I recently had a chat with an old client who struggled with dressing her bay windows and asked me for advice. She didn’t want to hire a designer to do fancy swags or ornate tops. She wanted simple panels to go with the rest of the house.
“I want the curtains that open and close, not just dust collectors”, she said.
Then she confessed that a proverbial handyman came along. You know the one. He only had thirty minutes for a “small job.” He put a rod across the flat portion of the wall ignoring the bay. Done. It’s covered forever. Oh, no! After all the money she paid as an upcharge the beautiful bay is blocked and the room doesn’t look larger as she hoped! Oops.
How about using a bay window curtain rod and install it inside the bay window?
With so many windows’ hardware companies competing you can have curved or metered bay window curtain rod of any color, style, and price. Now you can dress your bow or bay windows for a fraction of a price that your mother used to pay for all the custom swags and jabots. Well, maybe not a fraction. They still can be expensive, but just be careful if you are on a budget.
There are two things to think about when you choose curved or a metered and angled bay window curtain rod.
They are:
- Color, finish, and material to use.
- Rods and poles resources to trust.
Design and Color: Bay Window
Bay window is a generic term for all protruding window constructions with angles, regardless of height. The most common inside angles are 90, 135 and 150 degrees. They increase the flow of natural light into a room making a room look larger.
Wouldn’t it be a shame to cover these beautiful bay windows above?
Instead, a sleek and thin rod was bent and metered. This way you can cozy up by the bay window while savoring your latte or a martini.
If you don’t want to block the view outside
Bay window rod is selected to blend with the furniture. Nothing distracts from the gorgeous view outside. Earth tones and comfortable seating are designed for a heart to heart conversations around the table. I’d never want to leave this wonderful spot! But if the homeowners want more privacy the continuous bay curtains rod provides for cozy evenings with the family.
Here the bay window rod is darker and it works with the end table color. The curtains have a softer look as they are decorated with a pretty trim. Simple holdbacks hold the curtains in place when desired. Airy blue fabric color compliments the blush color of the walls. Heavenly!
Gold metal rod color compliments the light teal color of the drapery fabric. It works great with the traditional spool chair legs with gold as well as a rust color ottoman. The bay window curtains are fully functional. Everything works in this room including a heavier fabric for the draperies. Perhaps, when the curtains are closed they do provide maximum light control. I’d see myself reading a book to a little person in a small chair late at night.
Gold metal rod color compliments the light teal color of the drapery fabric. It works great with the traditional spool chair legs with gold as well as a rust color ottoman. The bay window curtains are fully functional. Everything works in this room including a heavier fabric for the draperies. Perhaps, when the curtains are closed they do provide maximum light control. I’d see myself reading a book to a little person in a small chair late at night.
Design and Color: Bow Window
A bow window is a curved bay window. Bow windows are designed to create space by projecting beyond the exterior wall of a building and to provide a wider view They typically combine four or more casement windows, which join together to form an arch.
This is a sketch of a bow window from the outside. As you can see there are no visible angles but rather a continuous curved line.
What a gorgeous sitting area by the bow window! The curved rod is bent but it is so thin, almost invisible. The rod is mounted with special brackets to the ceiling rather than the wall to avoid the drapery trapping. As a result, the windows will be opened and closed effortlessly.
Design and Color: Arched Window
An arch window (also known as a radius window) creates a dramatic effect in both contemporary and traditional homes. An arch window can be tall like a casement window or wide like an awning window.
The rustic, country mood of this kitchen is complemented by a superbly executed window valance that is mounted on an arched rod. The design is both creative and simple. The valance dresses the window but allows for a beautiful country view outside.
I think this arched window curtain on the rod is less successful than others. It covers beautiful window almost completely. I’d prefer a more sheer fabric instead of a short panel. Yes, the pattern plays with the mosaics and the cabinets. However, IMO the elements would show better if the curtain was more simple and airy.
Bay Windows, Bow Windows, and Arched Windows Rods and Poles Resources
- Continental Window Fashions is an online company. They can bend wrought iron rods of different styles, finishes, and diameters. You can choose round, rope, twist, hammered rods depending on your room style. But if you don’t find what you’re looking for, they also distribute other companies’ products. You’ll need a designer to place an order for you.
2.Ona Drapery Hardware is a domestic quality manufacturer of windows hardware since 1962. Everything is made locally in Boulder, Colorado. They offer over 50 finishes for every taste and style.
3. Orion Ironworks has several exotic options for curved rods as part of their Tropical Collection. I worked with them and was quite happy with their service but your designer has to specify everything to the dot.
4. Le Fer Forge – in addition to regular and curved rods, the company is manufacturing quality drapery hardware for outdoors. You don’t want a bay window curtain rod to rust, right? So, they use specially coated metals to solve this issue.
If you ever need help with your bay windows or arched windows, please write me a note here and I’ll be glad to answer any questions. Also, check out my post on arched windows if you want more inspiration and crave something different for your own windows. Please post your questions here below. I’ll be happy to help you!
