Dressing bay windows with blinds and shutters

Inspiration

BY Abi Clewley

Published: 06 November 2023 Updated: 19 September 2024

Inspiration
Tags: Shutters, Blinds

Bay windows are a striking feature in any home, offering architectural interest and letting natural light flood into the room. But when it comes to dressing these elegant spaces, the options can feel overwhelming. The key to choosing the perfect bay window blind or bay window shutter lies in understanding your lifestyle, personal style, and how you use your home. Here’s an inspirational guide to help you find the ideal solution for your bay window.

What are the different types of bay windows?

Bay windows have a rich history dating back to the medieval era. Originally designed for function, they projected outward from the building, providing additional floor space, increased light across the whole window area, and improved ventilation. Over time, they evolved from simple openings to intricate designs, becoming a symbol of architectural elegance.

There are several types of bay windows, each with its unique characteristics:

Box Bay Windows: A square or rectangular shape that projects outward from the building. It is a classic design often seen in Victorian and Edwardian homes, and recreating a Victorian bay window shutters look is very on trend.
Bow Windows: These windows create a curved projection, offering a softer, more rounded appearance compared to box bay windows. These curved bay windows are what most people think of as a bay window.
Oriel Windows: Oriel windows are supported by brackets or corbels and are often found on upper floors, projecting from the building façade.

Kitchen with cream walls, black gloss surfaces including an island with black high-back stools and a bow bay window dressed in cream shutters, closed with louvres open.

Common challenges to finding the right bay window solutions

Bay windows, while architecturally stunning, present challenges when it comes to finding suitable window coverings. Common issues include:

Uneven angles: the angles of bay windows can be irregular, making it challenging to find standard window coverings that fit perfectly.
Light bleed: the unique structure of bay windows may allow light to bleed through gaps in poorly fitted or unsuitable window treatments.
Limited privacy: achieving privacy in bay windows, especially in urban or densely populated areas, can be challenging without compromising aesthetics.

Kitchen in white with cream units and pale parquet floor, marble worktops and bat window dressed in roller blind in cream with wheatsheaf pattern.

Understanding your lifestyle and space

Before diving into the myriad of window dressing options, consider how you use your bay window and the surrounding space. Is it a bright and airy living room corner, a picturesque dining area, or a cosy reading nook? Your daily activities and needs will significantly influence your choice.

Dining areas

For bay windows in dining areas, it’s all about creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Consider how your window dressing can enhance natural light during breakfast and provide a cosy, intimate setting for evening dinners.

Modern dining room with oval glass table, metallic gold chairs with blue upholstery, metallic gold side table with blue glassware and bay window dressed in three navy blue velvet Roman blinds.

Living room corner

In a living room, your bay window can be a statement piece or a serene space for relaxation. Think about how you can balance style and functionality to complement your existing decor and create an harmonious space.

Mid beige living room with cream carpet, cream rug under a cream and wood footstool, cream upholstered chair in the arc of a bay window, which is dressed in four white tier on tier shutters, closed, with louvres open.

Reading nook

If your bay window is your go-to spot for curling up with a book, you’ll want a window dressing that offers both privacy and light control. Imagine sinking into a plush armchair, a cup of tea in hand, with the soft glow of filtered sunlight illuminating the pages of your latest read.

White room with pale wood floor, white rug with blue stripes in front of a bay window with a window seat filled with white and pale grey cushions and white cafe style shutters, closed with louvres open.

Discovering your style

Your personal style should shine through in every corner of your home, including your bay window. Here are some styles to consider.

Classic elegance

For those who love timeless sophistication, think rich fabrics and refined designs. Heavy curtains or Roman blinds in luxurious materials such as these faux velvet blinds in Brilliance Ochre can add a touch of grandeur to your bay window.

Large bedroom with wooden floor, navy walls, bed with white bedding and grey quilted throw, modern pendant light, bay window with three ochre faux velvet Roman blinds.

Modern minimalism

If clean lines and simplicity speak to you, opt for sleek and understated window dressings. Shutters, Roller blinds or sheers in neutral tones can create a contemporary look that’s both functional and chic.

Living room with pale wood floor, black leather sofa, black table lamp on silver square end table, black leather chair and footstool in a box bay window dressed in white shutters, closed, louvres open.

Eclectic charm

For a more eclectic vibe, mix and match textures, patterns, and colours. Layered window dressings, such as combining blinds with flowing curtains or combining different types of blinds such as Roller and Roman blinds, can also add depth and personality to your space.

Modern lounge with blue sofa and grey chair with cushions in cobalt, copper and mustard, round coffee table with iron legs, bay windows dressed in three roman blinds in a greeny-grey with copper diamond and romboid pattern.

Conclusion

Bay windows are a beautiful architectural feature that deserves the right dressing to shine. By considering your lifestyle, personal style preference, and the unique characteristics of your space, you can find the perfect window dressing to transform your bay window. Whether you opt for the elegance of plantation shutters, the softness of Roman blinds, or the lightness of sheer curtains, your bay window can become a stunning focal point that enhances your home’s beauty and functionality. Embrace the possibilities and let your bay window reflect the best of your style and life.