• Use bay windows to the best of their advantage, no matter what the view.bay windows image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
  
  A bay window is a much sought-after architectural detail that adds several layer of visual interest to the room. First, there's the view from the window; if it's good, don't cover it up. Second, there's the space itself; almost like a tiny little room unto itself, the bay window begs for creative use. Third, there's the window treatment; the way you choose to frame or cover your window can make or break your entire room. The bay window is such a large piece of the room that it demands to make a statement. What that statement makes depends on you.
  
  

Factor in the View

• Blinds block a bad view while allowing light to penetrate.venetian blind. image by guiney from Fotolia.com
  
  Perhaps your bay window looks out onto a mountainside or a city street. If the view is too good to miss, skip window coverings altogether if privacy allows. If bare windows are a little too bold for you, stick to sheer, translucent materials that bring in colors from outside. The point is to make your fabulous view work for you as a decorative element in your room. If you look out onto a gorgeous ocean or lake, paint the interior of the bay space to match the color of the water. If you're next to a forest, bring the color of the fall foliage into your space. If your view leaves much to be desired, for example the brick wall of the building next door, use translucent roller shades or blinds; both block the view while allowing light through.
  
  

Use the Space

• A window seat is the most common use of a bay window area for good reason: it provides extra seating and even extra storage within the unit itself. Window seats can be built cheaply from standard cabinets at home improvement stores, topped with plywood and cushions. If you prefer something a little less traditional, place a chaise and a floor lamp in the alcove for a secluded reading place. If you entertain frequently, put in a couple of occasional chairs and a small cafe table to make an instant social grouping.
  
  

Decorate the Window

• When choosing window treatments, remember that the bay window takes up a lot of wall, so whatever you put there will be a dominant element in the room. For a traditional look, use a bay window curtain rod, which has three sections with rounded corners to sweep the drapes evenly across all three sections. To add a touch of elegance, install Roman shades within the frame of each window, and drape a fabric curtain and valance on the outside of the frame. Blinds, shades and short, simple curtains look best when installed inside the frame, while long, draped, elaborate curtains look best outside the frame. Installing window treatments inside the window frame can give the bay window the feel of a framed painting, especially if the trim contrasts the wall color.