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Tampa Bay Windows Need Beautiful Window Treatments

September 21, 2016

Unique window types are oftentimes the most visually appealing qualities of homes in Tampa - and one of the most attention-drawing kinds of these unique windows are bay windows. Whether from the inside or outside, bay windows grant a look of comfort and fashion simultaneously - that is, if they’re partnered with a great window covering.

But how does one decide which window treatment to go with? Just as with other unique windows, bay windows have individual factors to take into account. Sunburst Shutters Tampa will take you through the bay window treatment checklist, as well as offer our suggestions for the top picks for your Tampa bay windows.

Polywood shutters in a modern bedroom bay window. 

Considerations For Treatments For Bay Windows

  • Accentuate your bay window - A poorly-chosen, generic window covering may mask the beauty of a bay window. Choose instead a treatment that accentuates your bay window’s eye-catching geometry.

  • Control over temperature and light levels - Bay windows tend to let in a lot of light and heat from outdoors. Pick a window covering that makes your home comfortable and allows for climate control.

  • Visibility - Just as a window treatment needs to accentuate your bay window’s geometry, it also needs to control how much you’re able to see out your window, and how clearly others can see in.

The Least Recommended For Bay Window Treatments

  • Aluminum blinds - Blinds usually hurt the charm of specially-shaped windows, making them look rather generic or cheap. They also underperform in controlling brightness as well as in their energy-efficiency.

  • Draperies - Similar to blinds, drapes hurt the charm of bay windows by covering up their unique geometry, which is one of their main benefits. Light control is also ”all or nothing” when you go with drapes.

  • No window treatment at all - Sometimes homeowners think it’s best to keep their bay window uncovered. The single reason for no window treatment is greater visibility, but doing so limits your energy efficiency and light control, and can let passersby get an easy view inside your home at all times.

Top Picks For Tampa Bay Windows

Bay Window Cellular Shades

Adjustable honeycomb shades in lounge bow window. 

Modern, budget-friendly, and simple to use, cellular shades are perfectly suited to bay windows. The reason why we recommend them for bay windows is the amount of freedom cellular shades give you. These shades are available in different cell sizes, from 7/16 in. to 3/4 in. and come with a top-down/bottom-up system that allows you to raise the shade from the bottom or lower it from the top, so you can get a great view while allowing for control of light levels.

Our cellular shades can be purchased in a wide range of transparencies, from sheer to completely opaque, so losing your privacy is never a problem. In addition, unlike some other shades, cellular shades never bulk up at the top or near the side of the window when drawn, since they fold in so effectively. So you have the ability to preserve the beautiful look of your bay windows when the shades aren’t being used.

Plantation Shutters For Bay Windows

Half-length plantation shutters in den bay window.

Like cellular shades, plantation shutters offer Tampa homeowners the opportunity to display their bay windows’ geometry while adding the benefits of a custom window treatment. Plantation shutters outperform cellular shades though, by offering even higher levels of light and visibility control due to their adjustable louvers. And since they’re custom-built for your windows, you can benefit from even more leeway in how you complement their style with full or half length shutters.

Since bay windows are usually some of the largest windows in the home, Polywood® plantation shutters’ energy efficiency is a huge benefit. Polywood shutters can stop close to 30 degrees of air flow in your home when used correctly, meaning that comfort for your house is a quick tilt away.

For that vintage wood plantation shutter look, Sunburst Ovation® shutters exceed all other wood shutters, as they are the only 5-star rated wood shutter currently available. Ovation shutters can also complement the wood frame around bay windows.

Make Your Bay Windows Beautiful, Tampa!

You’re doing your house a disservice if you aren’t getting a great visual “pop” from your bay windows. Let Sunburst Shutters Tampa help your interior design soar with our professional know-how. Get a hold of the Sunburst Shutters Tampa team today by calling 813-580-7288 to set up your free in-home window treatment consultation. We’ll work around your schedule and have product samples brought straight to your house!