Bay Window Treatments

Those wonderfully shaped and distinctive bay windows make your home appealing and inviting from both the inside and outside of the house.  Bay windows are loaded with potential, but can definitely present some structural, material and environmental challenges.  Like every other custom decorating creation, success is often determined by your ability to merge your practical concerns with your decorative goals. 

Before you begin, do some homework.  If you reside in an apartment, condo or homeowner’s association, you should first check with your prospectus to see if your bay window treatments have any governing stipulations.  You might be surprised at what is or isn't allowed for home improvement. 

Assuming you have the flexibility to pursue the many diverse bay window treatment options, it makes sense to address your hardware concerns first.  Your ability to shape the hardware to the window may very well define your other choices.

There is something magical about those three-sided bays.  Each section receives the light differently and presents a slightly different view of the surroundings.  The key to your bay window treatment success just may be your ability to make the best use of incoming light and to enhance the three views of the outside. It also depends on the amount of shade you may want in your room.

A curved, mounted track properly installed above the window creates interesting options.  For even more considerations, go with a double runner.  Either way, your concept will take some form with this preliminary step.

Standard bay window treatment options include sheers, drapes, curtains, cornices, blinds, shutters and valances.  Today, many bay windows feature combinations of these options.  You may want to hold off on any preconceived ideas until you have really researched the market place.

In addition to the traditional options, certain vinyl bay window products have begun to gain acceptance.  Vinyl mimics frosted or textured glass and often creates additional privacy.

Another popular option is the use of stained glass panels as part of the treatment.  Stained glass generates curb appeal and makes interesting use of natural light.

After you have determined the most complimentary hardware and coverings you will be ready to think about color.  Even professional designers labor over this critical decision, but your instincts may well be the best.  After all, you will be living with this decision for a long time to come.

Knowing the impact of your bay window treatments is half the fun of the selection process.  As you consider all these options, you should consider how the exterior appearance will present your home and how the treatment will affect life inside the home.  What fun!