How to Decorate a Bay Window

Bay windows are a stunning feature in any home, and they deserve to be the center of attention. Because of their odd shape, some homeowners feel at odds when outfitting their eye-catching windows. No need to stress about giving your bay windows the treatment they deserve. Here are a few of our favorite tips on decorating a bay window!

The Beauty of Bay Windows

Bay windows are charming and unique, and they add a special appeal to any home. They are such a valued feature that they instantly increase the property value of a home. They consist of three window panes in a semi-hexagonal shape extending out from the house's main facade. In addition to their charm, bay windows also provide ample natural light. Each window is set at a different angle, allowing sunlight to pour in all day.

Bay windows can be a prominent feature, adding valuable square footage to a home in the form of a bench seat, or they can extend only slightly and serve an aesthetic purpose. In either case, homeowners and apartment dwellers often feel mystified by the unique shape and need help decorating their windows without detracting from their innate beauty.

Enhance, Don't Cover

One of the most common questions we get is about how to style the right window treatments for bay windows. With such a unique shape, what should you consider when purchasing bay window blinds and treatments?

Bay Window Blinds

The key is to find the right bay window blinds for your window, as not all blinds and other window treatments are suited for them. Each individual window sits relatively close to the other, meaning that larger blinds and window treatments will likely not sit flush with the window. With larger blinds, homeowners also risk neighboring slats bumping into each other. 

To ensure the most seamless appearance, opt for blinds with smaller slats. Our favorite bay window blinds are honeycomb blinds, which sit neatly inside the window casing. If you want wood blinds, choose a faux wood material to prevent potential wear and tear from nearby slats bumping into each other. 

Bay Window Drapery

Drapery is a stunning enhancement to any window, including bay windows. There are two main options for hanging drapery along your bay windows:

1. Exterior: Using a standard curtain rod, install drapes on the flat section of the wall above the opening for the bay windows.
2. Interior/Curved: Opt for a curved bay window curtain rod to hang drapery flush against the windows.

Both styles have their benefits and their drawbacks. Exterior drapes are easier to install and help create an intimate space within the bay. But they also close off the area and cover your bay window when the drapes are closed. On the other hand, interior or curved drapes appear (and often are) custom-made for your home, bringing artisanal energy to the space. 

Decorative Accessories for Bay Windows

Choosing additional decorative elements for your bay window will depend primarily on the size and function of the feature. Some bay windows offer a window seat accentuated perfectly with linen pillows and a soft bench cushion. Other bay windows may only have room for a floor vase or hanging plant. When decorating your bay window, your primary goal should be to enhance the beauty that's already there - not cover or distract from it. 

Bay Window Design in Chicago