As beautiful as a big bay window is to have in your home, it’s no secret that finding the perfect window covering for them can be a challenge. From complex tracked curtains to ill-fitting blinds, these stunning feature windows can end up giving you a headache. But just as we provide quality plantation shutters for normal windows, so too do we provide shutters for bay windows – a simple, tailored shutter solution for your home that not only fits perfectly, but highlights the beauty of the windows too.
In this guide, we’ll be taking you through everything you need to know about shutters for bay windows, including the benefits of choosing this style of window covering, and the types there are available.
What Are Bay Windows?
A bay window is a set of windows which projects outward from a building, adding space and letting light flood in. They typically consist of one central window with two smaller windows at an angle either side, creating a shape similar to half of a hexagon, but can also be more of a rectangular shape. Similar to bay windows, bow windows also ‘bow’ outward, except this configuration is usually made up of multiple identical windows in a semicircle.
Bay windows are a beautiful feature for any home, traditional or contemporary, and the process of finding the ideal window dressing for this feature is an opportunity to make it even more impressive. Even within the world of window shutters, there’s a huge amount of choice which depends on your personal preferences, the shape and size of your bay window, and any other requirements you may have.
Why Choose Shutters for Bay Windows?
Practicality
Shutters are an inherently practical choice for your bay windows. They’re easy to clean and maintain, requiring just a simple wipe with a natural feather duster every now and then. In contrast, fabric curtains and blinds can accumulate dust and require regular laundering or vacuuming. Because our shutters are made from hypoallergenic materials and repel dust, they don’t harbour dust mites or pollen, minimising airborne irritants.
Shutters are also incredibly easy to operate, opening and closing without the faff of a traditional blind cord. At Just Shutters, we even have automated shutters, which can make your shutter-opening experience as simple as pushing a button.
Safety
One of the biggest safety benefits of our plantation shutters for bay windows is the absence of those traditional blind cords or chains which usually dangle dangerously, posing risks to young children and pets as they can become entangled. The sleek, cord-free design of child-friendly shutters creates a much safer environment for you without compromising on style.
Privacy
Bay windows are often located in living areas facing outwards towards paths or roads where people are always passing through. Many window coverings, such as blinds and curtains, allow for two settings only: open and closed. This means that you often have to choose between having natural light flow into your home and having privacy from passersby. With shutters, this isn’t the case: the adjustable louvres can be tilted to obscure the view from outside, whilst still allowing light to enter the room.
Fit
Bay windows can come in all shapes and sizes, with some configurations featuring narrow sides and one large window in the middle, whilst others can have five or six equally-sized windows. Just Shutters provides shutters tailored to the exact measurements of your windows, meaning they fit precisely into your window frames, leaving no unsightly gaps.
Security
As well as improved privacy, security shutters serve as a barrier to potential intruders, as they make it more difficult for them to gain access through the windows. They also prevent children or pets from falling out of open windows, meaning you can let plenty of air flow through your house without worry.
Style
Last but certainly not least on our list of benefits is style. Louvred plantation shutters are undoubtedly beautiful, with a huge range of materials and colours available from Just Shutters to ensure your bay window coverings fit perfectly into your home.
Styles Of Shutters For Bay Windows
Full-height shutters
Full height bay window shutters cover the entire window from top to bottom. They are typically hinged, allowing them to be swung open for a clear view and maximum light, or closed to block light and enhance privacy.
As well as opening full-height bay window shutters fully, you can also adjust the louvres to your liking throughout the day. The shutters provide versatility in light control and privacy while adding a classic, elegant look to the bay windows.
This type of shutter is particularly suited to rooms where maximum privacy is required like bedrooms.
Café-style shutters
Café-style bay window shutters cover only the lower portion of a window, leaving the top part exposed. The style is inspired by the shutters often seen in European cafés, providing privacy for the lower half while allowing natural light to enter through the upper half.
Café-style bay window shutters are ideal for rooms such as living rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms in urban settings where privacy from street-level views is required. They give a charming, continental feel to a room, allowing lots of light to flow in through the top, uncovered portion of the bay window. Café-style bay window shutters usually cover the bottom half or bottom two-thirds of the windows.
Tier-on-tier shutters
Tier-on-tier bay window shutters consist of two sets of shutter panels, one on top of the other, which can be operated independently. This design provides greater flexibility in light control, privacy, and ventilation.
This style of bay window shutter is a type of full-height shutter, as it covers the entire window without leaving any gaps. The louvres can be adjusted to allow in as little or as much light as you like. The shutter panels can also be opened to allow you to open and close the window itself, or to let even more light in.
The tiered style of these shutters means you can leave the top ones open and the bottom ones closed, maximising light or air flow with the windows open without compromising your privacy or safety.
Solid wood shutters
Solid wood bay window shutters are made entirely from solid pieces of wood. Unlike louvred shutters, solid wood shutters consist of solid panels that can be opened or closed. They can cover the entire window as a full-height shutter, or part of it, as a café-style shutter.
This is a very traditional style of shutter, suited to elegant, classic styles of decor. They allow you to completely block out light or open them wide to let the sun pour in. You can get full solid wood shutters, or half-and-half, where the top portion of the window is covered by a louvred shutter.
Beautifully Tailored Bay Window Shutters at Just Shutters
At Just Shutters, we have the widest range of shutter styles in the UK – including some exclusive ranges! You can trust us to create the perfect solution for your bay window.
To get started, browse our range of high-quality plantation shutters, or get in touch with us for more information. We’re always happy to hear from you, whether it’s to answer your questions about our shutters and their office-friendly features, or to start you on your shutter journey!
