Bay windows make amazing focal points for your home. Not only do they have a winsome and commanding presence, but they’re also practical, letting in light and adding space to your room. But because of their odd shape, decorating these nooks can be tricky. In this guide to creating stunning bay window treatments, we offer tips and tricks for measuring and styling these ornate, curved windows.
Measure Twice
Measuring a bay window for rods is slightly more complex than measuring your standard rectangular window, but with the right tools and patience, you can do it yourself quickly and easily. Grab a measuring tape and a pencil and follow these instructions:
- Measure the full width of the back wall.
- Measure the side walls.
- Place the tape measure into the crook where the two walls meet and measure past the side window to the point you want the rod to end and finial to start.
- Repeat for the second side wall.
You’ll also need to determine the angle of your window. If your window has an angle other than 90 or 45 degrees, you’ll need custom bends. To measure your bay window’s angle:
- Measure 12 inches from the back corner along the side wall. Mark the wall at 12 inches.
- Measure 12 inches from the back corner along the back wall. Mark the wall at 12 inches.
- Measure the distance between both pencil marks to learn the angle.
Once you determine your wall and angle measurements, you have all the info you need to place your order.
Consider Each Element
Window treatments are made up of several parts: the rod, the finials, and the curtains. Knowing what you want out of each component is crucial to crafting a window treatment that suits your needs and style preferences.
The Rod
Rods are what you use to hang curtains above your window, and they come in various styles and materials; most are made from wood or sturdy metals like wrought iron. The most important thing to look for in a rod material is durability—it shouldn’t bow or flex under pressure. Wooden rods are usually better for extremely heavy curtains because they aren’t hollow, but metal rods work amazingly for most treatments. Common curtain rod styles include cafe, concealed, decorative, double, tension, and traverse. For bay windows, you’ll need bent rods so your treatment sits on the wall correctly.
The Finials
Finials are caps or knobs placed on the ends of rods. While they’re primarily decorative, they also serve a functional purpose—they keep your curtains from sliding off the rod and plummeting to the floor.
Most finials are made of metal or wood, but there are also finials made from unique materials like knotted rope, glass, and crystal. Finials also come in countless styles, from simple to intricate, to traditional to eccentric. Ball, square, and filigree finials are common, but you can also get finials in interesting shapes like acorns, pineapples, or urns.
The Curtains
As with the other elements, you have numerous options when it comes to the curtains you use. Material-wise, you can choose from acrylic, brocade, cotton, lace, linen, polyester, rayon, silk, velvet, voile, and more. You can also select from a variety of lengths for your curtains—above-floor curtains hang slightly above the floor, floor-level curtains touch the floor, and below-floor curtains sweep across the floor.
6 Bay Window Treatment Ideas
Classy & Formal
Long, luxurious curtains can bring a touch of class to your space. Choose premier materials like velvet in colors such as navy, ruby, and gold, and pair with a rod with refined finials for a jaw-dropping look. You may also want to use a pelmet or valence for a traditional style.
Vibrant & Colorful
Mix and match colors, patterns, and curtain types for a bright, eccentric glow. You can use longer curtains for the side windows and short curtains for the back window to bring more light into the room. Complementary yet contrasting colors and patterns will create an interesting look you won’t be able to tear your eyes away from.
Brimming With Personality
Patterned curtains allow you to show off your personality and bring depth and texture into your room. If you love nature, a botanical print will bring Mother Nature inside your home, whereas a chevron pattern screams “trendsetter.” With thousands of options available, you can choose a pattern that perfectly matches your aesthetic.
Maximum Light & Privacy
If you want the best of both worlds when it comes to privacy and light, pairing curtains and window tints can help you get just that. Frosted film lets light seep in but blocks peeping eyes. Paired with curtains, this combo creates a pretty, romantic ambience and offers immense functionality.
Bold & Shiny
If you want the hardware you use to really stand out, consider using unassuming curtains (think thin, sheer, neutral curtains) that don’t steal attention away. Shiny metal hardware with bold finials will stand out the most; these rods pair great with other metals and, if your rod has a weathered finish, with rustic wood.
Lots of Layers
Not sure which curtain style you prefer or how much light you want to let in? Layering your curtains creates a dynamic look and allows you to change your treatment on a whim. As a general rule, thinner, more sheer curtains should go in the back, and more opaque curtains should be placed in the front.
Now that you’ve read through this guide to creating stunning bay window treatments at home, you can order what you need to craft a unique window treatment and start decorating your bay window yourself. With a bit of time, hard work, and finesse, you’ll have a beautifully treated window that you’ll want to show off to the world.
For custom wrought iron drapery rods for your bay windows, shop with Paso Robles Ironworks—we have a wide array of rods, finials, and mounts available. All our iron curtain hardware is handmade in our blacksmith shop in Paso Robles, California. Made with care and expert craftsmanship, our curtain rods are sturdy, beautiful, and one-of-a-kind. Use our measuring guide FAQ to get proper measurements and order your personalized bay window rods today.
