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Overhead diagrams comparing three-sided angled, square or box, five-sided and bow bay-window shapes. Simplified plan views, not to scale.

Which Type of Bay Window Do You Have? A Guide to Shapes, Curtains, Poles and Tracks

A bay window brings light, character and a little extra space into a room. It can be a cosy reading corner, a striking dining area or simply the feature that makes your home feel special. But when it comes to curtains, one question makes everything easier: what type of bay window do you have?

From classic angled bays to sweeping bow windows, each shape needs a slightly different approach. This guide will help you identify yours, understand the main differences and choose a suitable curtain pole or track.

First, what is a bay window?

A bay window projects outwards from the main wall of a building, creating a recess inside the room. The term is often used broadly, but bays can have square corners, angled sides or a curved appearance.

When choosing curtains, look at the shape of the whole recess rather than counting the individual glass panes. A window with several panes may still have just three main sides.

1. Three-sided angled bay windows

How to recognise one: a central window with two side windows angled back towards the room. Often called a canted bay, this is a familiar shape in period and modern homes.

What makes it special: the angled sides create a generous view and an attractive focal point without the square corners of a box bay.

Curtain advice: a compatible bay-window pole with corner joints can follow the three sides, while a suitable bendable or made-to-measure track can provide a continuous route around the bay. Choose a system designed for your actual angles, not simply one labelled “bay window”.

A product to explore: the Neo 28mm Bay Window Pole in Chrome with Ball finials is designed for three-sided bays up to 4.8m. The wall-fix set includes corner joints, passing brackets and nylon-lined passing rings. Check your measurements and fixing position before ordering.

Watch out for: brackets and corner joints can affect how far curtains travel. If you want the curtains to draw around the whole bay, check whether the pole system needs passing rings and passing brackets, and whether your curtain heading is compatible.

2. Square or box bay windows

How to recognise one: a flat front with two sides returning towards the room at approximately right angles, creating a box-like recess.

What makes it special: its defined corners can create a useful space for seating, a desk or a display area.

Curtain advice: look for a pole system designed to accommodate square-bay corners, or a track that can be formed to the required shape and bend radius. Right-angle corners need particular care because curtains must have room to pass without rubbing against the wall or fittings.

Watch out for: deep window sills, handles and furniture. The pole or track needs enough clearance for curtains to hang freely, while the fixing surface must provide suitable support.

3. Five-sided and multi-angled bay windows

How to recognise one: five or more distinct sections form a series of smaller angles around the bay. Count the changes in direction of the recess, not the bars dividing the glass.

What makes it special: the extra sections create a softer, more sweeping shape than a simple three-sided bay.

Curtain advice: a made-to-measure track can be a useful option for following several changes in direction. A multi-sided bay pole may also work, provided it supports the required number of corners and the measured angles.

Silent Gliss tracks to explore for your five-sided bay

These Silent Gliss tracks can be machine-bent for bay windows. For a five-sided or multi-angled bay, send us a plan-view drawing showing every section and angle so we can confirm the required bends, fixing arrangement and suitability for your curtains before you order.

Important: these tracks cannot be bent by hand. Arrange the required machine bending when ordering, and confirm any bending supplements or additional charges. The correct choice depends on your bay dimensions, bend positions, curtain weight, heading and fixing surface, not simply the number of sides.

Watch out for: assuming every section or angle is identical. Small differences can affect the fit, so measure each straight section and each change of direction separately, following the chosen supplier’s instructions.

4. Bow windows

How to recognise one: several window sections form a broad, gently sweeping arc. A bow window may use multiple straight sections to create a curved appearance, rather than having genuinely curved glass.

What makes it special: its wide outlook and softer outline can make the window feel especially spacious.

Curtain advice: a suitable curved or bendable track can follow the sweep neatly. A specialist curved pole may be an option if you prefer the decorative appearance of a pole, but check its suitability for the exact shape and curtain weight.

A product to explore: the Cameron Fuller System 30 Bendable Curtain Track in White with Ball finials can be formed into forward bends, reverse bends or a continuous curve using the required bend former. Wall-fix and ceiling-fix options are available. Confirm the bend requirements for your window before ordering; a bend former is required.

Watch out for: confusing a smooth curve with a series of small angles. A photograph and a plan-view sketch help explain the shape before you order.

5. Curved bays and unusual shapes

How to recognise one: the recess follows a continuous curve, has unequal sides or uses a less common layout that does not fit a standard bay shape.

What makes it special: these windows give a room individuality, but often need a more tailored curtain solution.

Curtain advice: consider a specialist made-to-measure system. Depending on the product, the supplier may need a template, detailed dimensions or a drawing to reproduce the shape accurately.

A made-to-measure option to discuss: the Arc 25mm Metal Bay Window Pole in Soft Black with Ball finials is professionally bent to your specification, with lengths up to 5m. The listed configurations include one-bend, two-bend and reverse-bend bays. Contact us with your drawing to confirm suitability rather than assuming it will fit every curved or multi-sided window.

Watch out for: bending a standard pole or track without checking the instructions. Some products are designed for bending; others are not, and minimum bend radii vary.

Bay-window pole or curtain track: which should you choose?

Choose a pole if you want the curtain hardware to be part of the room’s style. Decorative finishes and finials can frame the window beautifully. For bays, check the corner arrangements, bracket positions and whether the curtains can travel past the supports.

Choose a track if you prefer a discreet appearance or need a system that follows a complex shape. Tracks can be particularly useful for multi-angled and curved bays, but bendability, fixing options and weight capacity depend on the individual product.

Your curtain heading matters too. Pencil-pleat and pinch-pleat curtains can use compatible hooks with suitable rings or gliders. Eyelet curtains need a compatible pole and may not travel around bay corners or past supports as you expect. Wave-style curtains require a compatible track or pole system with the correct gliders and heading arrangement.

Using eyelet curtains? Explore the Neo 28mm Eyelet Bay Window Pole in Stainless Steel with Stud finials. It is designed for eyelet curtains on three-sided bays, with 3.6m and 4.8m options, wall-fix brackets and hand-bendable corner joints. It is supplied without rings. Check the fitting instructions and intended curtain movement before choosing your layout.

Silent Gliss Metropoles: the look of a pole, the function of a track

Want a decorative curtain pole without visible curtain rings? A Silent Gliss Metropole offers another approach. Its aluminium profile looks like a pole, while the curtains hang from gliders travelling inside a channel. Finials give it a decorative finish, with no external rings to pass over the support brackets.

Why consider a Metropole for a bay window?

Selected Metropole systems can be shaped for bay windows using the bending service. This combines the appearance of a decorative pole with an internal glider system. For a five-sided bay or another complex layout, send us a drawing showing every section and angle so we can confirm the bending requirements and suitability before ordering. Do not assume that a straight Metropole will arrive ready to fit your bay.

Three Metropole options to explore

  • Silent Gliss 7600 23mm Metropole in Black with Taper finials: a slim, hand-operated option for light-to-medium weight curtains. Wall and ceiling fixing options are available, along with compatible 60mm and 80mm Wave heading configurations.
  • Silent Gliss 7610 30mm Metropole in White with Spear finials: a mid-sized profile for medium-to-heavy weight curtains, subject to the product’s weight guidance and fixing arrangement. Available in lengths up to 6m, with wall or ceiling fixing and options for standard gliders, Wave gliders and heavy-duty roller gliders. Compatible 60mm and 80mm Wave heading options are available. For bay windows, arrange the bending service and confirm your measurements before ordering.
  • Silent Gliss 7620 50mm Metropole in White with Taper finials: a larger-profile option for medium-to-heavy weight curtains, subject to the product’s weight limits and fitting arrangement. Options include standard gliders, Wave configurations and heavy-duty roller gliders. Wall and ceiling fixing choices are available.

Ordering a 30mm Metropole for a bay? See the Silent Gliss Metropole 30mm Bending Supplement. This is a bending-service supplement, not a complete pole. Confirm the number of bends required and supply your exact measurements using the measuring guide before ordering.

Choosing the right Metropole configuration

Match the system to your curtains: choose the profile and gliders for the curtain weight, and check the product’s weight guidance. For Wave curtains, specify the matching 60mm or 80mm heading and glider arrangement. Metropoles use gliders rather than an eyelet curtain sliding directly along the pole.

Plan the fixing and clearance: allow room for curtain folds, window handles and sills. Some finials require alternative ceiling brackets with a downstand, so confirm the bracket choice and projection before ordering.

Arrange the bay bending: confirm the dimensions, bend positions, bending service and any additional charges. State clearly whether your required overall length includes or excludes the finials, following the selected product’s measuring instructions.

A Metropole is worth considering if you like the decorative presence of a pole but prefer curtains running on internal gliders. The right specification matters more than diameter alone, particularly for bays and heavier curtains.

Before you order: your bay-window checklist

  • Identify the shape: sketch the bay as if you were looking down on it from above.
  • Measure each section: follow the measuring guide for your chosen system. Do not assume wall measurements are the same as pole or track measurements.
  • Record the angles: do not assume the corners are standard or symmetrical.
  • Check clearance: allow for handles, sills, radiators and any other obstructions.
  • Plan where the curtains will gather: allow space for the open curtains, known as the stack-back, so they cover as little glass as practical.
  • Confirm the curtain weight and heading: heavy lined curtains need a system and fixings rated for the load.
  • Check the fixing surface: wall and ceiling mounting need suitable brackets, fixings and structural support.
  • Decide how the curtains should open: a centre-opening pair, separate panels or a one-way draw can require different arrangements.

Could you hang curtains straight across the front?

Yes, in some rooms a straight pole or track across the opening is a practical alternative to following the bay. It can simplify the installation and curtain movement, but it separates the bay recess from the room when the curtains are closed. Consider how you use the space and whether furniture, radiators or seating would sit behind the curtains.

Make the most of your bay window

The best starting point is the shape, not the finish. Once you know your bay’s layout, fixing position and curtain requirements, it is much easier to choose a pole or track that looks right and works smoothly.

Unsure which option suits your window? Contact Just Poles with a clear photograph, a plan-view sketch and your measurements. Include your curtain heading and whether you want the curtains to travel around the entire bay, so we can help you narrow down a suitable solution before you order.