What Are The Best Blinds for Bay Windows?

What Are The Best Blinds for Bay Windows?

Bay windows are a key feature in your home, so you must know how to dress them with the perfect blinds for bay windows! A bay window allows lots of light into a room, as well as an enhanced view. But this comes together with the need for protecting your privacy and controlling the light when necessary.

So, what is a bay window?

Once tied solely to period homes, bay windows have made a comeback in modern-day architecture and design. They protrude outwards from the main walls – creating an illusion of more space in a room and bringing more of the outside in.

There are several styles of bay windows. Different angles, amounts of windows, sizes, and heights. So, before you choose the best blinds for your bay windows, you need to figure out what type of bay windows you have:

Bow windows: Usually made up of one large pane of curved glass.
Angled (AKA canted) bay windows: Made up of a flat-fronted glass pane and 2 angled side panes.
Multi-faceted bay windows: As above, but they are made with five or seven panes of glass, rather than three.
Triangular bay windows: Made up of two panes of glass, installed at a 120-degree angle.
Oriel bay windows: A set of windows arranged together in a bay, braced underneath by a bracket or corbel. Typically found in gothic style properties.

It’s important to consider the style of your bay when it comes to picking the best bay window blinds. The last thing you want to do is cover up stunning views or reduce the charm of your bay windows! Bear this in mind when you’re choosing! But for now, read on to discover A1’s picks for the best blinds for bay windows… 

Roman Blinds for Bay Windows

Romans are a great choice for all bay windows with angled panes of glass. Individual blinds can be mounted to each windowpane.

Thanks to their soft appearance they help to bring a cosy vibe to your room by reducing hard lines and adding texture. As you open the blinds the fabric drapes over itself, adding layers and framing your window elegantly. You can also opt for a lined Roman if you require a dimout blind in a bedroom or living space for example.

Roman Bay Window Blinds

Venetian Blinds for Bay Windows

With a choice of aluminium, wood or faux wood, Venetians are a popular choice of blinds for bay windows. Thanks to their tilting slats, Venetians are perfect blinds for bay windows if you’re prioritising light and privacy control. And of course, they look the part too!

Venetian blinds for bay windows

Roller Blinds for Bay Windows

Roller blinds offer a sleeker look in comparison to the elegance of Roman blinds for bay windows.

Ideal for most bay window styles, roller blinds come in a wide range of fabrics and colours. They’re also available in dimout fabrics, making them a good option for living areas where light control is necessary.

Vertical Blinds for Bay Windows

Verticals are one of the most versatile blinds as they work across every style of bay window. Ideal for curved windows especially, the headrail can be bent to fit the curve of your window exactly! This means that the blinds won’t detract from your beautiful, curved bay window.

Choosing vertical blinds for bay windows is easy as there are so many designs to choose from.

Vertical blinds for bay windows

Shutters Instead of Blinds for Bay Windows

The popularity of shutters has rocketed over the past few years. And it’s easy to see why! Choosing shutters instead of blinds for bay windows introduces an extra level of charm. Perfect for angled and multi-faceted bay windows, shutters are the perfect window dressing if you’re looking for something a little different!

Also, thanks to their thicker and rigid frames, shutters work well for insulating your home from both heat and noise!

Plantation shutters

A1’s Top Tips for Choosing the Best Blinds for Bay Windows

1. Ask Us for Advice

Blinds for bay windows can be tricky, so if you’re unsure about anything you should speak to an expert! At A1 we live and breathe blinds! We’re well equipped to advise you on the best blinds for bay windows depending on your needs.

2. Choose Made-To-Measure Blinds for Bay Windows 

It’s especially important for bay windows that your blinds are correctly measured and installed so that they don’t catch on each other at the angles where they meet. So, no matter what kind of blinds you choose, be sure to have them properly measured and fitted to ensure they enhance your bay windows as intended!

Blinds for bay windows are known for being tricky to measure. We have a few handy how-to guides to talk you through it if you need them. However, at A1, we will come out to your home and measure your windows for free, you just need to book an appointment!

Of course, the style of blinds you choose will depend upon how you use each room, your taste, and your functionality requirements. A1 have a huge selection of beautiful blinds for bay windows, and we’re sure you’ll find something you love within our range!

You can get in touch with the team if you have any questions or book your free home consultation on our website today.

Case Study: Newcastle Airport Control Tower

Case Study: Newcastle Airport Control Tower

40 Custom Tension Pleated Blinds for Newcastle Airport Control Tower

Client: Newcastle International Airport
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Sector: Aviation – Air Traffic Control
Scope: 40 Bespoke Tension Pleated Blinds
Project Status: Delivered to Spec, On Time

The Project

We were commissioned to design and install 40 custom tension pleated blinds for Newcastle International Airport’s Air Traffic Control Tower. This wasn’t a straightforward job – the tower’s unique architecture and operational restrictions made it one of the most complex installations we’ve ever delivered.

What the Client Needed

The brief was simple but critical: shading and light control in an environment where visibility is paramount. The blinds needed to perform flawlessly to reduce glare, enhance comfort, and maintain clear sightlines for air traffic controllers at all times.

The Challenge

The tower’s design created a unique technical challenge: the windows are narrower at the top than the bottom. This meant the blinds had to operate in reverse, raising issues with tension and stability. Getting them to stay in place was no small feat.

How We Overcame It

Our team engineered a bespoke solution using:

  • Maximum tension throughout each blind system
  • Reinforced top bars for durability
  • Discreet magnetic strips to keep blinds secure

We worked closely with the client throughout, being completely transparent about the technical hurdles. To build confidence, we produced working samples that were tested and signed off before full manufacture began.

Working in a Live Air Traffic Control Tower

This wasn’t just a technical project – it was also about precision planning. Working in one of the UK’s busiest control towers meant strict security measures:

  • All staff were vetted and security checked
  • Passports had to be presented at each entry
  • Access was tightly restricted and visits limited

To meet these requirements, we planned every step of the installation around an agreed programme of works, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and minimal disruption to airport operations.

The Result

The new blinds have transformed the tower environment, delivering:

✅ Glare reduction
✅ Improved visibility for controllers
✅ Greater comfort in a high-pressure workplace

The client praised not only the quality of the finished product but also our communication, professionalism, and how smoothly the installation was managed.

The Bigger Picture

This project highlights our ability to deliver bespoke blind solutions for even the most complex environments. From innovative design to meticulous project management, we can adapt to buildings where standard systems simply won’t work.

Ready for the Next One

If you’ve got a project that demands a tailored shading solution – whether it’s an airport, a commercial office, or a uniquely shaped building – we’ve got the expertise to deliver.

Get in touch with our team today to discuss how we can design, manufacture, and install blinds that meet your exact requirements.

Blackout Blinds & Children’s Sleep: A Cosy Recipe for Rest

Blackout Blinds & Children’s Sleep: A Cosy Recipe for Rest

When it comes to getting little ones to bed, few things are as powerful as a pitch dark and well regulated room environment. Blackout blinds for children offer a proven solution – from boosting sleep hormone levels to keeping bedrooms cool in summer and warm in winter.

🌙 Why Darkness Matters for Children

Encouraging Melatonin Production
Exposure to light – even low light – can suppress melatonin by up to 90%, the hormone vital for sleep regulation. A darkened kids’ room enables natural melatonin levels to rise, helping children wind down and stay asleep longer.

Better Quality & Longer Sleep
According to the UK Sleep Council, around 30% of children aged 3-17 struggle with sleep onset or staying asleep through the night. By blocking early morning light or ambient evening glow, blackout blinds in nurseries and children’s bedrooms can help extend total sleep time – especially useful in summer, when dawn breaks as early as 4:30 AM.

    🗣️ Parents’ Real World Experiences

    From UK parenting groups, many families report that blackout blinds dramatically improve early-morning wake-ups and overnight sleep:

    “We desperately need blackout blinds otherwise they’ll be up SO early… just won’t be able to get to sleep.” – Nichole.
    “Blackout blinds saved the day… she slept through the night again.” – Shannon.

    While airflow can be a trade off – especially with Velcro fit or fixed sheets – parents often find blackout solutions for kids that still allow for ventilation, such as blinds with suction cups or thermal liners.

    🌡️ Temperature Control: Summer & Winter Benefits

    In Summer
    • Thick, opaque materials block sunlight and reduce solar heat gain, making children’s bedrooms cooler even without air conditioning.
    • Tips from parents: using reflective foil, keeping blinds closed during heat of day, and opening only when ambient air is cooler.

    In Winter
    • Windows are responsible for up to 40% of home heat loss. Thermal blackout blinds for children’s rooms act as an insulating layer, trapping warmth and reducing the chill from cold panes.
    • Retaining heat helps maintain a cosy sleep friendly environment even on frosty nights.

    📊 Sleep & Health Stats (UK based context)
    • Sleep struggles: 30% of children aged 3–17 experience sleep disruptions.
    • Ideal bedroom temperature: 16–18 °C for optimal REM sleep; both overheating and chilliness disrupt sleep patterns.

    Recommended sleep durations:
    • Ages 3–5: 10–13 hours
    • Ages 6–12: 9–12 hours

    ✅ What Blackout Blinds Offer for a Child’s Bedroom

    • Total or near-total darkness helps children fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer without waking too early.
    • An added insulation and thermal layer keeps rooms cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, ensuring year-round comfort.
    • Noise dampening materials reduce outside noise, making it easier for children to rest without disturbances.
    • A cordless or child-safe design improves safety in nurseries and bedrooms, removing potential hazards.
    • Easy-to-open and close blinds offer flexibility for daytime naps or letting in fresh air when needed.
    • Total or near-total darkness helps children fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer without waking too early.

    🧸 Tips for Parents

    • Choose child-safe blackout blinds – cordless or securely fitted – to avoid hazards.
    • Go for a snug, custom fit to reduce light leakage and maximise insulation.
    • In summer, close blinds during the hottest part of the day. In winter, close them overnight to trap heat.
    • Consider blackout blinds with side tracks or thermal lining for better light and temperature control.

    🌟 Final Thoughts

    Blackout blinds are more than just sleep accessories – they’re essential tools in creating a calm, restful space for kids. They help regulate temperature, support natural sleep cycles, and reduce those early wake-ups that can disrupt the whole household. For children (and their parents), a well-fitted blackout blind might just be the most peaceful upgrade you can make to a bedroom.

    Case Study: St James Boulevard, Newcastle

    Case Study: St James Boulevard, Newcastle

    482 Roller Blinds Delivered for Student Accommodation – On Time, In Full

    Client: Private Developer
    Location:     St James Boulevard, Newcastle upon Tyne
    Sector:     Commercial – Student Accommodation
    Scope:     482 Roller Blinds
    Project Status:     Delivered On Time and In Full (OTIF)

    The Project

    We were proud to be chosen to supply and install 482 roller blinds for a major new-build student accommodation scheme right in the heart of Newcastle city centre. St James Boulevard is a fast-developing area – and this project was all about high-spec, modern student living. Our blinds now form part of that premium finish.

    How It Came About

    This one came through a LinkedIn referral – a great example of our work speaking for itself. Thanks to our reputation for reliability, quality, and our hands-on approach, we were recommended for the job. With in-house manufacturing and years of experience in student accommodation, we were the right fit from day one.

    What the Client Needed

    The brief was clear: style, safety, and performance.
    We supplied blinds that ticked every box:

    • Blackout fabric for full privacy and light control
    • Fire-retardant (FR) materials to meet regulations
    • Colour-matched components for a clean, consistent look
    • A solution that was cost-effective without compromising on quality

    Why They Chose Us

    We brought more than just products to the table:

    • We’re a local manufacturer with full control of our production schedule
    • We’ve got a proven track record in commercial and student accommodation work
    • We listened, adapted, and delivered exactly what was needed
    • Our team kept things simple, professional, and on track from start to finish

    How We Delivered

    From the first site visit to the final installation, we worked in phases, fitting in with the client’s build schedule. Each floor was carefully surveyed, manufactured, and installed without a hitch.

    • ✅ Delivered On Time and In Full
    • ✅ Zero defects across all 11 floors
    • ✅ Smooth installation with minimal disruption to other contractors

    What the Client Said

    “Thank you for A1 Blinds’ commitment to the project – much appreciated. The rooms look very crisp. A1 Blinds have done a very good job and have been very helpful throughout.”

    Nick Campfield, Project Director

    The Result

    This was a big one – and we’re proud of the result. The blinds we supplied don’t just look the part – they add comfort and functionality to every room. More importantly, we proved once again that we can handle large-scale commercial work without ever dropping the ball.

    In 2024 alone, we delivered over £250,000 worth of commercial blind solutions – and with more exciting projects already underway, 2025 is shaping up to be even bigger.

    Ready for the Next One

    With projects like St James Boulevard under our belt, our commercial division is going from strength to strength. If you’re planning a development and want a trusted, local partner for blinds and shading – we’re ready when you are.

    © 2025 A1 Blinds

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