Create A Cozy Nook For Lounging By Hanging Net Curtains In Bay Windows

When you first walk into a space that features a bay window, the reaction is often "Oh, wow!" quickly followed by a few moments spent fantasizing about reading or sipping coffee snuggled into its cozy nook. However, when the neighbor walks by and waves, it also becomes apparent that you'll need more than some soft cushions to really enjoy that special space. Decorating your bay window with net curtains will offer you a little privacy while softly diffusing all that wonderful natural light flooding into the room. Getting them hung, however, has frustrated more than one home decorator.

Understandably, given that hanging traditional curtain rods can be a fastidious task, accounting for the angles involved in bay windows is that much more complicated. Not to mention, traditional curtain rods can feel like overkill for curtains that are wispy and light as air. Tension rods, fabric hook-and-loop fasteners (aka Velcro), and net curtain wire can all get the job done — and with an absolutely gorgeous end result. Plus, they are so simple to install, they may make you rethink traditional curtain rods altogether.

While tension rods are definitely an option, it can be difficult to line them up perfectly while creating sufficient tension between the edges of each window — in which case you might as well just buy bay window curtain rods. Alternatively, you could run the tension rod across the whole front of the window, creating a straight bar across the whole bay opening, but then you lose the sweet coziness of the bay itself. 

Fabric hook-and-loop fasteners, on the other hand, are a delightfully easy option. Adhere one side of the fastener to the curtain material and the other to the wall above your window, and then press them together. Done. For whisper-light net curtains, the weight should be no problem. However, with transparent drapery, the majority of your privacy comes from bunching up the material — a nearly impossible task with hook-and-loop fasteners. 

Employing a net curtain wire to hang your drapes will allow you skip the whole curtain rod conundrum and allow some movement for your window shades. You won't need much to install your curtains with this method. You will, however, need to make some small holes in the wall. You'll also need the wire, of course, but it comes at an accessible price. This White Curtain Wire Hanging Cord from Tookie is under $10 on Amazon. You'll want to pick up some additional hook screws as well — just make sure you match the metal color and size of the set that comes in your kit.

Start by drilling guide holes that are slightly smaller and more shallow than your eyelet screws, about a centimeter in from the edge of your outside windows and just slightly below the ceiling of the bay. Then add additional hook screws at the same height in the joints of each of the remaining windows so you have a line of hook screws along the top of your windows and an eye screw on each of the outside edges. Next, cut the wire to the appropriate length, and thread a hook screw onto each end. Run the cable through the pocket of your net curtains, and you're ready to hang them.

To finish styling your cozy nook, play with some ways to creatively decorate with your curtains. Add additional panels for more privacy, or create some interesting tie backs. Layer another beautiful curtain alternative for bay windows over or under your net curtains. Train a vining plant to stretch out along the wire to add a little greenery and some biophilic style to your sweet lounging space. Fill the window seat with soft pillows and a serving tray that's just begging for your coffee mug or wine glass. With the almost ethereal light created by your net curtains, your bay window will feel like an escape into another world.