neutral curtains can create a harmonious aesthetic in open spaces, allowing bay windows' design to shine.
- Two-tone curtains can add depth and interest to a neutral room without overwhelming the space, with one color taking over towards the bottom half of the window.
- Full-height shutters offer timeless charm and tidiness in a small space like a living room, allowing light levels to be adjusted through slat positioning.
- Modern pelmets behind an architectural molding can create a cleaner, more seamless look that elevates a space by eliminating additional hardware.
- Layering half-height shutters and long curtains creates a sophisticated window treatment idea for bay windows, combining both beauty and functionality.
- Painting the shutters to match the wall color creates a harmonious, cohesive look that plays up the architectural features of the bay window.
- Dark green curtains can infuse color into a neutral bedroom, creating a serene and inviting space without clashing with the light color palette.
FAQs:
- Should I go with Curtains or Blinds for my Bay Window?The choice between curtains and blinds for bay windows depends on factors like style preferences, privacy needs, and lighting conditions.
- Can I use Window Coverings for my Bay Window at all?In some cases, window coverings may not be necessary for bay windows, particularly in rooms where privacy isn't a primary concern like kitchens. However, a touch of style and privacy management can still be effective with cafe curtains in such spaces.
