Best Window Treatments for Bay Windows

There are many good reasons to consider having bay windows installed. They can increase the curb appeal of the home, allow in more natural light and ventilation, and maximize access to scenic views around your house. However, despite the upsides that come with them, there is one huge challenge that homeowners may experience once the windows are installed. Because of their unique size and shape, how do you find the right window treatments for bay windows?

Here are five of the best window treatments for bar windows and how much you may pay for them.

Bay Windows: What to Know

Still deciding which type of window may work best for your home in the first place? Bay windows are beautiful, add architectural interest, and add a little extra space to your home. But all those benefits come with a big price tag.

Bay Windows: Pros, Cons, and Costs

Thinking about installing a bay window? This is the place to start.

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If you already have a bay window, then the extra light and space is almost certainly what you love most about it. But you will need to budget for multiple window treatments to cover all that extra glass. Since bay windows come in a variety of sizes and shapes, many homeowners find they need custom window treatments, which also adds on to the final price.

Best Types of Bay Window Treatments

The angles that give bay windows such a distinctive aesthetic can make it difficult to find the right way to keep out light or maintain privacy. While it can be challenging to find the right solution for bay windows, that doesn’t mean you don’t still have choices. The following types of window treatments are available.

Blinds

Bay window blinds are a good option, but you have to be careful about which ones you buy. Horizontal blinds are simple to operate on bay windows. They can be opened and lowered with ease so you can let in or block natural light as you desire. However, thick vertical blinds may not be the best choice. It can be challenging to fit them on bay windows.

Bay window blinds can range between $6 and $190 per set if they are ready made, while custom blinds can cost between $150 and $200. In addition, to have them professionally installed, homeowners pay between $35 and $100 per hour.

Curtains

Bay window curtains are attractive, and you can choose fabrics to complement the décor of a room. But they can also be tricky to get done correctly. Curtains, unlike drapes, are generally cut to fit a window exactly or with only the barest overhang of fabric. 

Your goal with bay window curtains should be to highlight and accentuate the window and view. Toward that end, stay away from busy or elaborate patterns. Otherwise, you may accidentally make the curtains themselves the focal point of the room instead of the bay window. 

Bay window curtains and drapes cost $20 to $300 per panel when ready made and $250 to $1,500 per panel when custom made, with an additional $140 to $400 for labor costs. 

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Drapes

Drapes can be added to accentuate other kinds of window treatments for bay windows, or they can be used on their own. Unlike curtains, drapes generally hang down to the floor. You’ll want to heed the same note of advice we gave for curtains here: stick with a simpler pattern or a solid color. 

Drapes can be hung above where the bay window starts, giving the illusion that the windows are taller or bigger. They can really make the straight edges of bay windows stand out. 

If you are using drapes in addition to another window treatment like blinds or shades, you may want to consider a sheerer fabric. That way, the drapes can filter the light that comes from the bay window, which can create a soft, attractive glow that makes it feel more cozy. If you are using drapes on their own, you should consider a thicker fabric that can block light.

There is not much price difference between curtains and drapes. However, drapes will need a few extra feet of fabric, so you should budget slightly higher for drapes than curtains. The price should run from approximately $20 to $300 per panel when ready made, just like with curtains. And you can still expect to pay $250 to $1,500 per panel for custom drapes, with an additional $140 to $400 for labor costs. 

Shades

Shades are one of the most popular choices among homeowners with bay windows. There are several different types you can choose from.

• Roman shades are a versatile choice because they can be made from an assortment of fabrics. Roman shades can also help to eliminate noise and block out light. 
• Sheer shades are another popular choice for bay windows. Made from horizontal slats of transparent fabric, sheer shades bring classic elegance to a room, and allow for maximum lighting. At the same time, you’re able to easily and effectively close them whenever you need privacy.  
• Cellular shades, also called honeycomb shades, have two pieces of fabric connected together by a series of honeycomb-shaped cells. They provide more insulation and better light-blocking options than many other types of shades.
• Roller shades can be mounted inside the window frame or just above it. They can also be controlled via remote. These provide a clean, minimalist look. Roller shades come in standard sizes, but they can also be ordered to a custom size. They come in many different colors and in a variety of sheer to opaque options.

For shades, you can expect to pay around $8 to $550 per shade when ready-made, and when customized, they run about $900 to $2,600 per shade. The range for installation is about $35 to $100 per hour.

Shutters

Shutters are a versatile window treatment that can be made from a variety of materials and customized to fit perfectly inside of bay windows. In addition, they are great at blocking out light and sound, as well as keeping air from seeping out of your home. Shutters are a great choice if you want to boost energy efficiency. 

If you choose pre-made shutters, you can expect to pay $70 to $1,150 per panel, while customized shutters are $600 to $2,700 per panel. Professionals charge around $35 to $100 per hour for installation.

Your costs for getting window treatments for bay windows will ultimately depend most on the window size, labor rates in your area, and which type of material/fabric you choose.