Bay windows are an excellent feature of any space, but their decoration can be difficult. Whilst architectural details provide attractive accents and enhance any room, it can create a strange shape for the window when it comes to applying blinds or hanging curtains.
However, with the right knowledge, bay windows can easily be decorated with curtains and blinds. If you have beautiful sash windows, or exquisite views you need to carefully think of how you want your windows to look once your window treatment is fitted – this can often lead you into the difficult decision of finding a blind best suited for your bay windows. Bay window is a generic term for all protruding window constructions, regardless of whether they are curved or angular, or run over one or multiple levels. Bay windows are a beautiful asset to any home, and getting your window coverings right will elevate them to the next level, whilst also providing their primary purpose of privacy, and blocking light.
What are the different types of bay windows?
Square bay windows – Square bay windows, also known as a box bay window is shaped like a box, and is usually rectangular. A very common style of bay window too, and often has flat sides, a flat front, and some sort of roof, and can be found in many homes. If the sides of the box bay window are angled instead of flat, it may also be called a canted window.
Three-sided bay window (Angled bay window)- Three-sided bay windows consist of window panels set at angles to make a half-hexagonal shape. The window panels may be of equal width, or may make the specific ‘canted’ shape, as below.
Canted bay window – Canted bay windows are the most common bay window shape seen in houses, canted bay windows consist of three sides, but they have a longer front panel, with two shorter window panels set at an angle to it. This forms a half-hexagonal shape.
Five-sided bay window – Similar to the three-sided model, five window panels can be constructed to make a shape with gentler angles. They can be arranged with equal widths and at equal angles to give a soft, rounded feel. They can also be constructed in a fashion to ‘round’ the corners of a box bay.
Oriel bay windows – Some bay windows may be constructed higher up the interior wall, supported by a bracket into the exterior wall. Windows of this kind don’t increase the floor space of the interior room, but may be used for features like window seats.
What blinds will work best for my bay window?
Roller Blinds – If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for your large bay windows, whether it be a living area or bedroom space, then Roller blinds are a great choice.
Although utterly timeless in style, with many designs inspired by prints and patterns, it is fair to say that this style of blind is definitely having something of a moment. In a huge variety of colourways and patterns, these blinds are easy to operate and very low maintenance. They are also available in a range of different materials, including blackout fabric, ideal for bedrooms and assuring a restful nights sleep.
Shop our full range of Roller blinds here.
Wood Venetian Blinds – Our Venetian blinds offer a natural and organic look and feel to your space, as well as acting as a natural insulator providing protection from external weather conditions. Wooden Venetian blinds are a great choice for those wanting to live a more sustainable life and reduce energy consumption and keep their heating bills down!
Venetian blinds are a more affordable option. Traditional aluminium venetian blinds are usually a good choice for square bays. The reason for this is quite simple. A typical width slat is just 25mm. This also means that that the headrail is slim, very slim and so unlike the vertical blind example above, the gap in the corner is much smaller.
Shop our full range of Wood Venetian blinds here.
Perfect Fit blinds – Perfect Fit blinds are among our most popular blind choices, as they are measured precisely to clip into your window frame. This makes the installation process easy for those not so handy with DIY. They are quick to install, and because they don’t require any screws or dills, they are mess free! We recommend Perfect Fit blinds for large bay windows.
Mounted to suit the shape of the window, Perfect Fit blinds retain the original intention of the bay. They work equally well in a modern or period property, following the shape of the bay, creating privacy whilst maximising light in the room.
Shop all of our Perfect Fit blinds here.
Roman Blinds – Our range of Roman blinds offer blackout, light-filtering and thermal features, suitable for every, and any room in your home. With the simple pull of a cord, you can wind your Roman blinds all the way up to let lots of natural light in during the day, and in the evenings wind down to insulate your home and control your privacy.
Shop our collection of Roman blinds here.
Electric Blinds – Experience the ultimate convenience with electric blinds – the simplest method to enjoy effortless shade.These blinds can be raised or lowered with the push of a button, by using a simple remote control to operate the fully rechargeable, battery powered, wirefree motor to operate the blind.
Shop our collection of Electric blinds here.
Pleated Blinds- Pleated blinds are available in a number of colours, with each blind being able to be raised and lowered easily. These blinds also offer amazing light control because of their blackout and thermal features and come in so many different colour options.
Always opt for full-length curtains for a bay window too, especially when pairing with Pleated blinds as this will help to elongate the room, whilst looking incredibly stylish. They can reduce draughts, create privacy when needed and diffuse sunlight. They will need to be fitted onto bendable curtain tracks to provide a seamless finish in a bay window.
Shop our full collection of Pleated blinds here.