Bay windows are protrusions of the main walls that form bays in the rooms. They are mostly used to make the rooms seem larger and allow more natural light in. Depending on where they are located they may actually make one feel as part of the outside environment, or at a minimum, provide a larger view.
When the room we are decorating has a bay or bow window, we are presented with many alternatives. Depending on the type of room, we may choose different solutions. If we want a clean, uncomplicated look in our bay window curtain, we might opt for equal treatment for each window; for example, we can use trim shades or blinds. As we are treating them as a “double corner window”, we may choose to use a valance shaped to make them look as a unit, a single design.
In a child’s bedroom bay window curtains, for example, we may use roller shades of coordinated fabrics, to match the room’s décor, for the individual windows. To create a “super special” place we may install a framing valance across the front and decorate with elements of the room motifs.
For a formal look, for example, we may leave the individual windows without a treatment or with sheer shades and tailor the outline with scalloped balloon valance or swags. For depth effect we may install framing draperies across the window alcove.
If the room has a bow window, sheers on a flexible rod are a good choice. For an elegant look, there is nothing like the simplicity of high quality voile curtains and scarf to match. Actually, any soft material such as batiste, lace or French tergal outlined, for example, by sweeping swags, can work beautifully.
We usually associate bay windows with a romantic corner, a quiet space, a special different space. However, we may use the alcove to provide the feeling of a larger room. Furnishings and color are obviously determining factors in our solution. Enjoy decorating!