Bay windows add ample of sunlight and charm to your living room, dining room, or bedroom. Choosing the right window dressing can truly enhance their beauty, and curtains are a fantastic option for bringing warmth, texture, and style to your bay windows. In this article, find out our recommendations for the best curtains for bay windows and how you can elevate their look by pairing them with the right type of blind.
Why Choose Curtains for Bay Windows?
Curtains are the perfect addition to beautifully frame bay windows as they glide effortlessly along an angled track or pole for smooth operation with a graceful drape. Whether you prefer floor to ceiling bay window curtains or a neat, window-length finish, curtains provide a timeless touch that complements both classic and contemporary interior schemes.
While bay window blinds offer a sleek, streamlined aesthetic, curtains bring softness and luxury in abundance, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere. With a plethora of fabrics, patterns, and textures, they make transforming bay windows into stunning focal points effortless.
@goodboneslondon – Paleo Linen Vintage Cream Curtains
What to Consider when Choosing Curtains for Bay Windows
Types of Curtain Headings
Selecting the right heading style is key to achieving the look and feel you want for your bay window curtains. We offer a variety of pleat styles, each with its own unique charm and beauty. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which style best suits your space:
- Eyelet – Sleek and contemporary, Eyelet Curtains feature large rings for soft, even folds for a gorgeous, flowing appearance.
- Pencil Pleat – Pencil Pleat Curtains offer a timeless gathered look at your bay window. Their elegant pleating pattern makes them perfect for both traditional and modern interiors.
- Wave – With smooth, s-shaped folds, Wave Curtains are the epitome of contemporary interiors, providing a minimalist, flowing aesthetic. With a free track included, they ensure perfectly spaced folds even in large & tall bay windows.
- Double Pinch Pleat – Elegant and refined, Double Pinch Pleat Curtains create a structured drape, allowing the fabric to arrange itself neatly into soft folds. Pre-sewn pleats offer a luxurious look, ideal for bedrooms and living rooms.
Learn more about the different types of curtains headings.
Lining Options
We offer a variety of lining options to make your curtains as functional as they are beautiful:
- Light Filtering Lining – Light filtering curtains allow natural light while protecting your curtains from fading, a light filtering lining maintains privacy in your home with a delicate, airy feel.
- Blackout Lining – Blackout Curtains block out nearly all light, and are perfect for total privacy.
- Thermal Lining – Thermal Curtains help in insulating your home, keeping your space feeling warm in winter and cool in summer.
Fabric, Colour & Patterns
Choosing the right fabric, colour, and pattern is one of the most exciting yet tricky part of selecting the perfect bay window curtains. Here’s how to narrow down the choices for your scheme:
- Fabric – The fabric you choose affects how your curtains hang, feel, and filter light. Natural fabrics like voile, linen, and silk offer timeless elegance, while for added texture, consider velvet for a plush finish.
- Colour & Pattern – Solid colours, from soothing whites and warm browns to bold blue and green tones, bring sophistication and charm to your windows. Patterns including Clarissa Hulse, Sanderson or William Morris bring even more personality and depth to your space.
Drop & Length
The length and drop of your curtains are entirely based on personal preferences and the functionality you desire. A variety of lengths that are traditionally opted for include –
- Ceiling to Floor Curtains – Ideal for high ceilings and tall windows, these curtains create a grand, elegant look. They visually heighten the room and work beautifully in open-plan spaces.
- Over the Sill Curtains – These curtains stop just above or below the windowsill, making them perfect for rooms with radiators or furniture beneath the window. They provide a clean, tailored look while preserving floor space.
- Full Length Curtains – Designed to graze or hover slightly above the floor, they balance elegance with practicality. They offer easy movement, minimise dust, and enhance insulation.
@insidesarahshome – Paleo Linen Sandstone Curtains
What Else Should you Consider When Choosing Bay Window Curtains?
Curtains are visually stunning on their own, but pairing them with other window dressings adds even more depth and character to the bay window in your room. Here are some combinations to consider:
Pair with Romans: Roman Blinds add softness, dimension and an extra layer of luxury to your home, beautifully complementing the drape of curtains while offering additional privacy and light control.
Pair with Rollers: For a sleek, modern look, pair curtains with contemporary Roller Blinds, which can provide precise light control and a minimalist feel to the overall vibe of your room.
William Morris Honeysuckle and Tulip Velvet Gunmetal Curtains
Pair with Shutters: The classic combination of curtains and Shutters offer both style, beauty and practicality, blending the warmth and softness of fabric with the solid structure of shutters.
Pair with Venetian & Wooden Blinds: Super subtle and dense, wooden or Aluminium Venetian Blinds add natural texture, and when complemented with curtains can create a layered look that is both elegant and functional.
William Morris Acanthus Curtains & Metropolitan Classic Oak Wooden Blind 50 mm Slat
BONUS: Pair with Cushions: Coordinating the cushions in your lounge or bedrooms with the colour palette of your curtains has the potential to tie the entire room together, bringing comfort and a cohesive design to your scheme.
Our Most Popular Picks
- White & Neutral Curtains – Timeless and versatile, white curtains and neutral curtains make great curtains for bay windows and create a calm, airy atmosphere. Perfect for minimalist interiors, they blend effortlessly with any décor while enhancing natural light for a fresh, open feel.
Madagascar Voile Neutral Curtains
- Stripes & Checked Curtains – Stripes and checks add a touch of classic charm and vertical structure to any room. Whether subtle or bold, these patterns sometimes from our Emma Bridgewater or Laura Ashley collections bring balance and visual interest, making them ideal for both modern and traditional spaces.
- Designed Brand Curtains – Elevate your interior with exclusive designs from renowned brands like V&A, Liberty or Sanderson. From iconic patterns to contemporary styles, these curated collections deliver luxury, quality, and unique artistry to your home.
Liberty Glen Lyon Rhubarb Curtains
Measuring for Curtains
Measuring for curtains doesn’t have to be complicated and we’ve made it even easier with our step-by-step guides. It is as easy as selecting your curtain and the heading you desire and following the measuring guides, then we’ll sort out the rest!
