Blackout Curtains for Bay Windows – What You Need to Know
Are you shopping for blackout curtains for bay windows?
Before you buy, it’s worth understanding that the curtains themselves are only half the job. If you want true darkness — especially in a bedroom, nursery, or for shift work — the way you hang your curtains is just as important as the fabric.
Discover how to get the best results just below on this page.
-
10-Year Guarantee
Free remake if it doesn’t fit — even if mis-measured
-
Video Measuring Guides
Short step-by-steps so you know it’s right
-
No Charge Per Bend
You pay for length only — big savings on multi-bend bays
-
Fast UK Delivery
Recyclable, eco-friendly packaging as standard
Why Tracks Matter More Than Curtains Alone
If you’re happy with just a slightly darker room, you can choose almost any ready-made or made-to-measure blackout curtains and stop here.
But if you really want to block light effectively, you’ll need to pay attention to what your curtains are hanging from:
- Bay window poles – Rings often snag on bends, and brackets push the pole away from the wall, creating light gaps above and around your curtains.
- Ceiling bracket poles – Even worse for blackout use, as light easily escapes above and between the curtains.
- Blackout blinds – Multiple blinds leave gaps where the fabric doesn’t meet, especially with roller blinds where the bracket width is wider than the fabric.
The solution? A properly fitted bay window curtain track.
What Makes a Good Bay Window Curtain Track for Blackout Curtains?
Look for these four key features to achieve maximum light blocking:
- Overlap in the middle, so curtains close tightly with no gap.
- Curved returns at the ends to bring curtains back towards the wall. If fitting within the bay only.
- Flush ceiling fitting inside the bay, with no gap above the track. So only slight light bleed from the top of your curtains.
- Option to return the track out of the bay on each side, stopping light at the edges.
👉 All of our custom-made bay window curtain tracks are designed with these blackout-friendly details built in.
Real Example: Solving a Blackout Problem
One customer fitted our Regular bay window curtain track with an overlap in the middle and a ceiling-fitted track running wall to wall. By resting their curtains on the floor and using generous overlaps, they eliminated nearly all light leaks:
- No gaps above between track and ceiling (track flush to ceiling)
- No chinks in the middle (overlapping tracks, or overlap arms)
- No leaks at the edges (returns to the wall – minimal light leak
The result? A properly darkened room with blackout curtains that actually live up to their name.
Why Bay Tracks Beat DIY Poles
Over the years, many people have tried to make do with DIY bay poles or flimsy tracks — but they were never up to the job, especially with heavy blackout-lined curtains.
Our tracks are different:
- Custom bent to your exact bay window shape.
- Brackets, lots evenly spaced to distribute the weight of your curtains.
- Metal construction, strong enough for heavy curtains.
- Smooth gliding, so curtains open and close easily without snagging.
- Affordable compared to big-name retailers, because we make them ourselves.
And every track comes with our no-quibble 10-year guarantee.
Measuring & Ordering Made Simple
Getting measurements right can feel daunting — but we’ve made it simple:
- Easy-to-follow measuring guides and videos.
- We check the photos you send with your order against the drawings we create.
- If anything looks off, we’ll ask you to double-check before we start making.
And if something still doesn’t fit? We’ll remake it at no cost to you. That’s how confident we are in our process.
The Bottom Line: Curtains + Track = True Blackout
To make blackout curtains for bay windows really work, you need both:
- Curtains – blackout lined, generous in length and width.
- Track – custom-made, fitted flush, and designed with overlaps and returns.
That combination gives you the best chance of achieving a dark, restful room.
Need Help?
We don’t sell blackout curtains themselves — we specialise in the tracks that make them effective. If you’d like tailored advice for your bay window, just send us a quick photo using the button below. We’ll be able to recommend the best track option for your setup. Or browse our bay window curtain track options.