Bay Window Styles (With Pictures)
Not sure what to call your bay window? You’re not alone. This page shows the most common bay shapes with simple diagrams and photos, so you can match your window and pick the right option in the drop-down when you order your made-to-measure bay track.
Start by choosing the shape below that looks closest to your bay. You’ll then see the different styles that sit in that group, plus a quick note on the best track options.
Bay Shape Quick Links
Not sure what your bay is called? Click the shape that looks closest to your window and it will jump to that section further down the page.
Splay Bay
One front window with two angled sides (3-sided bay).
Square Bay
Box bay with 90° corners and equal returns.
5 Sided Bay
Multi-angled bay with a wider front and extra facets.
Curved Bay
Smooth curve instead of angles – part of a circle.
1 Sided Bay
Track returns on just one side of the window.
Click any shape to jump down and see photos and simple measuring tips for that bay group.
Splay Bay windows
Track Inside the Bay Only
The track follows the front and angled sides, stopping roughly in line with the mouth of the bay. Choose this if you want the curtains to stack within the bay.
On the calculator: choose Splay Bay 2 bends.
Track Inside the Bay with Returns
The track comes around the bay and then continues onto the room walls on one or both sides, so the curtains can park clear of the glass.
On the calculator: choose Splay Bay with returns 4 bends.
Square Bay windows
Track Inside the Bay Only
Track follows the three sides of the square bay and stops at the bay opening. Curtains stack inside the bay.
On the calculator: choose Square Bay 2bends.
Track Inside the Bay with Returns
Track continues past the bay onto the room walls so the curtains can be pulled right back.
On the calculator: choose Square Bay with returns 4 bends.
5 Sided Bay Windows
Track Inside the Bay Only
Track follows all the angles of the bay and finishes at the mouth of the bay.
On the calculator: choose 5-Sided Bay with 4 bends.
Track Inside the Bay with Returns
Track follows the bay then continues onto one or both side walls so curtains can park off the side windows.
On the calculator: choose 5-Sided Bay with returns 6 bends.
Curved Bay Windows
Track Inside the Curve Only
Track follows the curve of the bay and stops at the bay opening. Curtains stack within the curved bay.
On the calculator: choose Curved Bay 4 sided, 5 sided, 6 sided.
Curved Bay with Returns
Curved section across the bay with straight returns onto the room walls so curtains can go right back.
On the calculator: choose Curved Bay 4 sided, 5 sided, 6 sided, with returns.
One Sided Bay windows
Track with a Single Return
Track runs across the window and turns back on one side only.
On the calculator: choose Right hand bay with 1 bend.
Track with a Longer Return
This is another one sided bay but with a return out of the bay. The curtain on the left can then hang off the side window when open.
On the calculator: still choose Left hand splay with return – just tell me how far you’d like the return to go.