14 Window Treatments for Bay Windows to Enhance Their Beauty

Bay windows need drapes, curtains, and blinds that allow light to shine in a room but also enhance their architectural detailing.

bedroom window treatments
Photo: Edmund Barr

Bay windows add architectural interest and let natural light flood rooms. Window treatments for bay windows should help control sunlight and draw attention to this elegant feature that's a focal point of any room. Check out these ideas for window treatments for bay windows that include beautiful ways to add color and texture to a room, including patterned drapes, rattan blinds, and cafe curtains.

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Elegant Window Treatment Ideas

modern living room with teal-blue walls and black window trim
Jay Wilde

Large bay windows are often striking enough and don't require elaborate window treatments to stand out. For example, the tall, narrow windows in this living room are framed with ornate trim painted glossy black, a feature that shouldn't be covered up with bulky curtains. Instead, simple white roller shades pull down over the glass to block light or views when needed without detracting from the elegant window feature.

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Bold Window Treatments for Bay Windows

dining room floral home décor
Jessica Delaney

Draw extra attention to this design feature with bold window treatments for bay windows. These floor-length curtains frame the windows with a splashy pattern, creating the dining room's colorful focal point. The floral patterned fabric ties in with the leaded-glass window's design.

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Practical Window Treatments for Bay Windows

Nook dining area with booth seating and wooden table
Erica George Dines

Window treatments provide two useful functions: light management and privacy. If you're not concerned about controlling sunlight, consider bay window treatment ideas that focus more on privacy and style. Here, patterned cafe curtains are strategically hung across the lower part of the bay window. This allows sunlight to stream in from the upper portion while blocking views where it counts.

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Double Up Bay Window Treatments

bedroom window treatments
Edmund Barr

Combine different types of window treatments for bay windows to maximize style and function. These bedroom windows feature both curtains and Roman shades over each pane for a layered look. Mounting the curtains high on the wall makes the windows appear larger. For a unified appearance, the fabrics echo patterns and colors elsewhere in the room, such as the circular design on the shades and a similar circle print on the bedspread.

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Bay Window Decorating Ideas

red desk in bay windows
John Bessler

Window treatments for bay window decorating don't need to be the only way to make an impact. Beautiful details, an eye-catching paint color, and even furniture can all add to the look. Here, simple white Roman shades don't compete with the trimwork around the windows. A wide ribbon of trim on the shades adds style to the white-on-white ensemble while keeping in step with the rest of the bay's colorful personality.

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Rattan Bay Window Shades

living room raised shades
David Tsay

In a space with vibrant colors, stylish accessories, and plenty of patterns, window treatments can fill a textural gap. This living room's rattan shades pull the look together, playing up the natural tones in a large area rug. Because the bay has an impressive five windows, a simple design keeps the repeated look low-key.

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Kid-Friendly Window Treatments

Bedroom with pink walls
Tria Giovan

A primary suite might call for end-to-end stately drapes, but in a child's room, simpler is sweeter. Rather than filling the expanse, curtains flank the individual windows, and heavier fabric blocks light for naps and early bedtimes. The sturdy curtain design also eliminates the need for shades and cords, which can be hazardous to young kids. Tailored to skim the window seat, the curtains don't impede play at the window seat or detract from displays of prized stuffed animals.

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United Window Treatments for Bay Windows

dining table with bench
Michael Partenio 

One way to add window treatments for bay windows is to install them individually so they look connected. For example, these identical Roman shades are sized to fit each window, but mounted outside the molding, they fit snugly next to each other. This creates the effect of unifying the windows. You can do the same with any shade style, like woven rattan or cellular, installed similarly. One long valance spanning the tops of all the windows or cafe curtains stretching across the centers of the windows would also work.

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Window Treatments Inside the Bay

neutral living room with painting
Jeff Herr

Here, a single angled rod with patterned panels that fall to the floor was custom-made to fit inside the shape of the bay crowns. Each window has its own panel and privacy control. Another variation on this idea is less for privacy and more for decor: Instead of full curtains, hang two slender panels on either end.

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Subtle Window Treatments for Bay Windows

round room with windows
Tria Giovan 

In a space with many standout elements, bay window curtains soften and add texture instead of making a strong statement. Whispery floral curtains blend seamlessly with this entryway's creamy white walls. The curtains are hung to ensure the wall moldings remain noticeable. Hanging the curtains at the ceiling emphasizes the room's height and curves.

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Individual Bay Window Treatments

yellow themed dining room
Richard Leo Johnson

If you like the look of window treatments for bay windows that are separate, many approaches highlight their architecture. The key is to mount treatments inside the molding so they don't touch at the edges. For example, a blank wall separates each of the windows in this kitchen area, so individual treatments make sense. Shutters inside the molding cover the bottom of each window. A pleated valance shades the top portion of the window, staying within the boundary of the trim.

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Layered Window Treatments

living room bay windows with white curtains
Werner Straube

Layering bay windows with curtains and shades not only adds style and interest to a room but also function. Light-color drapes can be drawn to filter the sun's rays, and shades can be lowered for privacy and to block light. When pairing bay window treatments, consider how the elements complement one another and integrate with the rest of the room. Simple drapes in this charming cottage space mimic the slipcovered seating, while rattan shades play off the room's wicker accent furniture.

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Budget-Friendly Window Treatments for Bay Windows

bay window desk area with dark curtains and white roman shades
David A. Land

Bay curtain rods can be pricey, but DIY window treatment ideas can save your budget. This clever homeowner threaded rope through eye bolts and pulled it taut. Cleats on each side of the window hold the ends of the rope in place. The curtains and the DIY rod dress up the bay window; Roman shades provide privacy when lowered. Because the shades match the trim, they practically disappear when raised.

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Window Treatment Ideas for Natural Light

dining room with woven shades
Werner Straube

When dressing floor-to-ceiling bay windows, consider leaving the top transom windows unobstructed in a formal dining space. Beautiful views of the private yard almost render window treatments unnecessary. For times when natural light might be a little harsh, picture windows have airy woven shades.

Window Treatments for Other Windows in Your Home

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