Make your extra space functional by adding a window seat to your bow window. A soft seating, either upholstered or as an added cushion, will make the space more inviting to your guests, give you a place to read with natural lighting, and provide an isolated area for you to relax and cuddle up with your new pet as you watch your kids play. To create a uniform look, consider getting decorative pillows for your seat cushions and coordinating them with textile or fabric shades.

If you have bow windows in your bedroom, you can take advantage of the extra space and natural, bright light to set up a home office. This is a great alternative to adding a seating area, especially since you can create the office-esque vibe to keep you motivated. You can also create a work area in your living room by installing a room partition to isolate you from other activities in the larger area. It will not only give you more privacy, but also add an element of style to your space.

If you have bow windows in your kitchen, consider turning the extra space into a breakfast nook. It is ideal for taking your breakfast, as well as for helping your kids do their assignments as you prepare evening meals. Add some pastels or bright colors to keep the area bright with natural lighting all day.

With the multiple panels and unique layout of bow windows, consumers usually find it difficult to find a rod that fits well. To avoid the trouble, consider using hinged elbows that wind and provide an allowance for continuous rod application. Ceiling-mount brackets provide a fantastic solution for hanging your drapes. Choose a rod that matches the style of the room to create the look you want.

Although silk panels give your bow windows a traditional look, you can update it by applying a braid or fabric tape to the inside of each panel. Alternatively, you can use two different colours of silk for the body of the drape and a 1-2 foot band at the top/bottom of the panel.

This is a great way to add beauty and style to any living room or bedroom bow window. If you choose to install drapery panels, consider placing them on the return walls of your bow windows. Placing them at the centre will clutter the window and obstruct the view. Instead, use drapery panels to frame your window. Hang them high – with the rod raised to 2 inches below the crown moulding – to make the ceiling appear higher and your room longer, tidier, and crisper.

Top treatments, such as the installation of a valance, are a great addition to any set of windows to open up the room and make it more inviting. In formal spaces, consider using shutters with a fabric valance and matching seat cushions and pillows. In other spaces, such as bedrooms, you can combine operating shades with a fixed valance on top for privacy.

Roman shades come in a range of styles, materials, and designs. Consider using flat Roman shades to frame your bow windows and provide a vibrant and textural window accent.

If you want the natural light but with some privacy, consider hanging a fancy curtain panel on a pressure bar placed halfway up the window. This will allow light to come in via the upper portion of the window while giving you the privacy you need. To maximize lighting and create a casual look, avoid hanging large and heavy curtain panels, swooping valances, or ornate treatments.