It’s very common and obvious to have a window in a house; it not only helps in ventilation but also keeps the home brighter naturally. But, the sunlight can be irritating sometimes, or there can be privacy issues as the windows are see-through. To deal with this issue, people install window treatments which include curtains, blinds, etc.
Choosing a curtain is not an easy task, especially when you have a bay or arched window. These windows need a different type of curtain rod than other simple windows.
The purpose a bay window serves matters a lot when opting for a curtain
A window serves various purposes beside ventilating and brightening the room
For decorative space
If you use the bay window as a decorative space, then the hanging curtains are a good-to-go option as they just need to be hung there, and it would act as a decorative piece for the bay window. Also, it would provide the privacy one needs just by sliding the curtain.
For lounging space
If the bay window is your lounging space where you sit, read books, and have some snacks, then the panel curtains are the best option, as their height is adjustable. It makes the experience of the bay window lounging much more comforting and relaxing. Also, you’ll be able to control the brightness you need in your room just by adjusting the panel’s length.
For storage space
If the purpose of a bay window is to use it as a storage space, then a fitted curtain is a good option, as it is easy to wrap around the window. Also, it doesn’t take much effort to open and close the storage area with fitted curtains.
Decorate it as per the look you want
Having a desired interior in the home is something everyone admires.
For bold look
Find a curtain to enhance the bold and modern look of your room. Go for bold colors and try to mix and match the curtain’s material to create a unique yet beautiful design. For example, use bamboo sheets with the fringe curtains; bamboo sheets usually have natural color if not painted, and it does look good that way, but you can get it in different colors if needed and pair it up with the fringe curtains to create a mix-matched bold look.
For cozy look
Natural colors are not only relaxing, but they are easy to blend in with any type of room setup. Also, these colors naturally give a soothing sight to the eyes. Try opting for white, off-white, beige, or gray colored curtains. Also, the combination of a panel and curtain would look majestic as the panels would cover the windows, and the curtains would enhance the beauty of the windows just by existing. And in this combination, there are a lot of color options to play with, using contrasting or complementing colors for the panel and the curtains.
For unobstructed view
An unobstructed view with an ample amount of brightness and privacy is simply wow. A lot of people go for this look when there is a nice view to enjoy in the front of the window, but it can also be used for safety purposes – to keep an eye on kids playing in the yard, etc.
Choose the material which is light in texture and color and also lets in the soft sunlight to maintain the brightness in the room. There are a lot of bay window treatments that can provide such specifications- large drapes, window valances, floor-to-ceiling curtain panels, etc.
Type of curtains to choose
There are different materials available in the market for the bay window treatment, and each one of them serves the same yet a bit different purposes:
Drapery panels
Draper panels are the most common type of window treatment people use. It provides perfect coverage and is easy to install. Its length is customizable, and it’s mounted along the wall of the window.
Draper panels are easy to close or open; all you need to do is slide them.
Flat Roman Shades
Flat roman shades are easy to install and clean. Also, they provide the perfect coverage for a window. A benefit that comes along with the roman shades is the availability of textures and colors, which makes it a perfect choice for customized home decor.
Valances
Valances provide an upper frame for a window. It has to be mounted on the wall. If your window has shutters, then valances would do the perfect job of enhancing the overall look of the window. There are a lot of options and designs in valances also.
Choosing the right type is important; having a modern-looking house and a classic-looking valance would look oddly weird.
It can be coordinated with the pillows and the bed sheets of the room. If you want variations, you can opt for a neutral color or a color to match the vibe of your wall’s paint.
Soft silk panels
Silk panels’ basic job is to serve as a decor piece. The most common yet stylish way to use the silk panels is taping or braiding them in order to gather them. Yet it would provide enough coverage and give a nice outside view.
Things to consider while choosing a bay window curtain
Well, you need to consider each and everything before buying a curtain.
Color coordination
Matching the curtain’s color to the other fabrics available in the room: rug, bedsheet, pillow case, etc., would create an unified effect.
Or try to create color harmony by using different shades of a color, match the color to the wall or use a contrasting color to make it pop up.
Are these cleanable?
Go for the material that is easy to clean; the curtains made of polyester or cotton are washable and can be cleaned easily, while the roman shades are a bit tough to clean. Either use a vacuum cleaner to suck off the dust or get it professionally cleaned every month for flawless window treatment.
Curtain rods do matter
There are choices in curtain rods as well.
Adjustable or custom rods
Adjustable rods can be a good option if you’re unsure about the size or angles you need. And customizable rods are good for a situation where the final look of the bay window is clear in your mind.
Also, custom-made rods add a personal and elegant touch to your house’s interior. Custom rods are much more durable than adjustable rods.
Rod’s material
A custom rod’s material is also an idea worth considering. It can be chosen as per the modern or classic vibe of a home. For a modern-looking house, metal rods would succeed in the job, while a vintage-looking house would crave for a wooden rod. So choose wisely.
Material can also be chosen as per the room’s interior. If there is a lot of wooden work in the room giving an artistic vibe, then consider a wooden rod to coordinate the material.
Curtain rod’s end caps
A curtain rod’s end is an essential part as it not only enhances the beauty of a simple rod but also doesn’t let the curtains fall off the rods.
However, this essential part can get customized as per the need. There are several options available in the market for you to choose.
Modern bay window curtain ideas
Here are a few ideas mentioned to inspire you.
Roman blinds
Roman blinds are easy to install and use; they provide adequate shade and privacy. Also, the color options are mind-blowing, and it is easy to style with any type of room.
It can be layered with another type of bay window treatment; doing it would create something unique and beautiful.
Ombre drapery panels
If you have a neutral-colored room, then playing with colors isn’t a bad idea. Colors always make things prettier if used correctly. Try using pastel colors to create such an ombre look.
These types of curtains can be found easily or get it to dye from a professional; you can even dye it yourself with the help of a little DIY project, take help from youtube and go rock it.
Use multiple panels
Use multiple panels and then gather them separately like this for a covered yet open look. It would let in the sunlight with the privacy and protection from harmful rays of the sun.
Also, it’s a good picture for inspiration; give your room a natural theme with colors related to nature.
Try valances
Valances do really give an elegant look to the window and the room, but they shouldn’t be used alone, as there is not enough coverage. It can be used with the blinds or different shades to give an aesthetic appearance to the window treatment.
Valances allow you to experiment with the room’s interior, play with colors, create color harmony, contrast colors, etc.
Is layering still in the trend?
Well, you can put it that way. Layering was never out of trend; use contrasting colors or create color harmony using different shades of a color. Install drapery panels, as it is easy to install, clean, and remove when necessary. Also provides the privacy and protection from people peeking in and the sunlight.
The other thing that can be done is to match the curtain’s color with the wall’s or other available fabrics in the room, such as rugs, pillows, bedsheets, etc.
Opt for the shutters
Shutters provide the optimum shade and privacy; also, they are easy to blend in with the room’s interior due to their neutral colors. However, they might look boring over the time. To avoid such a situation, try layering them with valances. Also, the valances would enhance the appearance of the shutters, making them look more aesthetics.
Use various colors
Playing with colors always creates art; choose the curtains to match the aesthetics of the room.
If you can’t decide on a color, then go for a neutral color like white, off-white, gray, black, beige, etc. these are the type of colors to enhance the beauty of any color and blend in to give a natural look.
Use props such as tassel
Using a curtain just for the aesthetics, then do your best to enhance the look of the window. Use tassels or beaded rope clips to gather the curtain. It won’t only make the curtain look prettier but also let in the sunlight and breeze.
Use printed draping panels
Printed draping panels might sound lame to some people, but they are worth trying. They go well with a classic, vintage-looking house; in fact, they enhance the beauty of such houses.
There are color and print options to choose from. However, going for neutral shades would be a smart choice as they will match the aesthetics effortlessly. Also, these types of curtains can be paired with the bedsheet and the pillow cases.
Seek through gradient panels
These panels are not for privacy purposes but for aesthetics; the fabric is see-through, so it won’t block the sunlight but will eliminate the harsh glance people face while relaxing near an open window.
Color options are vast and would enhance the beauty of the window and the room.
If you like the idea of a gradient and seek through a curtain but also want privacy, then consider installing the blinds with the curtain.
Pattern play
Pattern drapery is for sure good at making a bold statement. Use different patterns and colors to have a vibrant, colorful, bold yet pleasing look.
If you want something busy, then consider the pattern in the picture.
Farmhouse curtain draping type 1
Achieving a farmhouse window look won’t be tough. However, the material used to hang the curtains is different, and the way curtains are hung also unique and beautiful. You need to hang two panels simultaneously in the hooks and then drag the two panels in opposite directions to tie them up. Doing so will create this look for your window.
Now the image used for inspiration is not a bay window, but this idea can be used on a bay window. This type of curtain draping would look good with a piece of see-through fabric and a basic yet elegant interior.
Farmhouse curtain draping type 2
In this type of farmhouse curtain draping, you’ll need two different colors of curtains total of four in quantity. Now hang them the way shown in the picture; Similar colored two panels in the center simultaneously and the second color you have in the corners. Now part the middle one and drag them in opposite directions to create this look. Tie them up, and your farmhouse curtain draping is good to go.
Farmhouse curtain draping type 3
Try draping the curtains in a high-low manner. It would add depth to the overall setup. For this style of farmhouse draping, you need two colorful and one plain white curtain, now, the white curtain should be light in fabric, which lets in the sunlight, and the other two can be printed, similar in color or contrasting colors. Try matching the interior’s color and harmonizing the colors to make them look pretty.
Now hang the curtains in alignment; the first one should be white because that is the primary curtain.
The rest of the two curtains can be placed in whatever sequence you like. Let the white one hang simply and tie up the two other curtains, as shown in the picture.
Also read 10 Useful kitchen windows over sink ideas.
Conclusion
Bay windows for sure enhance the curb appeal and aesthetics of the room, but like any other window, it also needs window treatment; as no one would keep their window exposed 24/7, it can endanger one’s privacy. Also, treatments are helpful in blocking excess sunlight when not needed.
The option for the window treatment are vast, but choosing the right one won’t only enhance the look of the window but would have a positive impact on your mind, too, as a comforting interior is a must to make a place cozy and welcoming.