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Cincinnati Bay Windows Need Perfect Window Treatments

September 21, 2016

Unique window types are typically some of the most visually appealing hallmarks of homes in Cincinnati - and one of the most attention-drawing types of those unique windows are bay windows. Whether from inside the home or outside, bay windows grant a sense of coziness and fashion all at the same time - if they’re partnered with the perfect window covering.

But how does one decide which window covering to select? Just as with other specialty window makes, bay windows have specific features to think about. Sunburst Shutters Cincinnati will take you through the checklist for bay window treatments, as well as show you the top picks for your Cincinnati bay windows.

White shutters in a chic bedroom bay window. 

What To Look For In Bay Window Treatments

  • Complement your bay window - A badly-chosen, dull window covering might mask the style of a bay window. Choose instead a treatment that accentuates your bay window’s eye-catching geometry.

  • Control your temperature and light levels - Bay windows tend to let in a lot of light and heat from outside. Select a window treatment that keeps your house comfortable and allows you to control the climate.

  • Visibility - Just as a window treatment needs to complement your bay window’s geometry, it also needs to control how much you’re able to see out your window, and how well others can see inside.

What Not To Choose For Bay Window Treatments

  • Aluminum blinds - Blinds have a tendency to hinder the glamour of specially-shaped windows, which can make them seem somewhat generic or cheap. They also underwhelm in controlling for light as well as temperature.

  • Draperies - Similar to blinds, drapes hurt the aesthetic of bay windows by hide their unique shape, which is one of their main appeals. Light control can also be a zero sum game when you go with drapes.

  • No window treatment at all - A few homeowners think it’s best to keep a bay window uncovered. The single reason for going without a window treatment is greater visibility, but doing so decreases your options for control of light and energy, and can let passersby get an undeterred look inside the house at all hours.

Recommendations For Cincinnati Bay Windows

Cellular Shades for Bay Windows

Vertical honeycomb shades in parlour bow window. 

Stylish, budget-friendly, and easy to operate, cellular shades are a great partner for bay windows. The reason why they work so well on bay windows is the amount of freedom cellular shades offer you. These shades are available in different cell sizes, all the way from 7/16” to 9/16” to 3/4” and come with a top-down, bottom-up system that allows you to raise the shade from the bottom or lower it from the top, meaning you can get your perfect view while keeping control of light levels.

Our cellular shades can be purchased in a range of transparencies, from slightly see-through to opaque, so losing your privacy is never a concern. In addition, unlike different kinds of shades, cellular shades don’t bulk up at the top or at the side of your window when opened, because they collapse so easily. That way you can preserve the beautiful look of your bay windows when the shades aren’t in use.

Plantation Shutters For Bay Windows

Bottom half plantation shutters in family room bay window.

Like cellular shades, plantation shutters offer Cincinnati homeowners the ability to showcase their bay windows’ geometry while enjoying the benefits of a custom window treatment. Plantation shutters go above and beyond cellular shades however, by granting you even better light and visibility control with their moveable louvers. And since they’re custom-made for your windows, you can have even greater leeway in how you accentuate their aesthetic with differing shutter lengths and configurations.

Since bay windows are usually some of the largest windows in the house, Polywood® plantation shutters’ insulation is a huge draw. Polywood shutters can stop close to 30° of heat flow in your home when used correctly, meaning that a cozy house is a quick tilt away.

For that vintage wood plantation shutter look, our Ovation® shutters surpass all similar shutters, being the only five star rated wood shutter available on the market. Ovation shutters are also able to accentuate the wood frames around bay windows.

Get Started On Your Bay Windows, Cincinnati!

You may be doing your room a disservice if you aren’t getting a great visual “pop” from your bay windows. Let Sunburst Shutters Cincinnati help your windows go the distance with our professional expertise. Get in touch with the Sunburst Shutters Cincinnati team today by calling 513-216-9740 to schedule a free in-home design consultation. We’ll work around your timeline and have product samples brought straight to your house!