The Best Window Treatments for Bay Windows

Bay windows can really add architectural interest to a home. But finding the right bay window treatments can be tricky because of their shape and size. So which shades can highlight the beauty of your bay window while also allowing for light control and privacy?

The Sheer Beauty of Bay Window Treatments

Sheers are a gorgeous choice for bay windows because they really accentuate your views while softly filtering natural light. Pirouette ^®  window shadings, for instance, are designed with soft, horizontal fabric vanes attached to a single sheer backing. The vanes can be flattened for complete privacy or opened to any position for optimal light control. Another option is Silhouette ^®  window shadings featuring S-shaped vanes that appear to magically float between two sheers. When open, they create a soft, warm glow, while the rear sheer offers daytime privacy.

Add Texture with Woven Wood Shades

Made from natural materials like bamboo, grasses and reeds, woven wood shades can really enhance the look of a bay window. You can use them alone or with a room-darkening liner. Provenance  ^®  Woven Wood Shades are also available with the  Top-Down/Bottom-Up  design option for more light control. Nice thing, too, is that woven wood shades work well with almost any décor, from modern to Mediterranean. They’re a very eco-friendly window treatment as well.

Shutters: The Classic Touch to Bay Windows Treatments

Shutters are another beautiful complement to bay windows. Besides being durable, they provide great sound absorption and energy efficiency. You can find options ranging from real wood to hybrid shutters to Polysatin shutters that are durable enough to withstand extreme light and humidity. They also provide 99% UV protection when the louvers are closed, so you can protect your furnishings, flooring and artwork.

The Rich Look of Wood Blinds

Wood blinds add a warm, inviting feel to bay windows. Parkland​ ^®  wood blinds, for example, are handcrafted from genuine hardwood and come in a variety of finishes, slat sizes and decorative tapes. Or, you could opt for EverWood​ ^® alternative wood blinds that feature realistic grain patterns, yet are guaranteed against fading, yellowing, warping or bowing—something to think about if you have a lot of sun coming through your bay window.

Roman Shades for a Luxurious Look

Your bay window is already an extraordinary feature.  Roman shades  combine the softness of a drapery with the clean, simple style of shades to highlight your bay window even more. Vignette ^®  Modern Roman Shades with consistent folds and no exposed rear cords stay neatly pressed and wrinkle free. Or try Design Studio  Roman Shades that offer more than 250 fabrics in a variety of designs, textures, stripes and solids. You can even purchase these fabrics by the yard to match your side treatments, pillows, bedding and coordinated accessories.

Pleated Shades to Optimize Your View

With a crisp, clean look, pleated shades come in many colors, patterns and opacities. They allow for a full view out your bay window, since the folds stack neatly at the top when raised. Some pleated shades come with a  Duolite​ ^®  design option so you can pair two fabrics with different opacity levels. And like the woven wood shades, an optional Top-Down/Bottom-Up operating system lets you operate your shades from the top down or bottom up.

When choosing a window treatment for bay windows, it’s important to consider how much sun is coming through as well as the size and shape of the windows. Here are just a few of our favorite bay window treatments.