By: Kim Meehan

Because of the architectural element of a bay window, it lends itself to a variety of window treatments including, bay window curtains, valances, shutters, café curtains, shades and layered treatment of combining any of the above. A bay window technically is a three-sided window that juts out from the exterior of the house including a larger middle window and two smaller angled or square side windows.

This architectural design is very popular in homes in the San Francisco area where smaller living spaces are given a feeling of a larger space by the inclusion of this style of windows. Because of newer lightweight window innovations, these windows have been popping up all over the country and the added benefits of a bay window for any home can be easily taken advantage of. Usually this window also includes a seating bench or windowsill. Many people treat this either as an additional seating area to their living space or a lot of times if the window is in a kitchen area are treated as a hothouse garden space. A bay window increases the natural lighting into the space that it is included in.

Depending on the privacy needed, a pair of lacy sheers on each of the windows together with formal style curtains and a valance can lend to a classic look for your window. Café curtains when on individual windows or from wall to wall will lend a very different appearance. Short shutters can be placed on individual windows for privacy and a valance for a country impression or can be stretched from wall to wall to create a private nook window. Many times people use the nook to decorate for special holidays, sports teams, or simply accent them with a bench pillow and additional multicolored throw pillows. Roman, roller and soft pleated shades will make a wonderful bay window accent to allow the natural sunlight and privacy whenever you want. Valances seem to be a natural addition to window shade choices, a gathered soft draped sheer over a designer curtain rod can give your window a modern, and soft appearance.

The different combinations for window coverings in a bay window are endless; you can get additional ideas for these combinations in catalogs and online sites specializing in window designs. Bay window curtains can be as simple as a café curtain, or as complex as 3-4 different window treatments that include a curtain and of course, your own personal touch.