Blind advice for bedroom bay window?

7 years ago

We've just had our master bedroom redecorated (all white for now but will probably do something with the bed head wall when I can decide what!).

Previously there were cheap silver blackout roller blinds set at different heights which really bugged me. I prefer the look of Roman blinds but don't think I have enough space above the windows for them. Plus I think they'll end up bunched up in the corners.

So what do people recommend? I don't think curtains will look good here as I'm not keen on short curtains and long ones would block the column radiator below (which will be put back on soon).

Currently wondering about dual shade and blackout roller blinds but does anyone here have some bright ideas? House is 1930's for reference.

Featured Answer

Lauren
Original Author

5 years ago

Realised I never updated this thread! After a great deal of indecision I was inspired by an instagram post I saw where someone had used a white aluminium curtain track which you could bend to fit to the bay. It's fairly invisible against the white window frames and has a small, shallow profile so it fit neatly into the gap available. I then used the same ikea ingert curtains as elsewhere in the house along with ikea black out liners (which FYI are more 'light reduction' than true 'blackout' :S). Only downside is that when the curtains are fully open they block a little bit of the windows to the sides but honestly I'm just happy to have something up now! It definitely makes the bedroom feel more finished and cosy too :).

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Comments (24)

rachelmidlands
7 years ago
Hi Lauren, if you're considering roller blinds you could perhaps have a box pelmet to fit over the top. Doesn't have to be too big, just enough to cover the top of the blinds. This could then be covered with fabric to coordinate with other colours/ furnishings within the room. Just think it might help to soften the look of blinds on there own. Also, I think shutters or white wood venetian blinds would look good.
J Mjs
7 years ago
Hi Lauren, I also have 1930s semi and am awaiting installation of plantation shutters in bay, which looked amazing in brochure (https://www.norwichsunblinds.co.uk/product/shutters/). Did have to save up, but Venetian blinds can be a good cost effective alternative also.
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Yes, lovely colour. Well done for standing your ground :) I like your bedside light in the photo. Why do you want to change it? I would be interested in suggestions you will receive for dressing of your bay window. We have a bay window in our bedroom with a very similar beam (boxed in RSJ?) in the way. We have wooden venetian blinds, which look good but we wouldn’t mind having curtains as well. Tricky with that beam.
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Lauren
Original Author
7 years ago
Hmm, whilst I understand the function of a pelmet I think they generally look dated, even a simple one.

I can't afford plantation shutters unfortunately, getting married this year and we only had enough left over for the essential hallway and bedroom redecorating. We need something in the meantime though.

I also feel that blinds would probably soften off the window a bit whereas shutters might be a bit cold?

Perhaps I should ask some companies to come quote for blinds and see if any could make Romans work in the space available.
A B
7 years ago
Do you think you have enough space to combine roller blinds and curtains? Would need a pelmet though but fitting for a 1930s house! I agree I can imagine roller blinds getting a bit bunched up, would be interesting to hear what the blind pros say about that.
Lauren
Original Author
7 years ago
Hi Sarah - think you may have commented on the wrong thread?

Jen - I love the look of combined blinds and curtains - especially on full length windows like that! I just don't think there's enough space to make it work in the bedroom. Maybe I'll have to reconsider the pelmet idea. I found a similar image to yours which I like.

I've heard about 'perfect fit' roller blinds which sit within the UPVC frame which might then allow for a separate curtain rod. Will do some more googling.

The room is north facing so I don't really want to block out any more light than I have to when open. Would be good if a few experts in the window dressing department can chime in?
sarahxxx
7 years ago
We have radiator heaters under some of our windows too. I have long curtains which at night time (sad to say) I prop the curtain up on the window sill with a pair of heavy shoes so they are off the radiator!

If you have 6 inches or so above the window you could fit some narrow curtain rods and eyelet curtains. Or just have the black out blinds and a 'fake' curtain each side that doesn't close.

We have the privacy blinds (plain white but let light in) so you can change your clothes in the day time without making the room dark and curtains.
Lauren thanked sarahxxx
Carolina
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Hamilton Residence · More Info

Why do you think there's not enough space for Roman blinds? The window frame in the corners looks quite wide? I found a pic of a similar window, but I don't like the gap between end wall and blinds. You could hang long curtain panels at the end corners, where the bay meets the straight wall, to hide those gaps? (I'm just thinking out loud...)
Carolina
7 years ago
Like this...

Marlborough place, St. John's Wood · More Info
smart panties
7 years ago
What about bamboo shades?
Dining · More Info
smart panties
7 years ago
One more idea
Pearson's Room · More Info
Lauren
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks for all the suggestions! I think the photo I took might make it look more spacious than it really is. There's only 11cm (4.25") above the window and 14cm (5.5") between the glass of each window. The issue with both roller and roman blinds is making sure the hardware doesn't get in the way of each other and so ending up with light coming through the corners if that makes sense? I've attached a diagram that shows the issue along with a couple of close up pics which show how the brackets for the old roller blinds were staggered to make sure the window was covered. I just always thought the staggering looks really rubbish but maybe a pelmet is the only way to cover this.

As its our bedroom we'll definitely want black out blinds. I'm starting to think the 'perfect fit' blinds might be a good solution though the framing for them looks a little ugly.
sarahxxx
7 years ago
What about Roman blinds like this pic attached. If you can get them to lie fairly flat and when they unfold they sit neatly on each sill. They should block most of the light. But if it is an east facing window then the sun will definitely get in. So if too bright, yes then perfect fitted blinds fitting into each window frame. IKEA have other poles too that don't need 6 inches above.
Lauren
Original Author
7 years ago
Hi Sarahxxx - I can't see a pic attached to your comment?
PRO
Hillarys
7 years ago
Hi Lauren,

Roman blinds would still be an option I think - they may overlap the top of the window slightly, but there should be plenty of room underneath to let the light flood in. So if your heart is set on them, don't necessarily write them off.

PerfectFit blinds are also a great choice though. You mention you feel the frames might be bulky and ugly - they're actually very discreet and lots of customers feel they only look like a part of the uPVC window itself. They're available in Pleated and Roller fabrics (both available with blackout fabrics) as well as Venetians.

Good luck with your search,

Zoe
Lauren
Original Author
7 years ago
Hi Zoe,

Thanks for your comment. I'm leaning more towards roman blinds and just accepting they may block a little of the light. I'm also tempted to do what others have said and use long curtains permanently drawn either side to add some softness and cover the 'gap' between blind and wall. Tried a few photoshopped options and I think this looks the best and most 'finished' somehow.
PRO
ARC Bespoke Interiors
7 years ago
50mm ,venetian white blinds
PRO
Hillarys
7 years ago
Hi Lauren,

That sounds a good idea - dress curtains are a really lovely way to soften the look. You could fit them outside of the recess and just cover the edges - curtains with a bit of volume will look really lovely.

Good luck!

Zoe
PRO
The Blind Shop
6 years ago
Hi Lauren, we think blackout roller blinds would give you a clean, simple look as well as functioning to block the light. Below are some examples of similar bay windows where we have installed blackout roller blinds. Alternatively, you could consider wood venetian blinds. See example below. We offer a Measuring and Fitting Service and would be happy to help you measure for your blinds if needed.

Bay Window Blinds | The Blind Shop | Made to measure · More Info

The Blind Shop | Blackout roller blinds | Made to measure from £71 · More Info

Bay Window Blinds | The Blind Shop | Made to measure · More Info
Lauren
Original Author
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago

Thanks for your comment The Blind Shop. There's currently roller blinds there and thats what I want to get rid of - you can see from this pic how they're off-set from each other and yet they still manage to let a lot of light in down the sides. The samples pinned to the middle one were what I was considering for the roman blinds. But I've been told that when fully shut they take up about 25% of the drop which would still block out quite a lot of light. So I'm still not sure what to do.

Regarding venetian blinds - I've just never liked the look of them, would rather have something that softened off and dressed the space.
PRO
The Blind Shop
6 years ago
Unfortunately you will get a little gap between the roller blinds. And yes the roman blinds will take up quite a lot of space when they are raised. Curtains are a little old fashioned but a curved curtain rail will eliminate the gap you get with roller blinds. Feel free to browse our gallery for more ideas.
A B
6 years ago
Ah Lauren I just clicked thinking you had posted an 'after' photo. Still not decided?
Lauren
Original Author
6 years ago
Hi Jen - not yet I'm afraid. Still going back and forth on ideas but leaning towards getting perfect fit blackout roller blinds to completely eliminate light coming in when we're sleeping. Then having a curtain rod with long sheer curtains to dress the window and use when we want light but privacy. Will probably get an appointment with Hillarys to have the perfect fit blinds quoted. Just waiting on a free weekend - I'm getting super busy on the run up to my wedding in July! Will post an 'after' pic eventually!
PRO
Hillarys
6 years ago
Good luck with your search, Lauren!