by Sarah Brightham
Finding bay window curtain rods to fit your windows is easy. There is plenty of information online on how to measure and install this unique type of curtain rod. Bay window treatments hung precisely will give a room a totally finished look.
Those windows can be covered with blinds as well, but nothing gives a lovely finished look than having curtains hung in bay windows. Just as with flat windows, curtain rods for bay windows are available in doubles or singles.
Since these types of windows are usually built in three sections, single curtain rods can be mounted above each window. On the other hand, a rod made specifically for this type of window will present the window and curtains more beautifully in the long run.
Lovers, forget your love,
And list to the love of these,
She a window flower,
And he a winter breeze.
—Robert Frost (1874–1963)
When mounting these types of curtain rods, it is extremely important to measure properly. To ensure that a lovely window treatment fits well, it is crucial to purchase and install properly fitted hardware. Extension brackets and connectors are made specifically for these types of windows and rods.
Some companies manufacture extendable rods. These are probably the easiest to install particularly in cases where measuring may not have been very precise. Extendable rods will ensure a good fit and even distribution across the three sections of the window.
In order for the curtain tops to look even, the middle rod should be mounted slightly higher than those mounted over the side windows. Rods made specifically for this purpose will include measuring and mounting instructions. It would be advisable to go over the instructions with a knowledgeable sales person prior to taking the hardware home.
Most rods made specifically for bay windows are in one piece and will bend to suit the curves of the window. It is wise to recruit help when installing. The hardware should be secured very well to the wall particularly if the curtains will be opened and closed regularly.
When I first took up my abode in the woods, that is, began to spend my nights as well as days there, which, by accident, was on Independence Day, or the Fourth of July, 1845, my house was not finished for winter, but was merely a defence against the rain, without plastering or chimney, the walls being of rough, weather-stained boards, with wide chinks, which made it cool at night. The upright white hewn studs and freshly planed door and window casings gave it a clean and airy look, especially in the morning, when its timbers were saturated with dew, so that I fancied that by noon some sweet gum would exude from them. To my imagination it retained throughout the day more or less of this auroral character, reminding me of a certain house on a mountain which I had visited a year before. This was an airy and unplastered cabin, fit to entertain a travelling god, and where a goddess might trail her garments. The winds which passed over my dwelling were such as sweep over the ridges of mountains, bearing the broken strains, or celestial parts only, of terrestrial music. The morning wind forever blows, the poem of creation is uninterrupted; but few are the ears that hear it. Olympus is but the outside of the earth everywhere.
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
Once the curtains are hung on the rods, make sure that they are spread evenly to enhance the beauty of the window treatment. In some cases, there is a built-in bench which follows the curve of the window. Seat coverings, pillows and other adornments such as dolls and stuffed animals can compliment the curtains. Curtains would never hang below the top of the window seat.
Other bay windows , especially if large are not filled in with built-in seats. This type of window setting can be very elegant if draped with long flowing curtains which can be tied back to let in daylight. There are several creative ways to tie back curtains or drapes in this type of setting.
Decorative rods are available from most manufacturers. Otherwise, decorative ends can be attached to plain rods. One decorating mistake some people have made is to place a straight curtain rod across the bay window. This is certainly unfair treatment to one of the prettiest types of windows. The beauty of bay windows will be best appreciated when bay window curtain rods are properly installed. Have a look here if you are looking for additional information or want to do some "window shopping" for bay window curtain rods.