How to style a bay window

Author Yvonne KealProduct Management SpecialistWritten 23/07/2024Updated 24/07/2026

A Victorian-style living room featuring a dusky pink velvet sofa, ornate fireplace and dark walls framing a bay window with light patterned Roller blinds

We'll help your find the right solution for your bay

Beautiful bay windows allow you to enjoy panoramic views and flood your home with natural light. But when it comes to choosing the best way to dress them, there is a lot to consider, from controlling light and privacy, to getting the right blind type for a trickier shape.

To get started, you'll need to know the type of bay window you have. Use our handy guide below, then read on to discover how you can make the most of this stunning feature in your home.

cafe style white shutters on the bottom half of a dining room window behind a furnished dining table

What type of bay window do I have?

Bow window: an arc-shape window structure with at least four windows, also known as a curved bay window.

Box window: generally shaped like a rectangular box with a flat front and sides, also known as a square bay window.

Angled bay or canted windows: a bow window with angled side windows instead of flat.

Multifaceted window: made up of seven panes of glass, rather than the usual three.

Oriel window: a large bay window projecting from a wall and supported by a corbel or bracket.

“One of the things that we fell in love with when we viewed our house were the double bay windows. They let in so much light."
Luke Catleugh, Lifestyle content creator

Watch the video

From box bays to bows, each shape is unique so it’s important to choose a window dressing that will fit perfectly, suit your home and your style. Here we show you how to make the most of this incredible period feature in your home with our made-to-measure blinds, curtains and shutters.

Bright bay window with white Roller blind partly lowered, soft daylight, bench beneath in a calm neutral living room.

Flexible Roller blinds

Roller blinds are a popular choice for large bay windows, simply rolling up out of the way to reveal the design of the window or the view outside.

The beauty of fitting individual blinds to each windowpane is that it gives you flexible control over light. You can position your blinds at different heights in the bay to control the sun's glare throughout the day.

If privacy is important to you, a sheer Roller blind is a modern and stylish solution. They let a lot of natural light into your home, while providing daytime privacy. Layer with lined curtains for a cosy feel at night.

"Roller blinds can be made with blackout fabrics so they're great for bedrooms and nurseries."
Mark, Hillarys advisor

Bailey taffy curtains and delizia blush Romans in bedroom

Statement-making curtains

Curtains are an excellent option for dressing bay windows - they can add elegance and warmth to the space while helping to control levels of natural light and privacy in your room.

We offer a range of stylish curtain poles and tracks specially designed for bay windows, and all our fabrics are available with blackout and thermal linings to help block out sunlight and reduce draughts.

If your bay window doesn't have a windowsill, we recommend full-length made-to-measure curtains. Top interior designers often fit curtains that are slightly too long, as this gives a full and luxurious effect when the curtains puddle on the floor.

If you've got a radiator under your window, you might choose to layer curtains and a blind. When the blind is lowered you won't block the heat, while the curtains will frame the whole look beautifully.

Sleek shutters

Ideal for controlling both light and privacy levels, shutters are a smart and stylish choice for bay windows. With a range of styles and custom colour options available, you can find the perfect match for a result that’s tailored to your home and interior style.

Tier-on-tier shutters are especially popular for bay windows, giving you flexible control by letting you open the top and bottom panels independently. Shutters are also a practical option all year round. Adjust the louvres to keep rooms cool in summer and cosy in winter, while their insulating properties help to keep warmth in and draughts out.

In this video, Architect and TV presenter George Clarke talks through his favourite ways to dress a bay window with shutters from our range.

“My favourite way of dressing a bay window is with shutters. You can adjust the shutters in each individual panel, so you can change the level of light coming in, the views out and also the levels of privacy.”
George Clarke, Architect and TV presenter

Mirage faux wood rich oak venetian blinds in living room

Hardworking Wooden blinds

For the ultimate in privacy and light control Wooden blinds look similar to shutters but are more budget-friendly.

Available in a range of finishes and textures, they can add a lovely look to your bay window and are a really practical choice for everyday living.

Our local advisors are trained to recommend the best products, as well as measure up and fit for you so you can be sure you'll get a really neat, professional finish.

Bright living room with blue patterned Roman blinds, cream sofa, teal armchair and modern artwork around a large bay window.

Cosy Roman blinds

As bay windows use more glass than a standard window, there is a chance that more heat will escape from them.

Roman blinds with a blackout or thermal lining offer a stylish and practical solution for bay windows. Here's how they help:

Enhanced insulation: The specialist lining acts as a barrier, trapping heat inside your room and preventing it from escaping through the glass creating a more comfortable and consistent temperature.

Reduced drafts: Bay windows can create drafts as cold air travels down the glass. The thick fabric of Roman blinds combined with the lining helps to block these drafts, keeping you cosy.

Curved bay window fitted with white Vertical blinds filtering light into a neutral living room with sofa, blue chair and wooden coffee table.

Versatile Vertical blinds

If you have a curved bay, a Vertical blind will give a lovely smooth finish that sits neatly within your window thanks to a flexible track which follows the curve of the bay.

Verticals fit separately to each pane of glass letting you operate each blind independently by tilting the louvres to effectively manage light and privacy in your room throughout the day.

And, as always, your advisor will take care of the measuring and fitting so you can be sure of a job well done and a smooth and polished finish.

Styling a bay window for everyday living

With the right window dressing, your bay window can become a true focal point, balancing light, privacy and style effortlessly. Whether you prefer something soft and cosy or sleek and structured, there’s a solution to suit your space and style.

More ideas on how to style beautiful bay windows...

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