Ask Joshua: What Are the Best Window Treatments for Bay Windows?

Hi Joshua,

I recently moved into a new home and I'm struggling to figure out the best window treatments for my bay window. The bay window consists of five separate windows across three walls, which makes it difficult to know whether I should use shades, blinds, shutters, curtains, or a combination of treatments.

I've searched Pinterest and decorating websites for inspiration, but most examples seem to feature standard windows rather than bay windows like mine. I want something that looks beautiful, provides privacy when needed, and still allows plenty of natural light into the room.

What are the best window treatments for bay windows, and do you have any recommendations for making an unusual bay window feel cohesive and well-designed?

Thank you,

Rachel – Bridgeport, CT

AI-generated visualization created to help illustrate one approach to dressing a bay window with roller shades and drapery panels. This modern coastal living room was styled by virtual interior designer Joshua Jones of JJones Design Co.

Hi Rachel,

I can see why you're struggling to find inspiration photos. Most bay windows consist of three windows, while yours has five windows spread across three walls. That makes it a little more challenging than the average bay window.

The biggest mistake I see homeowners make is treating a bay window like one large flat window. A bay window isn't one window—it's three separate wall sections that happen to project outward from the house. When you approach it that way, the solution becomes much easier.

For your bay window, I would treat each wall separately rather than trying to install one continuous curtain treatment around the entire bay.

If privacy and light control are important, consider installing shades on each individual window. Roman shades, woven wood shades, roller shades, or plantation shutters can all work well depending on your home's style and your needs. If you're still exploring your options, I recommend reading my Complete Guide to Window Treatments, where I break down the pros and cons of the most popular window treatment types.

When it comes to drapery, I would install panels on both sides of each wall section. Since your bay window consists of three walls, that would typically mean six drapery panels total.

A simple way to think about it is:

Wall 1: Panel | Window | Panel

Wall 2: Panel | Windows | Panel

Wall 3: Panel | Window | Panel

This arrangement frames each wall of the bay window while allowing the architectural shape to remain visible.

One thing I would avoid is placing drapery panels between two windows located on the same wall. Doing so often creates unnecessary visual clutter and can make the window treatment feel busy. Instead, think of each wall as a single composition with a panel at each end.

I would also avoid trying to run one continuous curtain rod around the entire bay window. While it may seem like the simplest solution, it often minimizes the beautiful architectural shape that makes bay windows special in the first place.

The goal should be to highlight the angles of the bay rather than hide them.

If you decide to add drapery, be sure to check out my Complete Guide to Drapery. It covers everything from curtain lengths and fullness to fabric selection and installation tips.

For your particular window, I would likely pair shades with drapery panels. The shades would provide privacy and light control, while the drapery would soften the space and help frame the bay window without overwhelming it.

Bay windows are often one of the most beautiful architectural features in a home. The right window treatments should enhance that feature, not compete with it.

Warmly,

Joshua Jones

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