Wait…Are My Windows Really Bay Windows?

Before you pull out your tape measure, you’ll need to determine if you really do have bay windows. Typically, they are three-dimensional window features that jut out from your wall. They have a flat pan of glass in the center and two or more angled pieces on either side. Bay windows can provide a small area of extra floor space or seating in a room.

There are two types of bay windows: traditional and separated. The main difference between the two is that the glass in traditional bay windows is only separated by a thin divider, while separated ones are divided by a significant amount of wall or trim.

Measuring Your Bay Window For Blinds

Typically, they have horizontal window blinds that hang from the top of the frame. Depending on the window’s depth – the small area between the glass pane and the trim surrounding it – you’ll need to decide if you’re going to hang inside-mount blinds or outside-mount blinds. And when it comes to collecting measurements, your method will depend on the type of bay window in your home.

Measuring The Depth

Inside-mount blinds are hung in the flattest, largest area inside the frame of the window. When you measure your window’s depth, that is the area that you’ll need to find. Once you’ve located that area (it will be perpendicular to the window pane), use a tape measure to determine the depth. 

Most inside-mount blinds require a window depth of ½”-3”, so if your window doesn’t have enough depth, you’ll have to go with outside-mount blinds. They are hung above the window on the wall. You don’t need to measure for depth if you’re planning to hang outside-mount blinds.

Measuring The Window Size

How you measure your bay window will depend on if you have a traditional or separated window. For separated ones, the measuring process is more straightforward, like a normal window. 

Separated Bay

First, measure the width of the window from the edge you want the blinds to cover to the opposite side. Take this measurement at the top, middle and bottom of the glass and use the smallest measurement. This ensures that the blinds won’t scrape against the sides of the frame. 

Next, repeat a similar process with the height, measuring it three times and choosing the largest number to ensure that the blinds will reach all the way to the bottom of your window. If you’re using outside-mount blinds, add 3-4” to the width measurement and 2” to the height measurement to accommodate the extra space required.

Traditional Bay

For traditional bay windows, the process is more complicated. We recommend the following:

1. Cut two cardboard squares, each side measuring the width of your chosen blinds as stated in the product measurements.
2. Place the cardboard squares in the corners of the adjacent windows so that the corner of each square barely touches the other. You might need to tape the squares to the ceiling directly above each window for more accurate measurements.
3. Mark where the inner edge of each square lies (the edge that is closer to the adjacent cardboard square).
4. Measure the width of each window from one pencil marking to the outside edge of the window. If your window is surrounded by adjacent windows, measure the width from one marking to the next. You’ll measure the height the same way as the separated bay windows. 

If this process is too daunting for you, feel free to reach out to Blinded by Delight. We can help you take these measurements and even install your blinds for you. We understand – the process is tricky to master!

Finding The Right Blinds

After you take all the measurements of your bay windows, you just need to order the blinds you want and install them! Typically, we recommend picking out a set before you measure, but your decision might change after you collect accurate measurements. 

If you’re unsure which blinds to choose, contact Blinded by Delight! We have your favorites, from wood blinds or metal blinds for windows and everything in between. Send us an email or give us a call for personalized assistance!