Challenging bay window - help!
Our guest studio apartment /office has an east facing bay window this bright light leaks between the shades that wake up guests. I adore drapes, and they'd resolve the light gap issue, but I can't cover the radiators - the only source of heat in the apartment. Am I correct that it would look stupid to have half length drapes that only come to the window sill?
If shades or blinds are a must, how do I cut down on the light gap between the blinds? Hunter Douglas and The Shade Store both said cellular shades have the smallest top rails, I'll be able to get them closest together to minimize the light gap but light will stiill come in. Am I missing any other alternatives? Suggestions?
The second from the right window has a window AC unit in it all summer long so window treatments have to navigate that as well.
Note, our main apartment down the hall came with beautiful Shade Store roller blinds. I've included close up pics of those bay windows so you can see how the construction leaves gaps.
Thanks!
East facing guest studio window
Our other bay windows with Shade Store roller blinds
Comments (18)
msjoan
last year
Lorraine Leroux
last yearRelated Discussions
Help w/ window treatments for bay window in kitchen
Comments (4)In that window, to make it work for your husband and you and allow you to control the light, I would use wooden blinds that match the trim (and a shade lighter if you can't make it exact) with attractive tapes. I'd use very light-weight ones, and use the widest slats I could make fit, because it takes fewer of the wider ones per shade, which means that they stack up higher when you pull them all the way up. If that is appealing to you, from what I can see, you will need to add a header from which to hang them, so that they will clear the windows when open. That can be masked with molding stained to match. Some blinds have valances of molding available to match. And it also means measuring carefully from side to side, based on the spot at the top where they would hang, because every additional bit of distance out from the window means their width might have to be reduced a bit, so they will clear each other at the inside corners. (Am I making that part clear?) For the safety of your children, whatever treatment you choose, think about how to corral the cords so they can't get tangled in them....See MoreNeed help with window treatments for a 5-part bay window
Comments (1)I would look at roller shades and maybe even the possiblity of battery powered ones. They will give you a clean look and clear view of your window openings. If you want curtains, you can use an iron rod and have it bent to the corners of your bay windows. Use a mount at either end and 1 in the middle (screw it in place so the rod doesn't move). You can then close the curtains to the center of the opening without any major issues....See MoreBay window seat window treatment, need help please!
Comments (8)By cafe curtains, do you mean the tiered set? I'm just not sure what that means? I always think of kitchen curtains! How would I mount a curtain rod from the ceiling? I once had regular curtain rods before I put in the seat, but with the roller shades, there is no place to put the rod hooks. I don't want to block off the windows as in the first photos-I mostly need to be able to block the extreme sunlight and provide some evening privacy if needed....See MoreHelp with window treatments for Victorian bay windows and picture rail
Comments (9)First off you have beautiful home and congratulation on your new home. I'd suggest going to the floor if you're going to go with curtains on these window and if you're okay with going above the picture rail i'd suggest that. Going above the rail will just add height to your room. 1/4'' is going to be too narrow to do an inside mount. If you like the idea of having some of your trim show you can always mount on your trim, but just don't cover it all. Honeycomb and roller shades would be good pairing options with curtains. A roller shade will project out farther than a honeycomb shade.... just something to consider. If you're open to suggestions on an alternative option consider an Illusion shade. They have a modern look and give you versatility with light and privacy. The illusion shades are beautiful on their own or look nice with panels as well....See Morepartim
last yearchispa
last yearpartim
last year
elcieg
last year
How about long panels on either end and then short over the radiators?
Radiators...can't remember the last time I heard it. Our first home, built in 1911 had radiators...steam. Wow, the best heat ever...kept you toasty and add moisture into the house.
Kendrah
last year
Jilly
last yearlast modified: last yearKendrah
last year
thinkdesignlive
last yearJilly
last year
Olychick
last yearlast modified: last yearI can't really see in your pics if this could work, but would it be possible to hang draperies forward from the bay, out of the way in the daytime, but pulled at night? Like this:
If you cannot hang a rod like those above, you could hang from the ceiling:
Kendrah
last yearM Miller
last year@Kendrah - what you should look for are "blackout shades with side channels". The side channels keeps the light from coming in through the sides of the blinds. See photos below for illustration.
I had an interior designer install these in one of our bedrooms that has a southeast exposure (during summer the sun comes in at 4:30 AM). I don't know brands personally, but here is a link to one that came up when I googled. If you don't want to buy online, you could look locally for a place that sells "blinds with side channels".
https://www.zebrablinds.com/blog/why-side-channels-for-blinds-are-a-necessity-01-2020-04/
Kendrah
last yearOlychick
last yearlast modified: last yearKendrah
last year
Jilly