How to Hang Curtains in a Bay Window

Bay windows are a beautiful architectural feature that may transform a house. Curtains, though, can be a little difficult to accessorize. No worries. You can turn your bay window into a beautiful center point if you know what to do. We’ll go over how to hang curtains in a bay window like a pro in this thorough tutorial.

Step 1: Measure the Space

Now let’s get right to measuring. The first step is to measure the space – and I don’t mean just the window itself. You must measure and examine that bay window arrangement in its whole.

Take a reliable tape measure and begin to work. To obtain the overall width, measure each window panel separately and then total them all. Measure the bay’s depth as well; this will determine how long your curtain rods should be. Measure both the window sill’s and the floor’s distance from each window individually.

Step 2: Choose the Right Curtain Hardware

With those important measures at your disposal, it’s time to go curtain hardware shopping to make your bay window seem amazing. Okay, here’s how it works:

Curtain rods: To accommodate the different bay window widths, choose movable rods. Hanging bay window curtains can be done with tension rods, bay window curtain rods, or several straight curtain rods.
Brackets: Pick robust brackets that can bear the weight of your drapes. Folks, don’t cut corners here—a weak rod is a surefire way to end badly.
Mounting hardware: For a safe installation, you could need screws or wall anchors, depending on your window frame.

Step 3: Saw the Two Side Curtain Rods Down to Size

Use the measurements you took before to establish the length of the side rods. To be sure you have a finial end on each end of the curtain rod, pull them apart. With great care, saw those rods down to size, being sure to maintain straight cuts. Always cut them a little longer than you need to be on the safe side. If you cut them too short, it’s much tougher to add length; you can always clip them down further if needed.

Step 4: Select Mounting Hardware

To fix those angled corners, telescoping brackets work best. They’ll hug those awkward angles like a glove, delivering a secure fit. Bay windows often need curtain rods that are flexible so they can be bent to fit the angles of the windows. Also, don’t forget to grab some heavy-duty wall anchors, especially if you’re working with drywall.

Step 5: Mark Where You’ll Install the Mounting Hardware

Let’s prepare our assault before you start boring holes randomly. Set down a pencil and a level, and let’s mark.

First, decide on the height of your curtain rod. Mark that point on the wall, making sure it is level across all of the panels. Then, considering the width of the curtain rods and the window panels themselves, mark where the brackets will go for those side panels. Each end of your bay window should have one bracket above each window frame.

Please take your time with this step. We’re going with the motto “measure twice, mark once.” Ultimately, you don’t want to wind up with a crooked curtain rod.

Step 6: Drill Where You’ve Marked

Drill the area you have marked using a drill bit that is little smaller than the screws you will need for the curtain brackets. Every mark you make on the wall, carefully drill a pilot hole. You don’t want to have a bunch of weird holes all over the place, so go slow and steady.

Make pilot holes for your wall anchors with a masonry bit if you’re dealing with plaster or drywall. An ordinary twist bit ought to work well for brick or solid wood.

Step 7: Screw the Brackets Into the Wall

If you’re utilizing wall anchors, make sure they go into the pilot holes first. When the brackets are snug against the wall, carefully twist the screws into the anchors.

For those of you mounting straight into masonry or studs, just screw those brackets into the wall. Simply be sure the screws you’re using are suitable for the material you’re dealing with.

Make sure everything is really, really tightened down. To be sure the brackets are secure, give them a slight twist after they are all in place.

Step 8: Insert the Curtain Rods

Putting the curtain rings into the brackets should come after you have slipped them onto the rods. It is far easier, I promise, than attempting to fighting them later.

Rods should be gently slipped into the mounting brackets after the rings are on. Verify their centering and levelness, then give them a little wiggle to be sure they’re firmly in place.

Steaming the curtains to remove any creases is a last touch we suggest.

Step 9: Hang the Curtains

The time has come to open the curtains and admire your effort! Gently move the panels to the side, ensuring that they drape evenly and hang properly.

Assuming a single continuous panel, center it above the bay window. And give those separate panels a little overlap between each one as you space them out evenly.

When the curtains are perfectly positioned, stand back and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Final Thoughts

With these step-by-step instructions, you can now hang curtains in a bay window like a pro. You’ve perfected the art of curtain hanging from measurement to hanging, adding a warm, fashionable touch to your room.

As each bay window is different, don’t be afraid to modify these instructions to suit your particular requirements. Above all, enjoy your curtain-hanging exploits!

FAQs

How should curtains hang on a bay window?

You can buy curtains to fit the full-width of the bay. Or you can conceal corner connectors by using separate panels. You can just hang a curtain straight across the front of the bay (ideal if there’s a window seat or a deep sill). Or you can use separate curtains for the individual windows.

Can you use regular curtain rods on a bay window?

There are three options when it comes to hanging bay window curtains: tension rods, bay window curtain rods, and multiple straight curtain rods. Tension rods are placed inside the window frame and use tension to keep the curtain rod in place.

What is the best curtain heading for a bay window?

Where space on either side of the bay window is limited, an eyelet or wave heading is the best option. An eyelet heading, where the pole is threaded through metal eyelets at the top of the curtains, creates a contemporary look.

What is the best way to cover a bay window?

Add Roman blinds for perfect cover.
Use cafe-style shutters at the bottom of the window.
Hang a curtain at each window.
Hang curtains across the front of the bay.
Combine panels with curtains.
Filter out the light with full shutters.
Add panels of pattern.