Drapery Styles for Bay Windows

• Bay windows add architectural interest.bay windows image by Aaron Kohr from Fotolia.com
  
  Bay windows are an attractive and popular feature for home design, but can create a bit of a treatment problem. What style of drapery (or window treatment) you use depends partly on how the window is designed. Some bay windows have gaps of wall between the window panels while others are designed with the windows touching. Choose a style that best suits your design.
  
  

Basic Drapes

• Regardless of how your bay window is built, basic drapes, hung to either side, can always be used. Simply install the curtain rod across the top of the window and hem the curtains to hang either to the floor or to the window sill. If the bay window is in the living room, floor length is more appropriate. For bay windows in the kitchen, shorter drapes are generally in order. You can add in valance treatments across the top.
  
  

Multiple Curtains

• If your bay window has enough space between the panels of glass, you can use shorter curtain rods and hang drapes over each section of the window individually. This design is more typical of a kitchen installment, but is also appropriate when requiring greater privacy concerns, such as in a bedroom. The additional curtains also can aid in keeping out more sunlight.
  
  For a more formal look, hang lacy curtain sheers on the individual panels, then still have a full window treatment (valance and heavy drapes) across the front.
  
  

Classic Treatments

• Classic treatments for bay windows often include using blinds for the individual glass panels with a drapery valance across the top. For this style, use an elaborate valance, perhaps with swags across the middle and long tails on either side. Depending on how your window is designed, and the dimensions of the panels, you may have to order custom blinds.