15 Window Treatment Ideas for Bay Windows

Gather inspiration for your home's bay windows with these must-see designer window treatment ideas.

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Stylish Window Treatments for Bay Windows

Bay windows are sought-after features that add architectural character and timeless charm to any design. That said, it can be tricky to pick out the window treatments for bay windows, and we find it’s always helpful to see a few visuals before settling on a style. From dramatic bay window curtains to casual bay window shades, we’re sharing 15 fabulous window treatment ideas to copy for bay windows at home.

From: Brown Harris Stevens - NYC

Dazzle With Jewel Tones

Bay windows are the natural focal point in a design, so we say: Celebrate them accordingly! Accentuate your beautiful bay and bring a surge of color into your space with vibrant, jewel-toned drapery. Citrine silk panels are installed at the crown in this dining room and kiss the floor in tidy, tailored pleats.

Get More Tips: Window Treatments 101: Which Style Is Right for Your Space?

Frame the View

Install a curtain rod on the exterior of your bay window nook to soften the edges of the alcove and frame the view beyond. Select a single curtain rod that runs the length of the opening to create a cohesive, elegant look. Pro tip: Invest in drapery panels wide enough to close off the space when drawn. Doing so will bring visual balance to the display and allow you privacy after dark.

Get the How-To: How to Hang a Curtain Rod

From: Dane Austin Design

Double Up for Contrast

This warm-and-cozy bay window proves that two are indeed better than one. The inviting breakfast nook employs a dual window treatment of linen shades and an indigo ikat valance to bring dimension and contrast overhead. Follow suit at home; dress your bay window in breezy linen or rattan Roman shades and crown with a patterned valance for a curated, intentional appeal.

Get More Ideas: Adding Color and Pattern With Window Valances

From: Massucco Warner Interior Design

Put It in Neutral

If elegance is what you’re after, make this sophisticated reading alcove your muse. Here, bay windows sport a tonal, dual window treatment with woven rattan Roman shades and a tailored mocha fabric valance. Selecting neutral bay window treatments ensures the focus remains on the view beyond while creating a serene, understated setting ideal for reading, writing or sharing a family meal.

Get More Ideas: How to Make a Linen and Leather Roman Shade

From: Minhnuyet Hardy

Expand Your Horizon

This spa bathroom bay window offers sweeping views of the lake and forest beyond, enjoyed from the comfort of a luxurious soaking tub. The masterminds at D2 Interieurs use soft Roman shades with a horizontal stripe motif to create the illusion of expansion in the space and maximize the impact of the views beyond. Install similar horizontal stripes on your bay window to expand your landscape views or visually widen the interior space.

Get More Ideas: 12 Ways to Add Privacy in Your Bathroom

From: D2 Interieurs

Take a Relaxed Approach

Sometimes tailored Roman shades can feel a bit stark or cold, which is the last thing you want in your bedroom. Take cues from this cozy contemporary bedroom and install relaxed Roman shades instead. The scooped silhouette softens lines and brings a laidback, unfussy charm to any space. Bonus: Relaxed Roman shades look lovely in solid and patterned fabrics alike.

From: Erica Bryen Design

Embrace the Drama

If you have a penchant for drama, there’s no better bay window treatment for you than velvet drapes. This deep bay window is flanked by voluminous velvet panels, cocooning the sitting room in coziness and adding grandeur to the room. Follow Marie Flanigan’s lead and install ceiling-mounted velvet drapes to your bay window to yield similar striking results.

Learn More: Everything You Need to Know About Buying Blackout Curtains

From: Marie Flanigan Interiors

Or, Keep It Light

Or, if velvet drapes feel too heavy for your space, lighten things up with sheer panels instead. This sun-drenched sitting room offers ample inspiration with an iron-framed bay window outlined by a slew of silvery-blue sheer panels. Follow suit and dress your bay windows with breezy sheers to welcome light into your home and add softness to your overall design.

Shop Our Picks: 10 Living Room Window Treatments Under $80 for Every Style

From: North Fork Design Co.

Go Au Naturale

Woven rattan or bamboo Roman shades are a failproof addition to any bay window. The catchall treatment provides privacy while simultaneously bringing warmth and texture into the design. Also noteworthy: Natural Roman shades come in endless tones and styles, making them easily tailored to any space.

Get More Ideas: 10 Winning Kitchen Window Treatment Ideas

From: Zoe Feldman Design

Put on a United Front

Create the illusion that your bay windows are one grand unit by installing individual shades or valances connected at each end. This technique visually expands the bay window area and creates a tidy, tailored look ideal for transitional and contemporary interiors.

From: Swati Goorha

Or, Keep Things Separate

Another idea? Install integrated shades in each bay window a la Brian Patrick Flynn. Here, Flynn tucks relaxed Roman shades into the window frame and leaves the walls bare. The negative space feels crisp and contemporary, while the draped fabric shades add softness and romance to yield a balanced end design.

Get the How-To: How to Make a Roman Shade From a Canvas Drop Cloth

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Play Up Your Curves

Not sure how to approach your arched bay window? We've got you. Skip the Roman shades and opt for drapery panels hung as close to the ceiling as possible. This technique will add height to your space and allows your elegant, curved bay windows to shine in the design.

Get the How-To: How to Sew Lined Drapery Panels

From: Sara Lynn Brennan Interiors

Let There be Light

If privacy is not the priority when outfitting your bay window, it's time to make linen your best friend. Linen shades and curtain panels are an ideal choice for living spaces or dining nooks as they welcome natural sunlight and diffuse it into the room. The results are soft, ethereal and laidback — perfect for a lively family home.

From: HGTV Magazine

Turn Up the Volume

Pack panache into your traditional bay window display with voluminous balloon shades. The relaxed silhouette and lustrous fabric bring whimsy and softness to otherwise pared-back designs. Use this eye-catching style in a nursery, kids’ room or formal guest suite.

Get a Trim

Want to know our go-to window treatment to make bay windows look polished and put together? Roman shades with ribbon trim borders. The contrasting ribbon trim accentuates the structured silhouette of flat and traditional Roman shades and adds a pop of contrast to the bay window display.

Get More Inspiration : How-To: Customize Roman Shades With Fabric