How to choose the right blinds for bay windows

Bring out the best in your bay window. The right blinds will frame the view, soften the light, and keep your room cosy without hiding the character of your windows. This guide walks you through the smart choices for different bay shapes, rooms, and styles.

Bay window blinds – at a glance

• Best all-rounder for most angled bays: Faux-wood venetian blinds, one per window section, with tape or cord ladders.
• Best for bedrooms: Roman blinds with blackout lining, one per section, or INTU blackout rollers.
• Best for kitchens and bathrooms: Moisture-resistant faux-wood venetians or waterproof roller blinds.
• Best for glare on screens: Day & night (zebra) blinds or aluminium venetians with fine slats.
• Best for thermal comfort: Honeycomb/pleated blinds with thermal backing; pair with interlining on romans for extra warmth.

Step 1: Decide what you want your bay window to do

• More privacy: Look for tilting slats (venetian), day & night fabrics, or double-layer options that diffuse light.
• Control glare, keep the view: Aluminium or faux-wood venetians let you tilt light without closing off the outlook.
• Deep sleep: Blackout lining (romans) or specialist blackout fabrics (rollers, INTU) that minimise light gaps.
• Warmth and energy: Honeycomb/pleated fabrics trap air; roman blinds with interlining add a cosy layer.
• Low maintenance: Wipe-clean faux-wood or waterproof rollers for kitchens and bathrooms.
• Hands-free control: Motorised options integrate with remotes, timers, and popular smart home systems.

Step 2: Match the blind type to your bay window shape

Window blinds for angled bay windows (splay or box)

One blind per window section gives the neatest finish and the best control. We face-fix rails with discreet corner clearance so slats and fabrics move freely.

• Faux-wood venetian: Classic, tidy lines; great privacy control. Works with period and modern homes. Moisture-resistant options available.
• Day & night (zebra): Excellent for daylight control without losing brightness. Sleek cassette headrails keep lines crisp.
• Roman: Soft, tailored look that suits character properties. Add blackout or interlining for bedrooms and living rooms.
• Roller: Clean and minimal. Choose dim-out or blackout fabrics. Ideal for modern spaces and home offices.

Window blinds for curved bay windows (bow)

Curves need hardware that follows the arc.

• Verticals on a curved headrail: A practical solution for a bespoke finish to your window.

Tip: For UPVC windows, INTU blinds attach to the window beading, avoiding screws into the frame and keeping sills clear—handy for plants and ornaments.

Step 3: Choose window blind fabrics and slats by room

• Living room: Romans with textured or patterned fabrics to soften lines, or faux-wood venetians for sharp, architectural detail.
• Bedroom: Blackout roman or roller, or honeycomb for warmth and a darker room. Consider side channels if you are very light-sensitive.
• Kitchen: Wipe-clean waterproof rollers or faux-wood venetians. Mid-tones hide the odd splash.
• Bathroom: Moisture-resistant materials only; avoid real wood. PVC rollers and faux-wood venetians work well.
• Home office: Day & night fabrics or fine-slat aluminium venetians to cut glare without turning the room dark.

Step 4: Get the right window blind fit for your bay window

• Inside vs face fix: In many bays we face-fix each blind to avoid clashing at internal corners. Inside-recess can work when depths match and handles clear.
• Corner clearance: Spacer brackets and shallow headrails prevent blinds bumping into each other.
• Handles and radiators: We account for protrusions, sill depths, and tilt & turn operation so blinds move cleanly.
• Safety first: We fit compliant child-safety devices as standard on manual systems.

Step 5: Window blind controls and smart blind options

• Chain or cord: Simple, reliable, and discreet. We position controls for ease of use across the bay.
• Motorised: Single or multiple blinds can be grouped, scheduled, and integrated with popular smart home platforms. Great for hard-to-reach sections and a tidy, cordless look.

Window blind style ideas for your bay window

• Period bay, modern twist: Warm white faux-wood venetians with fabric tapes to echo sash windows.
• Soft and serene: Linen-look roman blinds in calm neutrals; add interlining for a plush fall.
• Minimalist: INTU rollers colour-matched to frames; keep sills clear and lines uninterrupted.
• Bold feature: Patterned romans or textured day & night fabrics that pick up tones from your flooring and sofa.

Common window blind mistakes to avoid

• Choosing one large blind across an angled bay. Multiple made-to-measure blinds fit and function better.
• Ignoring handles and corner angles during measuring.
• Using real wood in steamy bathrooms.
• Forgetting blackout needs in bedrooms until after fitting.
• Mixing headrail depths that clash at the corners.

Buying checklist

• Bay shape and number of sections
• Room needs: privacy, blackout, thermal, low maintenance
• Blind type short-list (two max before the survey)
• Fabric/slat finish and colour
• Control type: manual or motorised
• Mounting and clearance around corners and handles

Want tailored advice? Book your free home visit and we’ll bring the samples to you.