How to Hang Curtains in a Square Bay Window
If you’re wondering how to hang curtains in your square bay window, I’ll show you the arrangement I recommend and explain why it works well.
Your bay doesn’t need to look exactly like the example. What matters is that it has three sides, with square corners between the windows.
You’ll also see where to take the one measurement you need to get a price and place your order.
What makes this a square bay?
This bay has three sides and three windows: one across the middle and a window on each side. The angles between them are always close to 90 degrees.
The middle window may be one large window or divided into several sections. We still count it as one side when choosing your bay shape.
How I recommend hanging your curtains
If your bay has a deep window sill, I usually recommend keeping your curtains within the bay and finishing just above the top of the sill, as shown here.
The ceiling-fitted track follows the three sides of the bay and stops at the outer edge on each side. The curtains gather towards these edges when open, leaving more of the side windows clear.
Why does the depth of your sill matter?
Longer curtains need to hang far enough forward to clear the sill. With a deep sill, keeping this arrangement within the bay can leave large gaps at the sides. Short curtains finishing at the sill usually give you a neater fit.
If your window sill only projects a few centimetres, your curtains may be able to hang in front of it. They could then finish below the sill or continue down to the floor.
Where to measure to get a price
Follow the dotted line in the image and measure the full path your curtain track will follow, from one end to the other.
Start at the outer edge on one side, measure around the three sides within the bay, then finish at the outer edge on the other side. For this arrangement, you won’t be measuring out onto the room walls.
You can measure each section separately and add them together. This total is the only bay measurement you need to get a price and place your order.
Ready to choose your bay curtain track?
If this is your bay shape and you’d like your curtains to hang as shown, you’re ready to get a price for your track.
No other bay measurements needed yet — your total measurement is enough to get started. I’ll guide you through the other measurements after you’ve placed your order.
I’ll check everything before we start making your track. If anything needs checking, I’ll get in touch so we can go through it together.
Want a peep at the other measurements?
If you’d like a heads-up on the other measurements we’ll need after you’ve ordered, watch the video. You can also print the measuring template and fill it in at your own pace.
Once you’ve placed your order, you can upload your completed template through your measuring page.
