Dressing square bay windows

A bay window is stepped out from the room with side windows that are angled off the center window. Those windows can all be the same size, or the center can be a larger one that is flanked by smaller windows. When you are planning your window treatment , never assume that the angles are uniform. Life is seldom that easy. A bow window eschews straight lines, and instead extends out of the room in a more or less gentle curve.

Honestly, these windows are often so gorgeous that no treatment at all is the best treatment. Multiple factors will influence if and how you choose to treat these architectural beauties, but privacy is often the overriding concern.

In those situations, shutters are a lovely solution. They admit light but can be closed tightly. When they are painted to match the window millwork, they almost disappear, allowing the beauty of the window to shine.

For more of a dressed feel, add a simple boxed valance to your shuttered window. Mounting it above the window maximizes the light. Covering only the lower half of the window with shutters is an equally good approach ….

Roman shades and bay windows go together as naturally as chocolate and strawberries. Shades can be made from almost any fabric and come in a variety of styles. But realize that some Romans are better than others if you want an operable shade one that lowers to cover your window. Lovely, relaxed Romans like these, for example, with their unconstructed feel and gently curving bottoms, are a total pain to raise and lower.

You can never seem to get the shade to lie properly. Think of them as a stunning pair of 5-inch spike heels: You want to sit and show them off, but the less walking, the better. Operable Romans will provide you with privacy, but the amount will depend on the weight of your fabric and whether or not the shades will be lined. Bear in mind that a lined medium-weight fabric not only can be physically heavy to operate; it can take up a lot of room at the top of your window.

Make sure you know exactly how much window the retracted shade will cover before you pull out your checkbook. Mounting Roman shades outside the window trim, rather than inside , makes it easier to keep more of the window pane exposed. Another very clean choice for privacy is woven wood. Part 3. Choose a fabric for your curtains. Many fabric types can be used to create curtains.

Consider how heavy the fabric is to allow it drape properly when hanging from a window. Hold up a sample of fabric at least 2 yards long. Crimp the fabric like an accordion and observe how it flows to the floor. Heavy fabrics may fall flat while lighter fabrics can become overly flared when crimped. Linen, silk, and, velvet are commonly used for curtains and produce a nice drape when hung.

Add lining and interlining to the curtain. A piece of felt can be inserted between the inner and outer layer of the curtain fabric as a bump to provide body and fullness. A lining will also help your curtains maintain the temperature of your home. Lining will help prolong the life of your curtains and make them appear fuller.

Pick a color for your curtains. Curtains can be solid colors or decorative prints. Let your curtains provide an accent to your room to make the window dressing pop.

Be aware that sunlight make make the colors of your curtains fade over time. Neutral colors can blend with the decor of any room. Avoid busy prints or your window may look overly gaudy. Colors complimentary to your wall colors work well. Bring a sample of the wall paint color when choosing fabric colors for your curtains.

Pick the length of your curtains. Measure the height of your windows. Decide if you want the curtains to stop just below the window frame or extend to the floor. Curtains can be either length depending on the desired look for the window. Make sure to buy extra length of fabric to account for seams and hems.

Hang the Curtains. Slide the curtains over the rods to hang them in front of the window. Add one curtain to either side of the hanging rod. Bunch the curtains along the rod to give them a fuller look. Tie a ribbon around the middle of the curtains to drape them partially open. Karen Parziale.

It's a bit of a bummer, but you usually have to get them custom made. Bay windows aren't universal when it comes to the dimension, so you often have to take measurements and then reach out to a manufacturer to have them fabricate it.

Yes No. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0. A lot of people really like the instant blinds because they get worried about privacy with a big bay window. Personally, I'm fond of a softer drape, which often looks a little more elegant than those opaque blinds. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Draw a picture of your desired look before you pick blinds or curtains.

Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0. Take samples of fabric home to compare to your wall coloring and lighting. Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. Shutters are another great option for bay windows. They may not be cheap, but they're a wonderful investment. They have a timeless appeal, are handy for controlling light in a room and, if fitted properly, they're pretty good at retaining heat. Choose full height to cover the entire window or half-height on the bottom part of the window — great for privacy without compromising on light levels.

Finally there is always the option of a window seat. Simple to build yourself, or readily available to buy, this will provide both extra seating and storage combined. From: House Beautiful magazine.

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