Should Bay Windows Have Shutters?

Bay windows are a classic piece of architectural history. If your home has these windows, you may wonder how to dress them appropriately. Will shutters fit bay windows? We researched this question, and here's what we found out.

Shutters are one of the best window coverings for bay windows. Aside from being stylish, they also provide privacy while letting enough light enter the room.

Keep reading as we provide more information about using shutters on bay windows and their benefits. Let's get this right!

An empty modern room in an urban apartment with plain white walls and bay window, Should Bay Windows Have Shutters?

Shutters For Bay Windows

Bay windows are an attractive feature of the house that give any room enough space and light. However, their unique angles, sizes, and layouts are difficult to dress.

For many individuals, drapes and net curtains are fussy, out-of-date options that don't go well with contemporary interior design. Blinds are also not a good choice because they look rather unorganized when installed on bay windows. Luckily, shutters are a game changer.

Shutters For Bay Windows - Tier on tier shutters in a bay window

Bay windows work best with shutters because although each window segment has a frame and panel, the shutters are all fitted together to create a single, attractive, and cohesive window treatment.

Shutters come in many styles, perfect for both classic and modern houses. You will always have options since the shutters can match any home decor and complement any vibe you want to convey.

Click here to see this window shutter on Amazon.

Benefits Of Shutters On Bay Windows

Benefits Of Shutters On Bay Windows - A bay window at the front of a house

These are some benefits of dressing your bay windows with shutters.

The size of bay windows poses a privacy challenge, especially for rooms that face the road. Using bay window shutters sufficiently addresses this problem - they provide privacy while letting enough light enter your house.

Window shutters are also suitable for providing room insulation. Because they are made from high-quality wood, they block out noise from the outside and prevent heat loss during winter.

Moreover, they make the room appear bigger since nothing is blocking the windows, like curtains and heavy drapes. Shutters perfectly fit the bay windows, so they will not consume a lot of space.

When Should You Not Use Shutters?

When Should You Not Use Shutters - Window and shutters

Shutters have many benefits when used as a window treatment. But, they are not always adaptable to all kinds of windows. If you use shutters on a very wide window, the shutters will look a bit weird. Window shutters should appear as if you can close them over the window.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Shutters?

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Shutters - Modern Sitting Room With Piano

Are you thinking of installing shutters in your home? Remember to take note of the pros and cons of this window treatment that will help you decide if shutters are for you.

Pros

The following are the advantages of having shutters on your bay window.

Durability

Window shutters are a sturdy option for window coverings because the materials used in making them are solid and durable. No fabrics, cords, or strings can tangle, stain or snag them.

Shutters can stand the test of time if you properly care for them and often last longer than other window treatments.

Maintenance

These types of window coverings are extremely easy to clean and maintain. You don't need to worry about washing heavy fabrics regularly or bending or breaking them. Just wipe them with a damp cloth.

Light Control

Adjusting the louvers of window shutters enables you to manipulate the light entering the room. Shutters let in a lot of light when open and a blackout effect when closed.

When you use shutters on Bay windows, you can block out light by closing the bay window shutters. Furthermore, you can have the top section of louvers operate independently, which is impossible if you use blinds.

Aesthetic Quality

Whether your home is traditional, modern, or contemporary, there is a shutter that will fit your needs. Shutters come in different sizes, colors, and styles that you can choose from. They are timeless and look beautiful as they complement your home decorations.

Cons

If there are good sides to using shutters, there are also bad ones. Here are some of the disadvantages of using shutters:

Costly

One of the most deciding factors for people when decorating is the cost of the product, which is one of the drawbacks of using shutters. They are more expensive than other window treatments, such as blinds.

Furniture Placement

If you're planning to put a couch or other furniture in front of your window, shutters are not the best option for you. They will take up a lot of space inside the room since they open inwards.

Replacement

Unlike blinds, shutters are not readily available. The shutters can take to 6-8 weeks to arrive, which can be inconvenient if you need to replace them as soon as possible.

What Are The Best Shutters For Bay Windows?

Given that it is a good idea to install shutters on bay windows, the next section will focus on the best shutter for different kinds of bay windows.

Here are some of the most popular types of window bay shutters:

Full Height Shutters

These shutters can fit any window regardless of size and shape. They cover the whole window while still letting light enter the room and enhancing your privacy.

Tier On Tier Shutters

Tier-on-tier shutters are ideal when optimal lighting and privacy are top priorities. You can open the top half of the shutter for lighting and close the bottom half for privacy.

Café Style Window Shutters

These types of window shutters are a popular choice for dining areas and lounges. However, please note that café-style bay windows only cover the window's bottom section and may be unsuitable for keeping your space private.

That said, the lack of shutters on the window's top part will allow you to decorate it with other window dressing options, such as rollers.

How Often Should You Clean Your Shutters?

How Often Should You Clean Your Shutters - Hands of a woman cleaning shutters.

Like any other window dressings, shutters also need cleaning and maintenance to ensure their longer lifespan. It would be best to clean window shutters at least once a week to get rid of everyday dirt and dust before it harms and stains your shutters.

You can vacuum the dirt from the shutter or use a damp cloth to wipe its surfaces. You can also use mild soaps to remove stains from the shutters.

Click here to see this cleaner tool for shutters on Amazon.

In Conclusion

Interior photography of a bay window with banquette seat and cushions in a Victorian home

There is no doubt that bay windows are a classic part of your house that improves its aesthetic appearance when you dress them appropriately.

Also, when you use shutters to cover them, they can uplift the vibe and atmosphere of the room. These shutters will help you control lights while maintaining privacy.

If you find this article helpful, be sure to check out these other informative posts:

How To Put Curtains On Half Circle Window?

How To Dress A South Facing Window