Best Blinds for Bay Windows | Dress Bay Windows | 247 Blinds

Blessed with a home that has one of our favourite period features? If you're anything like us, you'll be wracking your brains to figure out how best to dress your bay windows. Luckily for you, we've got a whole host of ideas for the best blinds for bay windows, along with some helpful tips. 

If you're not interested in the ins and outs of bays and already know which blind type you'd like, check out our handy guide on measuring bay windows for blinds! 

Jump To:

• Bay window types.
• How to measure for angled bay windows?
• How to measure for square bay windows?
• What about uPVC windows & bow bay windows?
• The best blinds for each type of bay.

Image Source: Photo by Erol Ahmed onUnsplash

There are usually two main bay window types; angled bay window and square bay windows. However there are also uPVC bay windows and bay windows where you don’t have a sill or a ‘recess’ depth to play with, so we’ll cover those for you as well!

The shape of an angled bay window can be traced back to the 17th and 18th century. Originally called an 'oriel', the three-pane window style was built using stone bricks, and could be found on the front of large town houses and terraced merchant houses. Reclining in the parlour, reading during the afternoon, and spying on the neighbours became a must for the eagle-eyed Victorian. Creating a fashionable compartment to sit or view out of, these bay windows are the more traditionally-styled of the two main types you'll find.

Though most angled bay windows will have three panes of glass, you can get variations with five panes or more, which creates a more rounded effect. No matter how many panes you have, measuring up angled bay windows requires the same method. When measuring for angled bay windows, the key thing to consider is the point at which your blinds will meet.

Depending on the joining angle AKA meeting point, the depth of the blind bracket, and the position in which you'll be fitting the blind both need to be considered when measuring up.

If there is some sectioning between each window via plaster columns or a wall panel, you can skip these steps and measure them the same way you would a standard recess window, as you don't have to worry about the blinds meeting on the corner.

If you don't have any sectioning, meaning the blinds will be 'jutting out' towards eachother, or fitted directly to the wall or ceiling, then follow our comprehensive bay window measuring guide. Check out the guide to see our super useful infographic, showing you the key points and the extra measurements you'll need. We'd always recommend that if you're unsure, just simply get in touch and ask for a set of brackets to help you figure out your measurements - we're always happy to help, even if you're not 100% sure on the blinds you'd like!

Quick Tips:

• Measure and cut pieces of paper to act as brackets to help visualise where your blinds will meet.
• Use a pencil or masking tape to mark everything up.
• Measure the largest window span first.
• Most importantly - double-check your measurements!

Also known as box bay windows, square bay windows came into use around the 1960s onwards. Square bays traditionally feature an inoperable, central 'picture' window, flanked by two smaller operable windows.

Generally, a box-style bay window is rectangular and has a small roof atop it. You can find this style on many new-builds in the UK, Europe and America.

The measuring for these can get a bit tricky, so we've made a helpful starter guide.

If you have a square bay window, the main thing to keep in mind is the angle of play you have to fit the blinds next to eachother is much smaller than with an angled bay window. You'll have to find a balance between having enough room to fit the blinds next to eachother, whilst maintaining coverage over the windows.

There are two ways you can do this:

• Have the brackets meet at equal points at a right angle - this way your blinds won't overlap, but you will be left with small gaps in either corner.
• Have the main blind (B) run the full length of the bay, and sit behind the other side windows (A + C) - this guarantees full coverage from all angles but means your 'main blind' will overlap the two on either side.

Much like the angled type, we suggest focusing on the biggest window as your main starting point, to ensure the best fit. Whether you want the brackets to meet each other, or have the blinds overlap, is down to your preference. 

We find that aluminium or wooden blinds work best for a square bay window, rather than roller blinds where you will have gaps either side between the brackets and the fabric. Roman blinds can be another good option, but keep in mind the thicker material and lining needs space to gather when the blind is open. 

If you'd still prefer a roller blind, try changing the mount type (the way the fabric rolls over the tube) from back to front, as this will help to close the gap. 

Quick Tips:

• Just like an angled bay window, the meeting point of the brackets is the most important aspect, so mark everything out with masking tape, pencils, and paper!

'Bow' bay windows and 'Oriel' bay windows are actually the same thing. Sometimes these types have more than the traditional three window panes. Numerous small windows create a circular, curved shape. Think mini castle turrets - French-style!

If you have this style of bay window (lucky you), you may find that the window panes are too small to fit a normal blind onto the window. In this case, your best bet might be a curved curtain rail, or a curved vertical blind (we don't carry these unfortunately). If you're set on your blind type, try getting in touch to see if we can make your chosen blind-type 'outside' the minimum sizes - it always pays off to double check!

Image Source: Library of Congress - https://www.loc.gov/item/94512842/

Now that you have an idea of the best ways to dress a bay window, it's up to you to explore. Once you start you'll soon find a dozen styles, patterns, and colours you want to add to your shortlist. Whittle it down to the final five, order some samples, and let your windows speak for themselves. Enjoy!