4 – 2 = X. Bay window in the kitchen: to be or not to be?

What are bay windows?

A bay window is a protruding part of the facade of a house, partially or fully glazed. Initially, they were used as a defensive ledge to improve visibility during enemy fire.

This element of the building can also be seen on the walls of Catholic churches - the altar was placed in the ledge so that there were no other rooms above it.

A bay window can be considered a structure for which cantilever beams or external supports-pillars serve as load-bearing structures.

Projections based on the load-bearing walls of a building are otherwise called risalits .

Bay windows can be semicircular, rectangular or multi-faceted in shape, also single- or multi-storey. The most common option in newly built buildings is a bay window in the form of three sides located at an angle of more than 90 degrees.

Bay windows in houses of the P44-T series

P44-T is a popular series of standard panel houses, which have been produced since 1997 and are still in production, although now they are in less demand among developers. People call such houses “brick panels” because their facades are stylized as brickwork.

This series has one difference that is noticeable to the naked eye - the presence of bay windows or sloping loggias in the layout of the apartments.

Moreover, triple spacious bay windows are provided in two- and three-room apartments, the so-called “vest” (due to the location of the rooms on both sides of the house). In one-room apartments you can find two-window bay windows.

As a rule, the bay window is located in the kitchen, creating a more functional room. This could be a kitchen-living room or a kitchen with a small winter garden.

Design of a bay window in the hall - design options

The living room is one of the main rooms for receiving guests. Therefore, special attention is paid to its design. The design of a bay window in the hall can be done using textile curtains. Products made from light drapery that form beautiful folds are suitable. The combination of different colors and textures is suitable for rooms that require visual expansion. The living room needs thick and light-proof curtains. They will protect from excessive sunlight and make watching movies comfortable.

In the hall, a classic style is appropriate, using clamps, lambrequins and curtains of the “Egyptian sleeve” type.

If the living room windows overlook a dull courtyard or building, then it is better to hang curtains that will always be closed. Austrian curtains are perfect for these purposes. Plus they will add solemnity, luxury and splendor to the room.

Next, focus on the design of the bay window. If there is a comfortable chair and a small table in it, then it is better to hang muted curtains. This will give the living room a special place where you can relax and take a nap. A voluminous bay window is designed as an office or winter garden. In this case, blinds would be appropriate. With their help you can quickly adjust the lighting in the room.

Which curtains are suitable

To complement bay windows in the interior, you can use various curtain options:

• Blinds . Vertical or horizontal models will make the room strict, beautiful and organic.
• Roman or roll . Popular options for decorating irregularly shaped window openings.
• Tulle and muslin . Light curtains that will give the room airiness and elegance. This design will visually expand the space.
• Curtains . Thick fabric curtains emphasize the shape of the window and create a bright accent.
• French . Such models will add romance. They form spectacular folds, expanding and brightening the room.

In addition to curtain style, be sure to consider size. Both short and long models look good. A shortened version will help free up the window sill and make it more functional.

Dense long canvases will decorate the room and make it warm.

Living room with bay window

A bay window looks most impressive in the living room. It gives a special charm to the interior.

You can implement several design options for the bay window space:

• the bay window area in the living room can be decorated with flowers, creating a green corner there;
• a study will look good here, a desk is placed in the protruding space, a semicircular table will look impressive, and it is also comfortable, the table should be located at the level of the window sill, a work chair should be placed next to it;
• Another solution is a sports area; you can install an exercise bike near the window;
• In the bay window area, a seating area is equipped; armchairs, a couch, a coffee table or a sofa are placed here.

In any case, the bay window area should fit organically into the interior of the room and form a single whole with it.

Rules for choosing curtains

Ordinary curtains on bay windows look bad. Therefore, you should follow the recommendations when choosing them. The result is a beautiful window that adds a cozy feel to the room.

• Buy curtain models that will match the overall style of the interior.
• It is better to choose several curtains separated from each other for ledges with two or three window frames.
• Don't forget to take into account window parameters. The curtain must match the parameters of the frame in order to fit harmoniously into the room.
• If the bay window has a round shape, then the rational choice is a plain curtain mounted on a flexible cornice.

A bay window is like the main part of the interior, so it needs to be designed so that it emphasizes and completes the design.

Modern style bay window design

Windows play an indispensable role in creating a feeling of open space. Therefore, when choosing the design of curtains for bay windows for an interior in a modern style, it is important to adhere to the spirit of minimalism.

Rigid pleated Roman shades are a great way to modernize a traditional bay window, creating a feeling of spaciousness and bringing in a flood of light into the room, while also leaving attractive window frames on display.

As shown in the photo, to decorate classic bay windows, it is important to select curtains with a minimalist structure, neutral, cold or warm colors - this will radically change the atmosphere of the room:

A bay window allows much more light into a room than a regular window. Simple white voile curtains will soften the light that sparkles off all the reflective surfaces in the room. When choosing the design of a bay window, it is better to place light curtains on individual rods. This avoids the difficulties that would be caused by installing a common curtain rod from one edge of the window to the other, but at the same time it does not make it possible to move the curtains entirely to one side.

Types of bay windows

There are main types of bay windows:

• Classical. Quite often found in modern architecture. A classic bay window implies the presence of at least three sides, and it can also have the shape of a semicircle. To decorate this window opening, almost all types of curtains are used.
• Half-bay window. Better known as a corner bay window. Curtains allow you to correct its slightly irregular shape and correctly emphasize such an exotic architectural idea in the interior.

Bay window shapes

Basic geometric shapes.

Triangular (for 2 windows)

The bay window is triangular in shape and can be decorated with any configuration of curtains made from various fabrics. Most often, curtain rods are installed along the sides of the triangle.

Rectangular or trapezoidal (for 3 windows)

For decoration, classic curtains with a lambrequin, Roman, French, Austrian curtains or various sun protection options are suitable. Fabric models allow you to smooth out the pronounced corners of the bay window.

A rectangular bay window shape can be formed by redevelopment and combination with a loggia or balcony.

Round

Known as the Venetian bay window, thanks to its glazing with large or panoramic windows, it is an elegant design object.

Polygonal (4 windows or more)

Due to the unusual protrusion, a lot of light and space is organized in the room. For such a wide bay window, curtains for each window sash are suitable.

What are bay windows made of?

For the production of bay windows, the same components are used as for the production of standard windows - profile systems made of PVC, aluminum and wood, special window fittings and double-glazed windows. For some classic models of bay windows, special connecting elements are used (corner profiles and bay pipes), which make it possible to join the frames at different angles.

Due to the large glazing area, in order to avoid significant heat loss, it is recommended to use energy-efficient double-glazed windows. You will receive more information about these products in a special material on OknaTrade.

Accordingly, all bay windows have the advantages of modern windows made from profile systems and double-glazed windows:

• high level of noise absorption;
• good thermal insulation;
• excellent tightness;
• functionality;
• durability.

Bay pipes

If the window is a continuous structure with a broken shape, difficulties may arise during the installation process. To facilitate installation, special elements were developed - bay windows. Thanks to them, it is possible to join adjacent frames at any arbitrary angle. To impart rigidity to the entire structure, the bay window pipes are additionally reinforced with a reinforcing profile. Two adapters are movably connected to the central element (pipe), due to which the joining, alignment and fixation of individual elements of bay windows occurs. The diameter of such pipes is selected depending on the type of profile used for the manufacture of frames.

Advantages and disadvantages of a bay window

• the apartment owner receives additional space. Even a couple of square meters is enough to organize a play area for children or a workplace for yourself;
• It becomes possible to zone a room at minimal cost. It is enough to use different floor coverings or shades of wallpaper to divide the room into independent “areas”;
• The bay window attracts the eye with its unusual shape and glazing. This can and should be used in the interior design of the living room. The ledge gives the appearance of both a hall for receptions and a light, elegant gazebo, especially if there is a beautiful garden outside the window. There are absolutely no restrictions on functionality;
• since the room receives significant amounts of sunlight, there is no need to limit yourself to light wallpaper even if the apartment is not large. Dark shades will not visually narrow the space.

In fairness, it is necessary to note the disadvantages of the protrusions. These include technical problems. For example, you have to order windows or curtain rods according to individual sizes. Repair work and selection of materials for a design project for a living room with a bay window are becoming more complicated.

In some cases, you have to decide how to place heating radiators or lay heated floors.

What types of curtains are best to use for bay windows?

The following types of curtains are used to decorate bay windows:

• Roman . Quite a versatile option. The canvases are fixed in the required position and create neat folds.
• Tulle . Curtains give this window projection a special lightness and allow you to further expand the space.
• Curtains . They will be a win-win solution for any bay window and will undoubtedly make it the main accent of the entire room.
• Rolled . Sun blinds are a very convenient and functional design option; they significantly save space in the room and do not overload it.
• Blinds . Horizontal, vertical slats or pleated blinds will be the most economical bay window design. Thanks to the huge variety of materials and colors, they can be matched to any interior.
• French . They are perfect for original shaped windows. French curtains form graceful, picturesque folds and attract attention.
• Austrian . They create heavier draperies that also fit elegantly and beautifully into this window design.
• Kiseya . It looks light and impressive and does not weigh down the bay window.

Cons of bay windows

If you take a little break from the enthusiasm for the beauty and originality of a kitchen with a bay window, and look at it from a practical point of view, all its shortcomings become obvious. For some they may not be shortcomings, but for me they are very much so.

Minus one - financial costs

Compared to a regular straight window, a bay window will require a much larger investment.

• Firstly, the protruding part of the house will experience increased wind load. In such cases, the instructions require the use of reinforced fastenings for window units. Of course, if they are a solid structure, and not windows installed in the piers.

Bay window

• Secondly, more money will be spent on decorating the windows, since this will require a lot of fabric and special cornices, which, depending on the shape of the bay window, may well have to be made to order.
• Thirdly, a large glazing area will affect heat loss . This means that you will need to install windows with energy-saving double-glazed windows. Better two-chamber. Their price is incomparably higher than ordinary ones. And if you place a dining table or sofa here, you will have to take care of additional insulation, since in winter it will be cool near such a large window.

Minus two – difficulties with registration and maintenance

I don't like washing windows. And the bay window is almost continuous glazing. In addition, such architectural delights always attract attention, which means that the windows should always be clean.

The problem will be solved by cleaning service employees, but that’s money again

Another problem is how to hang curtains on bay windows. A simple straight cornice is not enough here; you will have to drill a lot of holes to accurately replicate their shape. This is the most far-fetched of all problems, but still...

Curtain sizes

The length depends not only on personal preferences and the design of the room, but also on the purpose of the room.

Short (to the window sill)

Shortened curtains allow you to functionally use the window sill, place various furniture near the window opening and simply save space in a small room.

Long

Such canvases look more presentable and give the interior a special chic.

Kitchen bay window design, what do you need to know?

It is better to decorate the room after arranging the furniture. If the kitchen furniture is located under the window, then you need to choose curtains that will not lie on the work surface. They should also be easy to close and open. Roman blinds fit these requirements. They are practical and easy to use, plus they give the room an impressive appearance.

The design of a kitchen bay window can be done using curtains in the form of an arch. The long material will be only on the side of the walls; the closer to the center, the shorter the product will be. This option is chosen when there is a dining table near the opening. The result is a cozy and bright dining room.

Consider not only visual data, but also practicality. For example, curtains in the kitchen will have to be washed frequently. Choose fabrics that can be washed at home. Otherwise, you will spend significant amounts of money on dry cleaning. You can sew curtains from special water-repellent fabric.

A bay window opening is considered non-standard, so the choice of design should be approached carefully. Consider the type of room, the interior of the room, design features and shape. These factors will help you design your bay window in a stylish, unusual and harmonious way.

Bay window curtain design

Various creative ideas allow you to create even more interesting bay window curtain designs.

• Combined . Two-color curtains will be a special decoration for such a window projection and will give it exclusivity.
• With a semicircular top . They resemble an arch and allow you to add a new sound to the already familiar design of the room.
• Asymmetry . Creates a light and playful interior, and brings a little dynamism to it.

How to design a bay window?

The bay window itself is a kind of “highlight” of the interior. There is an opinion that it should completely match the style of the room in which it is located. In fact, it can be made into a separate zone. Depending on the design solution and the type of room, the opening is designed.

Bay window design starts with a basic rule. It doesn't matter how many openings it has. In any case, the curtains should be made in the same style. In addition to classic fabric products, blinds, roller shutters, and thread curtains are used to decorate windows. Tiebacks and lambrequins add solemnity to the room and decorate it.

How to decorate a bay window in different interior styles

For each style, there are separate recommendations for the design of window frames with projections:

• Provence. French type curtains with a floral print, openwork edges, and fringe are well suited for this direction. Lacy tulle and beautifully hemmed floor-length curtains with lambrequins will add volume and chic to the window.
• Modern. The most popular direction in which you can find bay windows. Laconic and strict curtains are suitable for such options. They try to use monochromatic models without additional decoration, accessories, and lack of ornament.
• Classical. Curtains for bay windows with large folds are purchased in this direction. Combine with openwork tulle. Such models are preferable in pastel colors. They are not limited to lifts, waves, interesting decorations, and the creation of multiple bunches.

In the three listed directions, bay windows are more common. Therefore, when designing, take into account the recommendations for each specific interior.

Bent bay windows

If a loggia or room with a bay window has a smooth projection with a large radius of curvature, it is permissible to install a bent structure rather than a broken one. In such cases, this option for equipping the opening is preferable to installing a multi-section profile system. Bent (radius) bay windows are equipped with sealed double-glazed windows and can be either fixed or equipped with hinged sashes. When using natural wood to produce these models, it is possible to produce windows in protruding openings with a smaller radius of curvature.

Design of bay windows in different rooms

When decorating each room, a separate type of design is used. The bay window space is designed accordingly. The main focus is on harmony and aesthetics.

For the living room

To make the composition on the bay window look attractive, do not use bright and noticeable curtains, but hang them with taste. For the living room, you can hang single tulles or night curtains on the walls between the window frames.

Panoramic windows are decorated with semicircular light curtains.

If the room has glazing from the floor, then the curtains must be long. For standard openings, it is acceptable to use Austrian curtain models that are short to the window sill.

For the bedroom

A good way to design a bay window in a bedroom is to use independent Roman shades for each frame. They can be complemented with translucent curtains with a chic shade of brown, ashen color.

You can complement the openings using solid large tulle. It is hung to form voluminous vertical folds. They are often fixed into deep cornices built into niches. To achieve strict waves, choose curtains with grommets.

Bay window in the bedroom

In the bedroom, you can place a bed in the bay window (more precisely, its head part). It is better to place symmetrical cabinets on both sides of it.

If the bay window is not glazed, there is more room for imagination. In the case of a bed, shelves, closed or open, can be placed around the headboard on the “broken” walls.

In a niche you can also install a computer place, a home theater, a cosmetic table or a tall wardrobe mirror. The only “but” is that the windows will have to be covered with thick curtains while using the TV and computer.

Bay window in the kitchen

In the kitchen, this space is most often used as a dining room or mini-living room. The design looks especially good when the table or sofa follows the shape of the bay window geometry.

The design feature of this part of the room allows you not to make much effort to create competent zoning. At the same time, natural light still creates a unified atmosphere in the kitchen-living room.

For those who want to create a large, functional kitchen with a single furniture ensemble, there is an alternative option - to place a kitchen unit or any part of it in this part.

But you need to take into account that it will have to be made to order, since it must also repeat the shape of the bay window.

Curtains for a bay window - selection criteria

There are many factors to consider when purchasing curtains. First of all, this is the consumption of fabric. For a curtain covering a bay window, you will need 2 times more material than for a regular curtain. If you choose finished products, then pay attention to the following factors:

1. Window shape. For an opening in the form of a trapezoid or a triangle, you can make separate products that are similar in style. The semicircular bay window is decorated with a solid curtain, which is attached to an arched cornice.
2. Dark or light room. A bay window facing the sunny side can make the room too bright. In this case, multi-layer curtains are suitable. This way you will protect the room from excessive light, which interferes with watching TV and causes furniture to burn out. Multilayer curtains can be for the entire length of the opening or for part of it. Curtains for a bay window in a dark room, on the contrary, should be light and transparent.
3. Fabric type. Prefer classic style? Then choose a medium-weight fabric. It will lie in beautiful and deep folds. Light material gives the room an airy feel, but don’t expect noticeable waves from it.
4. Curtain color. Do you want to give the room comfort and privacy? Then choose warm shades. If the room is small, then do not overload it with colorful and bright curtains.

It is also necessary to take into account the design idea. If a bay window opening is made in the form of a niche, then long curtains will do. They will close the opening on the sides, visually lengthening the room. If the bay window overlooks a garden, mountains or other beautiful landscape, then place a lambrequin at the top. Thus, the bay window will be framed, framing the beautiful view from the window.

How to properly design bay windows?

The decor of window structures allows you to implement design solutions that use decorative, bendable cornices. The bay window glass can be equipped with mosaic fragments. The placement of the mirror will visually expand the space of the room.

When choosing profile systems, it is recommended to be guided by the style of the interior.

It is preferable to install wooden structures in a classically decorated room; aluminum systems emphasize hi-tech. Correct design of a bay window requires taking into account the location of the structure.

If the bay window is located on the sunny side, then you can use different colors in the decoration. The location in the shaded part of the building requires a design in light colors.

When planning the design of a bay window, you need to decide what tasks will be implemented. The bay window can act as a continuation of the room, then the design should be matched to the tone of the main room.

If you plan to focus attention on the protrusion of the façade, it is recommended to use bright colors.

In this case, the bay window should not look contrasting; you need to think through the details that will unite the element with the room. Such details can be fabrics of the same texture, sofa cushions.

For greater decorativeness, you can use cornice lighting. The design is emphasized by a white LED strip located along the ceiling mechanism for fastening the fabric, which illuminates the ceiling pattern and flowing curtains from above.

How to decorate a bay window in a romantic style (with photo)

The romantic style is distinguished by tenderness and femininity, its characteristic features are soft lush fabrics that you just want to touch, frills, ruffles and charming swags. Window decoration in this style can be simple, with a cornice threaded through a drawstring, or more formal and strict, with swags and crossovers.

As you can see in the photo, in the design of a romantic bay window the focus is always on fabric and elegant decoration:

Romantic style can also be created with dark fabrics, as this rich floral damask in dark shades of red and pink proves. Damask is smooth and pleasant to the touch, so deep pleats of long damask curtains on a paneled bay window, complemented by a pile of stunning pillows on an upholstered sofa, are a great choice.

When decorating a bay window to create a sensual romantic atmosphere, choose fabrics with rich texture, for example: red-pink cotton damask, deep red chenille linen, rich silk damask, embroidered cotton grosgrain.

A bright and airy room with a huge bay window calls for softening touches. For simple curtains that are drawn over a bay window, it is better to choose a gauze translucent fabric. For bay windows, there are flexible hinged curtain rods that can be profiled to fit the corner of the window, but they will only support lightweight curtains such as these.

To add an elegant, romantic touch, choose elegant curtain tiebacks adorned with beads.

If you have a wide bay window and there is space between sections, you can hang four or even six individual curtains.

These photos show how to decorate bay windows in a romantic style:

Types of cornices

The choice of fastening element for curtains is carried out taking into account the installation conditions (on the ceiling, wall), and the curtain model. The model range is represented by products of various configurations, made of plastic, metal, wood.

• Flexible ceiling cornices are made from a profile system that bends at the installation site.

It is possible to make designs of any shape. This type combines optimal cost and functionality, but is only suitable for light fabrics. A separate element is installed for each line of curtains.

• Plastic ceiling cornices are mounted using bay window adapters, which ensures an arrangement parallel to each wall. Installation requires precise angle measurements. The use of systems of this type ensures free movement of curtains.
• Profile cornices require precise measurements and are made individually. The systems are installed on the ceiling or wall using brackets. Designs of this type are designed for various weight loads.

Ceiling cornices with baguette have a decorative purpose. The choice of design is made taking into account the color of the furniture, flooring, and interior decoration of the room. Round models are made from forged pipes equipped with rings or wood.

Designs of this type are equipped with corner adapters that provide the bending angle. Brackets are used for installation. Moving curtains on such a cornice is possible within the window opening.

Roman and French curtains are mounted on curtain rods. A separate element is installed for each canvas. Depending on the configuration of the bay window, a cornice is made for a small window in the shape of a protrusion in the wall.

Bay Window Design Ideas

It is important to decide what the curtains should be in a given room, then it may be:

• Sewing them without the help of others;
• Made to order in the studio or in person, using the advice of professionals;
• Suggest that the master make a sketch of your choice on the bay windows.

Attention: The choice of design style for bay windows should be based on a harmonious combination with the non-specialized design of the room and its functionality. Curtains will be able to profitably highlight a non-specialized plan or introduce disharmony and level it out!

A successful idea is often given a hint by the curtain fabric or tulle itself. But in another way, nothing inspires as much as the best design standards. Excellent design options for curtains for bay windows can be created by using special rounded or ceiling cornices, from which perfectly light fabrics flow down. Many unique ideas are offered for ordinary windows in rooms with a rectangular perimeter.

Well, the bay windows themselves can be quite unique:

• Arched;
• Square;
• Sloping (attic);
• Round or circular;
• Triangular or trapezoidal;
• Solid bay windows, forming a convex shape of a part of the wall only by means of window construction.

Extraordinary windows are made to order, and therefore cost an order of magnitude more. At the same time, the glass of the bay window can be diversified, for example, on the 1st low floor the bay window can be glazed with frosted, stained glass, mirrored or corrugated glass. This will free you from the annoying feeling of “looking into the windows” from the street and from the need to use curtains. At the same time, you may be limited to hanging beautiful transparent tulle on the windows.

The curtains themselves for bay windows also differ in shape, sewing method and style:

• Japanese shielded;
• French or “marquise” with draperies;
• Roman small ones;
• Austrian (with pick-up);
• Multi-layer English;
• With lambrequins;
• With grabs, etc.

It is impossible not to mention the functionality of a room with bay windows. For example, multiple draperies are appropriate only in the living room and bedroom, and Japanese flat curtains can be made of washable fabric, which will be very comfortable in a kitchen or dining room with a bay window.

On the south side of the house, you need to think about light filters or blinds in the summer. In winter, on the north side, languid insulated or multi-layer curtains are appropriate. And for a home cinema, light-proof curtains for bay windows are appropriate, which are appropriate for daytime film shows.

Curtains for a number of bay windows can be:

• Identical on all windows;
• Various, hung symmetrically;
• Alternating through one.

For example, a lambrequin can decorate only the central window, and languid curtains can decorate only the side windows, but all of them have non-specialized tulle. On a semicircular bay window they often use one continuous transparent tulle in a single sheet, fixed to the ceiling cornice. Apart from this, iridescent thread curtains look great on the bay window - a continuous cascade, which oscillate with the slight movement of air currents.

Curtain sizes

When choosing this design element, you need to take into account the degree of illumination. The window is complemented by curtains for the bay window, which should be the same length if they are used indoors. Before choosing curtain parameters, it is recommended to consider:

• purpose of the area;
• landscape outside the window;
• opening design style;
• room design;
• window design.

If the room is located on the sunny side, then thick curtains will be required, and if it faces the northern part, then you can use tulle. Depending on the design style, you can install roller blinds and blinds. The length is selected depending on personal preferences and the purpose of the room.

Short to the window sill

Shortened parts used in the design of window openings expand the functionality of the window sill. This solution allows you to place furniture near the window, saving space in the room.

Long

Canvases of this type give the interior an excellent look and emphasize style. The use of long curtains in the design should take into account the practical side of the use of the room.

If there is a dining area in the kitchen near the bay windows, then you can hang long transparent curtains.

In the children's room, long white curtains are complemented by roller blinds. The design of the office will be decorated with elements with lambrequins. Long curtains made of satin, silk, and brocade will create an atmosphere of comfort in the bedroom. Floor-length sliding curtains will complement the living room.

Decor of round windows

Swivel wooden frame, "Carminati Serranti"

Round windows are much less common, but their design causes considerable difficulties. Very often they have blind or rotating frames, and the textile design is neglected, focusing on the originality of the opening itself. If the need for curtains does exist, most often they use pleated curtains, which are sometimes also called fan curtains because of their resemblance to an open fan, since they ray out from the center of a round window. Such curtains accurately follow even the most intricate window contours and are made from fabrics of varying light transmittance.

Depending on the style of the interior, you can find French, Austrian and even Japanese curtains on round windows. If the window is large enough, you can use classic draperies with clamps on a straight cornice fixed above the window.

Remember that even a small window of an interesting shape is the highlight of your interior, which, if possible, should not be hidden behind heavy curtains, but, on the contrary, emphasized in every possible way and even focused on it in the interior.