The Best Window Treatments for Bay Windows
BWS Marketing • December 4, 2020

Sometimes people think it is difficult to find window treatments for bay windows, but that is simply a myth! Bay windows are known for their unique construction and style that may pose a problem for some window treatment selections, but not all. Typically, a bay window will project outward from the home’s main walls. This creates an added space (or bay) within the room that is often used as a window seat area or a space for growing spectacular houseplants.

Actually, the structure of bay windows with their angled, multi-paned glass panels make for an exciting opportunity to increase the home’s exterior visual appeal and inspire distinct interior design ideas. Combine custom blinds and draperies or choose a modern solution such as motorized Roman Shades to transform a bay window area to fit your family’s needs.

4 Bay Window Treatments to Consider

One-of-a-kind layered treatments

Layered window treatments allow you to mix and match a variety of curtain styles to add more depth or texture to the room while also controlling light and improving the window’s insulating properties. There are so many ways to layer window treatments for a bay window, here we will suggest a few to consider:

  • Layer opaque drapes with sheer curtain panels – to control privacy at night and increase natural daylighting
  • Install wood blinds with curtains – obtain the maximum in light control blinds with the softness of pleated curtains
  • Pair a valance with pleated drapes – for a dramatic and look that features privacy, light control, and insulation

Layered window treatments are a popular choice for bay windows because you’ve essentially installed 2 or more window treatments that can be used in a combination of open or closed positions. If you’re using layered window treatments at a bay window, keep the patterns muted and the colors nuanced for a touch of elegance and style.

Go sheer and simple

Since many people opt to keep bay windows undressed, the easiest and quickest way to decorate these window sets is to simply hang panels of high-quality, curtain panels. Sheer or opaque curtain panels are perfect for bay windows because they allow filtered sunlight to gently glow within the room, creating a sense of peace and calm.

If you use your bay window area for lounging, reading, or an unobstructed view of your outdoor landscaping, choose sheer curtain panels in a soft and complementary interior color to create a modern and sleek style.

Create drama with draperies

Use your bay windows as a room focal point by installing luxury drapery panels the length of the window to the floor. Here you will have maximum privacy but can quickly have an open view with matching curtain tie-backs to hold drapes in place. Choose between hanging an individual curtain rod and drapes at each of the 3 windows or create a more tailored look with a curved rod made to fit your bay window’s dimensions.

Create the most drama in these areas with your choice of drapery materials from stunning fabrics like silk or metallics. Another option is to choose heavy and ornate draperies with beautiful stitching or classic patterns like Damask.

The clean lines of Roman Shades

Roman shades offer the best of two worlds, drapery-like materials and roller shade convenience. Roman Shades are the perfect window treatment for bay windows that also allow the homeowner to combine a traditional window treatment style with modern features. Today’s Roman Shades are available with insulating qualities, motorized operation, programmable presets , and reliable construction to ensure your investment lasts for many years.

If you have pets, children, or simply desire a streamlined and contemporary look, then Roman Shades are the best choice for bay windows. The beauty of Roman Shades for bay windows is that they fit either a relaxed and cozy decor or a more structured and formal interior.

For a wide selection of window treatments for bay windows, visit Just Blinds online today. Our handcrafted shades, shutters, drapes, and curtains are built to satisfy every style and every window for added beauty and performance.

Expert Advice by Just Blinds

April 23, 2025
Your selection of window treatment products and services is not merely about getting a job done. Rather, if you look hard enough, you can find direct correlations between the type of person that you are and the window treatment that you select. We have created this personality-based guide to help you best discover what kind of window treatment truly matches your spirit. The Dependable Type: Wooden Blinds You are the person that all of your friends can count on. You are the type of person who truly sticks to your plans when you make them, and you are the type of person who will choose wooden blinds for your home. Privacy is important to you when selecting your blinds, and that is why you find yourself pulled into the idea of putting up wooden blinds. Besides that, they happen to be highly functional, and that's not something that you are willing to pass up either. The Planner: Blackout Curtains Those who value truly getting the most value out of their blinds or anything else that they install in their homes will think very carefully about their options. For those people, going with blackout curtains makes a lot of sense. They want to gain as much value as possible out of their options, and they know that they can significantly improve their quality of sleep and so much more when they opt for blackout curtains. These also happen to be a great option for those who work night shifts or other odd hours and yet still want to enjoy their sleep. They need blackout curtains to help increase the quality of that sleep and allow themselves to get their day started right. The Tech Enthusiast: Smart Shades They roam among us: The type of people who are quick to adopt any new technology and get to work figuring out how it can improve their lives. These people are great because they are not afraid to take a risk and because they help to move our society forward. They simply want to get more out of each day, and they often do so by adopting and using the latest technologies. These individuals will gravitate towards smart shades for the following attributes: Innovation - Who wants to stick with the boring old ways of shading one's house? Smarter options are now available, and you better believe that the tech enthusiasts among us are willing to latch on to them. Efficiency - These shades are a more efficient option for those who care about that kind of thing. They can be easily activated and set up to open or close automatically (how cool is that?!). Progressive - The "cool" factor is a big deal for people who fall into this category as well. They might not admit to it right off the bat, but they care deeply about what others think about them. As such, they want window shades that have that cool factor attached to them. The Dreamer: Sheer Curtains Finally, we land upon the dreamer. This is the person who views every day for the possibilities that it can bring. They are not scared off by those with a negative attitude. If anything, they believe that they can change those people! Instead, the dreamer wants sheer curtains because they bring in soft light, open spaces, and bring about a feeling of possibility all throughout the house. Sheer curtains are the ideal option for someone who classifies themselves in this way. They will receive plenty of compliments on their curtains, and they will appreciate how open they are to the world.  Which kind of person are you and which window treatment option makes the most sense for your personality? For more inspiration and ideas, reach out and contact us today.
March 13, 2025
We all know and understand the concept of installing outdoor shades on a patio. It is the classic way to create a cool and comfortable space for yourself and your friends to spend some quality time together outdoors. There is nothing wrong with that, but it is limiting to think that the patio is the only part of one's property where outdoor shades are appropriate. There are some surprising and unexpected places where homeowners have taken to installing outdoor shades recently. We want to take a look at some of these to provide you with ideas for your next home improvement project. 1) Balconies Some homes are built quite close together, and some homeowners naturally feel like they would like to do more to protect their privacy. Although their neighbors might not intentionally be looking through their balconies, it is easy for the human eye to drift. Thus, some city-dwelling homeowners have made the choice to install outdoor shades in this area. On top of keeping prying eyes off of your property, outdoor shades also block the sun rays from your balcony as well creating a more comfortable space to spend some time. 2) Outdoor Kitchens One of the most delightful social experiences that someone can have is to invite over a large group of friends for a meal cooked outside. It gives everyone the opportunity to share stories, laughes, and a bit of food all at the same time. Of course, this is best done in an outdoor kitchen. Your outdoor kitchen is a space where you should feel comfortable and have the ability to entertain a large group of people all at the same time. This means looking at installing outdoor shades to provide an extra layer of protection from the heat of the sun. Thus, this has become another area where homeowners are quickly installing outdoor shades. 3) Poolside Lounges Now we are really talking! Who doesn't love to kick back with their favorite cold beverage and spend some time relaxing next to the pool? That is what you can enjoy more completely when you set up a poolside lounge with outdoor shades. Poolside lounges are meant to be a place where you can spend several hours at a time. However, it can get pretty hot while doing so if you don't put some outdoor shades in place. Get those shades up so you can let all of your worries melt away as you take in the smell of pool water and sunscreen. 4) Garden Areas Do you enjoy a little gardening in your downtime? You might like it even more after setting up outdoor shades that protect you from the excessive heat of the sun. Gardening is labor-intensive work and can take several hours of diligent labor to do it properly. However, you don't want to overextend yourself and end up getting physically overworked. Keeping some of the sun away is an excellent way to ensure that you don't overdo it. Just make sure that you check up on the sunlight needs of the various plants that you intend to put into your garden before installing outdoor shades. 5) Exterior Windows Did you know that it is possible to reduce your energy bills by installing outdoor shades? It's true! If you place outdoor shades on the exterior windows of your home, you can reduce the strain placed on your air conditioning by naturally reducing the overall temperature within your living space. This means less money out of your pocket and more money for working on your next project.  There are many interesting places where homeowners are installing outdoor shades these days. For more creative ideas on what you can do with yours, reach out and contact us now.