Window Blind Sales and Installation

Types of Blind Installations for Bay Windows

Measuring a bay window is one of the most important parts of selecting the right blinds for the space and the most important measurement you need is the depth. You want to install blinds that take up as little depth as possible to simplify the installation and keep the window treatments from colliding in the corners. There are a few ways that you can hang blinds in bay windows: an inside mount, a partial inside mount and an outside mount. 

Doing an inside mount is the easiest and most practical way to hang your blinds in a bay window. Not only are the measurements simple to get (the depth, the narrowest width of your window and the longest length of your window), but it will ensure that your blinds hang inside each window section without touching. This is especially easy if your bay window has wall space in between the window sections. Be sure that you choose a blind that fits within the depth of your window casing to ensure that your treatment will fit perfectly. 

A partial inside mount is when the blinds protrude out into the room, but have a small amount of space between them to allow for angle positioning. Outside mounts are similar, but are fully mounted outside the window casing, meaning they fully protrude into the room. Measuring for these types of mounts is a little tricky as you will have to account for the collision point (the point at which blinds will touch). 

Once you have measured your bay window and know the restrictions, you can pick a window treatment. Again, the depth is the most important measurement, so check the treatments’ minimum depth requirements before you commit to a product. If you happen to choose shades as your window treatment, get some samples to make sure you get the color and pattern you want. These window treatments can increase the value of your home, so choose carefully!

While blinds and shades are different, many people think of them interchangeably, so we’ll look at both categories of window treatments. Blinds are considered a hard treatment, meaning they are made of metal, wood or vinyl. Shades are soft treatments, meaning they are made of fabric. Here are some shade or blind options for your bay window.

• Mini Blinds: This option is both classic and durable. They are easy to clean and allow you to adjust the light filtering. 
• Faux Wood Blinds: This option is a step up from the metal or vinyl blind option but not as expensive as wood. Again, they are easy to clean and allow you to adjust the light filtering.
• Wood Blinds: This is the most expensive option for blinds, however they may increase the value of your home. They will also require a bit more care to ensure the wood doesn’t crack in dry climates. Some wood shades are woven. To clean woven wood blinds, use the brush attachment on your vacuum to remove dust, as cloths and paper towels can leave behind lint or snag on the blinds. 
• Cellular Shades: This soft treatment is great for warm and sunny bay windows and can save you money on your energy bill. The pockets of fabric trap the hot air, helping to keep your house temperature more regulated. Unlike blinds, there is no ability to light filter; there is only open and closed for shades. To clean, simply use an upholstery brush attachment on your vacuum to remove dust and spot clean only (be sure to test cleaning solutions in an inconspicuous spot first). 
• Roman Shades: These fabric shades offer class and style and come in many colors and patterns. They can also increase the value of your home. And like cellular shades, they do not offer the ability to adjust light filtering. Clean with the upholstery attachment of your vacuum to remove dust and spot clean only (test in an inconspicuous spot first). 

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