Window Treatment Ideas

Accentuate Your Bay Window Without Taking Away From The View

I've always been a fan of bay windows but I never really knew what to do with them. I'm sure many people have encountered this dilemma as well. There's so much window to work with but not always enough wall. To solve some of these issues, I came up with a few designs for window treatments you may consider for the bay window in your home.

The beauty of this window configuration is that it lets in a lot of natural light and gives you a beautiful view but it's not very conducive to privacy. That is probably the biggest concern people have with it. The other issue is when the windows are so wide, putting curtains across them really weighs down that side of the room. Bay windows are beautiful as they are; you don't want to overpower them with lots of fabric.

Window shades are a great option for bay windows because they add an element of texture and color to the window while still letting in natural light without compromising your privacy. They're versatile, modern, and simplistic, and fit well with a window that has detailed trim or an eye-catching frame. If your bay window is a focal point of a room, window shades can compliment it just enough without stealing the spotlight.

Another clean yet elegant design that will accentuate your bay window very well is plantation shutters. They are more opaque than shades so they offer more light control and they come in a variety of finishes from wood to vinyl. You've probably seen pictures of these shutters used in kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms but they are not limited to just those areas. They would look really nice on a bathroom window as well. Don't worry about them warping; many manufacturers have pre-treated the material for protection against heat and moisture.

If you really want to use drapery, there are special rods you can buy to affix the curtains just above the window frames. Here's something different to try with your bay window. Instead of attaching drapes to the area just mentioned, place a decorative curtain rod or cornice board on the wall outside of the window area. When the drapes are closed, it will look like there is a flush window behind them but when they're open, it will look like an inviting little niche to sit in and enjoy, providing there's a window seat.

I'm sure by now your head is spinning with ideas of how you can make your bay window much more attractive and get the privacy you need as well. All you have to do now is find a design you like and go for it!