Bow Window Treatments

We have two bow windows in the front of the house (four sections each). They are such a pain when it comes to window treatments. Do you think I get do a cordless cellular shade in each section in a neutral color (in particular, I'm considering the ivory beige shown below, or maybe even the antique linen) and then do a higher mounted rod with a wine colored drape?

We're starting from scratch (we gutted the first floor and turned the "master" bedroom on the first floor of this cape into a FDR). The living room is to the left when you walk in the front door, and dining to the right. They both have the same bow windows. We plan to do BM mannequin cream in the living room and cottage red in the dining room above a chair rail. The sofa in the living room is a lichen green (olive khaki color).

Here is the cellular shade (thinking of getting these affordable ones from JCPenney)
Cellular Shade

And then considering this look from Pottery Barn in the redwood color

PB shades

Basically, my question is, should the shades match the drapes, or can I do a neutral shade and more of a dramatic drape ?

Anyone else have pics of treatments on a bow window? Thanks!

Re: Bow Window Treatments

I just put window treatments on our bow window yesterday. We got a double curtain rod and put a lace valance and lace long panels on he sides (framing the window). I will try to take a picture later but I have a lot of tools and etc to clean up first.

We don't have any furniture in our living room yet so I don't know if I will keep these window treatments but for now they will do. Also, I didn't want to completely block the window either.

Re: Bow Window Treatments

Right, I'm trying not to block the window too much because the rooms aren't huge, so I don't want to close in the extra space the bow window gives you. The people before us literally had the entire wall (in both rooms) with full drapes and sheers - it really closed the room in.

Re: Bow Window Treatments

BUMP for more opinions

Re: Bow Window Treatments

we have a bow window in our living room and i had wood blinds installed in each window very close to the window. i am very happy with the way they look. i like the cellular blinds also, but i just wanted to be able to see out without keeping the blinds up all the time. i am in the process of making a cornice for the top of the window.

Re: Bow Window Treatments

I think the shades should contrast the drapes.

Here is a pic from before we moved in. They left the Hunter Douglas blinds and we were happy about that bc they are $$$, but I have to say, having 5 shades is kind of annoying bc when they are up, I always have to make sure they are even.

I am not sure what we are doing for curtains yet. I may do something similar to this, or get drapes. Whatever I chose, they will be in the red family.

Re: Bow Window Treatments

I know - that's my issue with individual blinds, shades, or roman shades - having to pull them up and down and even them out every morning - what a PITA!

Re: Bow Window Treatments

I just saw this on bhg.com the other day. it has a bunch of ideas for bay and bow windows. link

Re: Bow Window Treatments

Here is my living room window

ETA: The picture is in my album. Pic is too large.

Message edited 6/1/2007 7:01:28 PM.

Re: Bow Window Treatments

I will post mine tomorrow. I am finishing painting and putting up the valance. I have a bow, the two outter window only go out, I found it hard without pics...I did mine like this house I saw and loved...
Again, this was the sample and I will post mine tomorrow but this is pretty much how mine looks except the scarf is different.

Image Attachment(s):

Message edited 6/1/2007 8:25:02 PM.