How to measure a bay window for curtains
Bay windows make a strong architectural statement by projecting outward from a building’s facade, creating a distinct focal point for both the interior and exterior. But even though it’s one of those features people love about a room, it’s also the one they put off dressing the longest.
The dynamic angles and depth can be tricky to measure, compared to a flat window at least. A few centimetres out can leave gaps at the corners or curtains that won’t close properly, which can spoil the look of the entire room. Taking the time to plan your measurements saves a lot of trouble further down the line.
Decide where the curtains will hang
Before grabbing the measuring tape, choose where the track or pole will sit. Inside the bay, the curtains follow the shape of the window and their edges are visible as you look in. Outside the bay, they hang straight across the front like they would on a flat window. This is the more common look, but it usually needs a section of wall at each end of the bay to work.
Measuring the width
Measure exactly where the track or pole will go, rather than around the windowsill – depth and height can differ from one section to the next. Start at the end of the bay where the track will begin and measure along the first section to the first angle. Then measure across to the next angle and carry on to where the track will finish. Add the sections together for your total length, keeping the tape level as you go. If you’re using a pole with finials, add their length too.
If the wall running off either end of the bay is 25cm or longer, or you have a deep sill and want floor-length curtains, consider taking the track out along those walls as well. It gives the curtains room to stack back without blocking light from the side windows. A second pair of hands helps when dealing with a wide bay.
Working out the drop
The drop of a curtain means its length from top to bottom. Measure from where the track or pole will sit to where you want the curtains to finish. Floors and sills are rarely level in older homes, so take the measurement at each section of the bay and use the longest. Where there’s room, fitting the track around 30cm above the window frame gives the curtains space to hang comfortably. If you want them to just skim the floor, allow roughly 3cm for the track or pole itself.
Length is a matter of taste. Sill length suits a bay with a radiator or window seat beneath it, but floor-length is the most popular choice to achieve a fuller look. Whichever you pick, keep it the same across every section so the bay looks even.
How much fabric will I need?
Curtains hang best with some fullness, so the fabric width is usually around double the length of your track. A bay with a 3m track would need roughly 6m of fabric width. The heading, which is the style of pleat or gather along the top of the curtain, affects how much fabric you need, so check this before you order to avoid error.
Joins are common on a bay because fabric comes on rolls of a set width, but they sit within the folds and tend to disappear once the curtains are hung.
Choosing a heading, track or pole
The heading is more important on a bay than on a flat window. Pencil pleat and pinch pleat curtains glide around corners the easiest. Eyelet curtains can’t be used on a track and tend to catch on the brackets of a standard bay pole, so they need a specially designed pole to function properly.
Curtains weighing 15kg or more need the wall above the bay checked to make sure it can support them, and a low ceiling may mean a ceiling-fixed track is the better choice. Silent Gliss systems come in electric, hand or cord operation, and we have all of them readily available to test and purchase.
Picking the fabric
A bay window takes a lot of fabric, and if it’s poorly chosen, it can upset the feel of a room. Fortunately, we stock a range of leading brands in our showroom. Harlequin designs begin as hand-painted artwork in the brand’s studio, with collections that range from abstract florals to velvets and sheers, plus stain-resistant options for busy rooms. Prestigious Textiles offers heavyweight woven fabrics and durable linings that hold their shape in family homes. Or if you want something with heritage, Sanderson has held a Royal Warrant since 1924, and its patterns are made to coordinate across curtains and soft furnishings.
How we can help
You may know us as carpet and flooring specialists, but our offering is just as much about the rest of the room. We also supply curtains and blinds, upholstery and wallpapers, and it helps to hold a fabric against your flooring sample, which is simple when both are under one roof.
If you’d rather have a professional measure your bay window, our team provides a complete service including measuring and fitting. Drop into our Mere Green showroom to look through the fabrics, or get in touch on 0121 308 8998 or at enquiries@langancarpets.co.uk and we can arrange a time to measure up.