Guidelines for Hanging Curtains in Bay Windows

Custom Curtains

• If you plan on installing curtains that can be drawn to cover your entire bay window, consider having custom curtains made. Hanging multiple curtain panels to cover the area looks awkward and most ready-made curtain sets would not cover a bay window. Measure your window opening and be prepared to order curtains that are at least twice as wide as the window opening to allow a natural looking fold or gather when you hang them.

Opening Up the Room

• Curtains that cover a bay window from one side of the wall to the other with a straight curtain bar make a room look smaller by cutting out all of the floor space in the window area. To solve this problem, obtain a curtain rod system designed specifically to accommodate a bay window's half-circle design. Pick up these curtain rod systems at a local drapery or home improvement center, or discuss your needs with an online supplier.

Tie-Back

• When you prepare to install the curtain rod system for your bay window curtains, remember that you will need at least 12 inches of curtain on each side of the window to use as the tie-back area when the curtains are open. A decorative curtain tie-back can contain design elements from the curtains and the rest of the room to help bring together the entire room's decor.

Being Practical

• Bay window curtains should be as functional as any other set of curtains in your home. If you use thicker curtains to keep out direct sunlight in the summer and cold air in the winter, then your bay window curtains should also be insulated to serve this purpose. Make your curtain rod system easy for anyone to use to open and close the curtains. Invest in an automatic bay window curtain system that moves the curtains for you by using an electric motor and remote control.