How to Measure Curtains for Bay Windows
Bay windows add character to any room but measuring them for curtains requires a different approach. Follow our guide for perfect results:

Do you need a curtain track or pole?

The most important first step is identifying what you'll be hanging your curtains from, because this directly affects both where you measure and how the curtains will look once hung.
Bay curtain poles
Bay poles come in two main forms including segmented poles, which are rigid sections joined at angles, and flexible (bendy) poles, which bend continuously around gentle curves. Segmented poles are more suitable for sharp angular bays; flexible poles suit shallower, rounder bays.
Bay curtain tracks
Tracks are often the neater solution for bay windows. Flexible plastic tracks can be bent by hand to follow any bay profile, while rigid metal tracks may be joined in the centre and trimmed to fit. Tracks tend to stack more neatly than poles, especially in narrower bays.

💡 TOP TIP
Always measure after the pole or track is fitted if possible..

Step 1: Measuring the curtain width
1. Follow the pole or track, not the window
This is the most important rule when measuring for curtains for bay windows. Do not measure straight across the opening. Instead, place your tape at one end of the fitted pole or track and follow every angle or curve around the entire bay to the other end.
2. Use a flexible ruler or a length of string
A rigid tape measure becomes awkward around corners. A long flexible tape, a steel rule bent to shape, or a length of string traced along the pole and then laid out flat all work well.
3. Record the total pole or track length
Write down the total length in centimetres. This is your base measurement for calculating how much fabric you need.

💡 TOP TIP FOR BRACKETS
Bay windows often need extra brackets compared to a flat wall installation. The additional angle changes put more stress on the track, so add brackets wherever there is a corner or any unsupported span longer than around 30 cm..

Step 2: Calculating the gather
Curtains need to be wider than the space they cover so they gather nicely when open and close fully without looking flat.
Standard gather (×2)
For most heading tapes, including pencil pleat, multiply your total pole or track length by 2. This gives a light to medium gather that works well in most rooms.
Luxury gather (×2.5)
For a more luxurious, full look, multiply by 2.5. This is recommended for floor-length curtains and for rooms where you want a particularly plush, draped effect.

💡 TOP TIP
In a large bay, multiple narrower curtains generally look more elegant than two very wide ones. They also draw back more neatly, letting in maximum light..

Step 3: Measuring the curtain drop
The drop is the finished length of the curtain, from the top of the fitting down to wherever you want the curtain to finish.
Where to start measuring
The start point depends on your fitting type. For a pole, measure from the top of the pole (or from the eye of the ring if using eyelet curtains, check the manufacturer's guidance). For a track, measure from the top of the track itself.
Where to finish measuring
Your options include just above the floor (leaving a 1–2 cm clearance), to the top of a radiator or windowsill, or a deliberate 'puddle' on the floor for a dramatic look.

💡 TOP TIP
Measure the drop in several places around the bay. Bay window floors are often slightly uneven, and the ceiling or pole height may vary too. Always use the shortest measurement to prevent any panel from dragging on the floor..

Fitting a curtain track in a bay window
Once you have your measurements and have ordered your track, fitting it correctly in a bay requires a methodical approach. The process differs slightly depending on whether you have a single-piece flexible track or a two-piece joined track.
Measuring for the track itself
Fix your brackets in their correct positions first. Using a flexible steel ruler, start at the centre of the bay and work outwards. As you move around the bay, bend the rule as if it were the track, following the dotted line of where the track will eventually sit, and measure the total length needed.
Fitting a single-piece flexible track
Begin at one end of the window and gently bend the track as you work your way around the bay. To stop the track slipping as you go, lock each bracket in place before moving to the next. Once the track follows the bay profile, trim any excess from the far end and carefully file down any rough or sharp edges.
Fitting a two-piece track
Two-piece tracks are joined in the centre and fitted outwards from that point. Install from the centre, moving towards each end of the bay. Trim the excess from both ends and file the edges smooth. The join must always fall at the centre and must be supported by a bracket directly beneath it, this is essential for the track to carry the weight of the curtains without sagging.

💡 TOP TIP
A warm track bends more easily. However, never apply direct or extreme heat, do not use a hair dryer or heat gun. Allow the track to warm naturally in a heated room before fitting..

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a standard curtain pole in a bay window?
A standard straight pole cannot follow the angles of a bay. We recommend either a segmented bay pole (with angled connectors suited to your bay's angles) or a flexible bay pole that bends continuously to fit the shape.
How do I know what angle my bay window is?
Most bays are either 45° (a square bay, where side panels meet the front at 45°) or 30°/135° (a splayed bay).
Is a track or a pole better for a bay window?
It depends on your style and practicality needs. Tracks are often neater, easier to bend, and better suited to heavy curtains. Poles look more decorative and suit lighter fabrics. For very large bays or where curtains need to draw back fully, tracks generally give better results.
How many curtains do I need for a bay window?
Most three-sided bays take two curtains. For larger bays with five or more sections, three or four curtains tends to look better and can be tired back more neatly. Although, very large bays may use five panels.
What gather do I need?
A ×2 multiplier (standard gather) works for most standard sizes. For a more luxurious pleated look, use ×2.5 your window measurement.