Pelmet or No Pelmet for a Bay Window?
If you’ve been wondering whether to fit a pelmet over your bay window or just install a curtain track on its own, you’re not alone. It’s a common question, and the answer depends on how you want your curtains to look, how much light you need to block, and the style of your room.
With over 30 years’ experience fitting tracks in bay windows, I’ve seen both approaches work well — here’s a simple breakdown of the pros and cons.
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What Is a Curtain Pelmet?
A pelmet is a wooden board fitted above your bay window, often running all the way around the bay. Curtain tracks are then fixed to the underside of the pelmet, and often with an upholstered pelmet fascia or a wooden box style fascai added to match the décor.
Pros of Using a Pelmet in a Bay Window
- ✅ Smooth operation – because the track sits further forward, curtains don’t drag against window mouldings.
- ✅ Better light block – pelmet boards stop light from peeping over the top of the curtains, perfect for bedrooms.
- ✅ Stronger support – the board helps carry the weight of long or heavy curtains, especially on wide bays.
- ✅ Neat overlap option – tracks can be overlapped under a pelmet for a smarter close and improved light control.
- ✅ Design flexibility – you can add fabric-covered fascias to blend the pelmet with your interior.
Cons of Using a Pelmet
- ❌ Not everyone likes the look – pelmets add bulk, which doesn’t suit all interiors.
- ❌ Extra work – they require carpentry to fit securely.
- ❌ Protrusion – they stick out further into the room compared to a minimalist ceiling-fixed track.
Watch this short video on how to fit a bay window pelmet
This shows step by step how to fit and hang a bay pelmet and curtains from the ceiling.
Dressing Bay Windows with Cones and Pelmets
Introduction
Often people struggle with what to do with bay windows, so I thought I’d make this short video to show you how we dress them with cones and pelmets.
Curtain Hardware
Here you can see the curtain hardware that’s been manufactured in the workshop and then delivered directly to the customer, ready for installation.
This track is made in one complete piece, which makes installation time super quick.
Track Overlap
These tracks have been made to overlap in the centre of the window. This is especially good for blackout curtains in bedrooms, as you get complete light block once your curtains meet in the middle.
Velcro for Pelmet Fascia
Here is a strip of Velcro stapled in place. It will be used to attach the pelmet fascia once the curtains are hung.
With this setup, the curtains hang underneath the track. This allows them to open and close smoothly, rather than rubbing against the track if hung in front.
Finished Product
Here we have the finished window treatment. I know I’m biased, but I think they look fantastic — and I hope you agree!
Get in Touch
If you live within a 50-mile radius of Manchester and would like a quote for measuring, making, and installing a window treatment like this in your home, get in touch with us today.
Video Highlights
- Bay windows dressed with cones and pelmets
- Tracks manufactured in one complete piece for quick installation
- Overlapping track design blocks light at the window centre
- Velcro strip used to attach pelmet fascia
- Curtains hang beneath the track for smooth operation
- Finished installation shown with full window treatment
- Service available within 50 miles of Manchester
Alternatives to Pelmets
If you don’t want to use a pelmet, there are other options:
- Wall or frame fixing – works, but curtains may catch on mouldings in a bay.
- Ceiling fixing – neat and modern if there’s clearance between plaster coving and window mouldings.
- Visible track with returns – a good compromise, pulling curtains neatly back to the wall without a pelmet.
Expert Tips for Bay Window Pelmets
- Add larger brackets at the bay ends where curtains stack — that’s where weight builds up most.
- Position the track centrally under the pelmet board (e.g. 6cm in on a 12cm board).
- Use the top pockets on pencil pleat tape so curtains hang freely under the track.
- For blackout rooms, combine a pelmet with lined floor-length curtains.
So, Pelmet or No Pelmet for a Bay Window?
If you want smooth-running curtains, strong support, and maximum light control, a pelmet is a smart choice.
If you prefer a simpler, modern look, a well-fitted ceiling or wall track can work just as well.
Either way, the key is a made-to-measure bay track shaped exactly to your window. That’s what makes your curtains glide smoothly — pelmet or not.
Need Help Deciding?
Not sure which track to choose for your bay? Send us a quick photo of your window and we’ll point you in the right direction.