How to Measure a Bay Window for a Curtain Track

How to Measure a Bay Window for a Curtain Track

Choose the bay shape that looks most like your window and follow the step-by-step measuring guide.

Bay windows come in lots of different shapes, so there isn’t one set of measurements that works for every window.

Start by finding the shape that most closely matches your bay below. Each guide includes a printable measuring template, a step-by-step video and a couple of useful tips to make measuring easier.

Different bay window shapes used for curtain track measuring guides
Choose the shape that most closely matches your bay window.

Choose Your Bay Window Shape

Don’t worry if your bay isn’t exactly the same size or proportions as the examples below. You’re looking for the same basic shape and number of sections.

Splay bay window with returns

Splay Bay with Returns

A three-sided bay with two sloping sides, where the curtain track continues out of the bay onto the wall at both sides. This is for hanging long curtains in front of the window sill.

See the Measuring Guide →
Curved 5-sided bay window with returns

Curved 5-Sided Bay with Returns

A curved-style bay made from five angled sections, with the curtain track continuing out onto the wall at both sides. This is for hanging long curtains in front of the window sill.

See the Measuring Guide →
5-sided bay window with returns

5-Sided Bay with Returns

A five-sided bay with short straight wall sections inside the bay, two sloping sides and a middle section. This is for hanging long curtains in front of the window sill.

See the Measuring Guide →
3-sided square bay window with returns

Square Bay with Returns

A 3-sided sqaure bay with returns out of the bay on each side. This is for hanging long curtains in front of the window sill.

See the Measuring Guide →
3-sided square bay window with returns

Curved 7-Sided Bay (5 windows) with Returns

A curved 5 window bay with 2 narrow walls facing each other inside the bay. Then returns out of the bay on each side. This is for hanging long curtains in front of the window sill.

See the Measuring Guide →
curved-7-sided square bay window with returns

Curved 7-Sided Bay with Returns

A curved 7-sided bay with returns out of the bay on each side. This is for long curtains hanging in front of the window sill.

See the Measuring Guide →
splay bay diagram

3-Sided Splay Bay

Learn how to measure a 3-sided splay bay. This is for long curtains hanging in front of the window sill.

See the Measuring Guide →

What You’ll Find in Each Measuring Guide

Once you’ve chosen your bay shape, the measuring page will take you through the whole process.

Printable Measuring Template

Open and print the correct template for your bay shape, ready to write each measurement onto as you work around the window.

Step-by-Step Measuring Video

Follow the measuring points shown on screen and work around your bay one measurement at a time.

Extra Measuring Help

You’ll also find short videos showing how to make your own template if you don’t have a printer and how Post-it notes can make the measuring points easier to follow.


What Happens After You’ve Measured?

When you’ve completed your measurements, take a clear photo or scan of your finished template.

Keep the image handy. When you place your curtain track order, you can simply upload the completed template when asked rather than typing all of the measurements into the form again.


Can’t See Your Bay Shape Yet?

We’re adding more bay window measuring guides, so not every shape is listed here yet.

If you’re unsure which measuring guide is right for your window, send me a photo of your bay and I’ll point you towards the correct measuring method.

Send Photos of Your Bay Window
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