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Short answer
Bay and corner windows are easiest with a curtain track bent to follow the shape of the window, so curtains can run round the corners. Decide where the curtains should stack when open, usually at the ends of the bay or between sections, and split them so each panel stays a manageable size. S-fold and pinch pleats both work on bent tracks; poles need angled connectors and passing brackets. Measure every section separately and draw the bay before ordering.
Types of bay and corner window
| Window | Shape | Usual approach |
|---|---|---|
| Three-sided bay | A centre window with two angled sides | A track bent to follow all three faces |
| Box bay | Square corners at 90 degrees | A bent track, or a separate track per face |
| Bow window | A gentle curve | A curved track |
| Corner window | Two windows meeting at a corner | A bent track round the corner, or two tracks meeting |
Track or pole?
- Bendable track: shaped to the bay by the installer, so curtains glide round the corners. The neatest and most flexible choice, and it can be ceiling-fixed.
- Pole with angled connectors: joints follow each corner; use passing brackets so rings can pass the supports. Eyelet and ring curtains only.
- Separate tracks per face: simpler, but curtains cannot pass from one face to the next.
Watch out
Every track has a minimum bend radius. Tight corners may need a track made for bays; ask the installer before ordering the curtains.
One curtain or several?
| Layout | Look | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| A pair that stacks at each end of the bay | Clean and open; the whole bay is clear when open | Most bays; needs wall space at the ends |
| A curtain per section | Each window dressed on its own; panels stay light | Wide bays, heavy fabrics |
| One curtain drawing to one side | Simple | Corner windows with space on one side |
Tip
Long curtains on a bent track get heavy and can catch at the corners. Splitting a wide bay into more panels keeps each one easy to draw.
Headings that bend well
- S-fold: carriers glide round corners on a track made for bending; waves stay even. See S-Fold Curtains.
- French or pinch pleat: works well on bent tracks with gliders. See French Pleat Curtains.
- Eyelet: only on a pole with angled connectors. See Eyelet Curtains.
Measuring a bay
- Draw the bay from above and number each face.
- Measure the track length along each face, and the total length round the bay.
- Measure the drop at each face; bays are often slightly uneven.
- Mark where each curtain should start, stop and stack.
- Give the drawing to the installer and curtain maker so the track and curtains are made to the same plan.
Fabric for bays
Light to medium fabrics glide most easily round corners; very heavy velvets and long lined curtains need a strong track with plenty of brackets. Wide fabrics railroaded can make a whole section without joins. A sheer and a dimout or blackout on a double bent track works in bays just as it does on straight windows. See Blackout vs Dimout vs Sheer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to hang curtains in a bay window?
On a curtain track bent to follow the bay, so curtains glide round the corners. Plan where they stack when open and split wide bays into several panels.
Can S-fold curtains go round corners?
Yes, on an S-fold track made to bend, within its minimum bend radius. The installer shapes the track to the bay.
Can I use a curtain pole in a bay window?
Yes, with angled connectors at each corner and passing brackets so the rings can pass the supports. It suits eyelet and ring curtains.
How many curtains does a bay window need?
Often a pair that stacks at each end of the bay, or one curtain per section for wide bays and heavy fabrics.
How do I measure a bay window for curtains?
Draw the bay from above, measure the track along each face and the total, measure the drop at each face, and mark where each curtain starts, stops and stacks.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.