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Choosing window treatments for bay windows can be tricky. Should each window be treated individually, or should the group be viewed as one large window? Where should shades be mounted? What about drapes?

There are no right answers to these questions, and each bay window can be dressed a multitude of ways. We have collected a few of our favorite bay window treatment ideas with shades and drapes to provide you with some inspiration.

Narrow Bay Windows

Cellular Shades

If you have narrow bay windows in your home, you may be worried that individual shades on each window could look awkward and too small. One way to combat this problem is to coordinate the color of your shades with your trim color.

These Cellular Shades are inside mounted, so the trim of the windows is still on display. All three shades are white and have a blending effect with the trim, minimizing the narrowness of the separate windowpanes. Cellular Shades are uniquely well suited to bay windows because of their insulating power – perfect for both colder climates and very sunny areas.

Flat Roman Shades

Another way to make narrow windows look larger is to mount Roman Shades on the outside, so they maximize the width of the window area. Flat Roman Shades were mounted close together, forming a single visual unit with the bold pattern. If you have other interesting architectural details around your bay window, such as the detailed molding on the arch in these photos, a simpler style of shade like the Flat Roman will allow those details to shine while still providing interest with color and the softness of a fabric accent. When all three shades are raised, the neat stack of the Flat Roman can give the illusion of a fabric valance.

If you’re struggling with finding a drapery style you like for a bay window, consider Roman Shades, which add the same softness and fullness with fabric without the considerations of rods or length.

Wide Bay Windows

Roman Shades Drapes

What about wide bay windows? Layered shades and drapes look beautiful together on large sets of windows. Our custom shades can be made in wide widths, so make sure to talk to a design consultant about your options if you have a wide window. The Flat Roman Shades pictured below are available up to 120” wide. The sheer material keeps the large shades from feeling too heavy. Finally, Tailored Pleat Drapery frames the whole window unit.

Woven Wood Shades

For a dose of natural texture, Woven Wood Shades add instant interest to a bay window. These shades are an outside mount, forming the look of one cohesive shade and the versatility of raising and lowering each section one at a time.

For more help with your bay window treatments, visit one of our nationwide showrooms or call us at 416-855-9710 .And don’t forget our Free Photo Rendering Service, where one of our design experts will render your window treatment ideas into a photo of your room.