How to Modernize a Bay Window

Change out the curtain rods. Plain curtain rods can look boring and dated. Choose rods that have decorative finials on the end, or are a different color from the wall. For example, if you have a contemporary design in your room, choose brushed nickel curtain rods. For an elegantly designed room, choose wrought iron curtain rods in black.

Hang new curtains. Pick a modern design for your curtain fabric. Instead of running all the curtains on one big rod, split up the bay window area with several curtain rods. Hang one rod on each window to create a separation between the windows that make up the bay.

Trim out the window. Change the trim around the window to something more modern. Take out the existing trim around the window and replace it with crown moulding painted in a contrasting color from the wall. For example, if the walls are ivory, paint the trim a vibrant hunter green or dark chocolate brown. This will immediately update the look of the window.

Add window cling to surrounding windows. For example, if you have one large window, flanked by two smaller windows, apply window cling to the smaller windows. Window cling is available in a variety of different designs, including floral or stained glass.

Paint the inset trim and the surrounding wall around the windows. Make your own shadow box by painting the trim and the wood or wall next to the window inside the trim a contrasting color. This draws attention to the window and gives it more visual interest.