There is no single curtain pole that suits every bay window. The right choice depends on the shape of the window, how many brackets the pole needs and whether you want the curtains to move around the full bay.

The first decision is whether you need:

• A tracked curtain pole, which looks like a pole but uses gliders inside a concealed track
• A traditional curtain pole with rings
• A curtain track, without the decorative outer pole

Start with the shape of your bay window

Curved and bow windows

Curved windows, sometimes called bow windows, follow a gradual curve rather than a series of sharp angles.

These windows require a made-to-measure pole or track that can be professionally bent to the shape of the bay. Standard adjustable bay pole kits are not suitable.

Square or box bay windows

Box bays usually have tight 90-degree corners. These bends can make it difficult to draw curtains smoothly around the full window using an ordinary pole and rings.

A tracked curtain pole or bay window curtain track is normally the more practical choice. Both can be supported by several brackets without those brackets blocking the movement of the curtains.

Traditional three-sided bay windows

A three-sided bay can sometimes use a traditional curtain pole with rings. Many adjustable bay pole kits are designed for this type of window and include straight pole sections joined by flexible corner pieces.

A made-to-measure tracked pole will usually provide smoother curtain movement and a neater fit, but an adjustable kit can be a sensible option where the shape is straightforward and the budget is more limited.

Bays with five or more bends

More complex bays generally need additional support brackets along the length of the pole.

On an ordinary curtain pole, these brackets can prevent the rings from moving around the full window. For this reason, we normally recommend a tracked pole or curtain track for bays with five or more bends.

Why we usually recommend a tracked curtain pole

A bay window pole needs enough brackets to remain properly supported. This creates a problem for traditional poles.

If too few brackets are used, the pole may not have enough support. If more brackets are added, ordinary curtain rings cannot move past them without specialist passing brackets and rings, which can be awkward to use.

A tracked pole solves this by placing a curtain track inside the decorative pole. The curtains hang from gliders within the track, rather than from rings around the outside of the pole. Support brackets can therefore be positioned where they are needed without interrupting the movement of the curtains.

This makes tracked poles particularly useful for box bays, curved windows and bays with several bends.

Tracked pole or curtain track?

Both options allow curtains to move around bends without being obstructed by support brackets.

A tracked pole has the outward appearance of a curtain pole, but contains a concealed track. It is usually the better choice when the pole will form a visible part of the room.

A curtain track has a simpler, less decorative appearance. It is often a practical choice where the track will be concealed by the curtains, a pelmet or the surrounding interior.

Browse our bay window curtain tracks if appearance is less important than keeping the system as unobtrusive as possible.

Silent Gliss Metropole tracked poles

The Silent Gliss Metropole is our most frequently recommended option for bay windows.

It consists of an aluminium pole with a curtain track concealed inside. Each pole is made to measure and can be bent for curved, three-sided, four-sided, five-sided and other irregular bay window shapes.

The Metropole gives the appearance of a contemporary metal curtain pole while retaining the smoother operation and flexible bracket positioning of a track.

It is available in hand-drawn and corded versions, with a range of pole sizes and finishes.

Browse Silent Gliss Metropole curtain poles

Wooden tracked poles

A tracked pole does not have to look like a modern metal system.

Byron & Byron produces bespoke wooden curtain poles that can be shaped for bay windows. Its Metamorph system can also incorporate a concealed track, giving the appearance of a traditional wooden pole without requiring the curtains to move on external rings.

This is worth considering when the room calls for a painted, stained or wood-effect finish rather than aluminium or metal.

Browse Byron & Byron curtain poles

Brass, bronze and chrome tracked poles

Tillys produces made-to-measure metal curtain poles that can be shaped for bay windows and supplied with an internal track.

The range includes brass, bronze and chrome finishes, as well as a choice of brackets and finials. These poles sit at the premium end of the collection and are most appropriate where the finish and decorative details are a central part of the room.

Browse Tillys curtain poles

Traditional bay window poles with rings

Some customers prefer the appearance of rings on a traditional curtain pole. This can work for simpler bay windows, particularly three-sided bays that require relatively few brackets.

The main limitation is curtain movement. Rings cannot pass ordinary support brackets, so the number and position of the brackets need to be considered carefully.

Traditional poles are therefore less suitable for curved windows, box bays and bays with several bends.

Adjustable bay window pole kits

Adjustable kits are the most accessible option for a straightforward three-sided bay.

They usually contain pole sections that can be cut to length, together with flexible corner joints that are adjusted during installation. This avoids the cost of having the pole professionally measured and bent.

The trade-off is that the pole is not made specifically for the window. Curtain movement may also be more restricted than it would be on a tracked system.

Browse three-sided bay window pole kits

Browse five-sided bay window pole kits

What happens when you order a made-to-measure pole?

Custom-bent Silent Gliss products can be ordered online.

First, use the measuring instructions to provide the basic dimensions needed to calculate the price. After the order is placed, we will send you a form for the detailed measurements and photographs of the window.

These details are used to prepare a technical diagram showing the proposed shape and dimensions of the pole. The diagram is sent to you for approval before manufacturing begins.

It is important to check the diagram carefully. The pole will be manufactured to the approved measurements, and made-to-measure products cannot be returned because the dimensions are incorrect.

Manufacturing begins on the working day after the diagram is approved and can take up to five working days. The finished pole is packed in a purpose-built wooden frame and sent using a next-day delivery service.

Still unsure which option you need?

Bay windows are rarely completely standard. Small differences in the angles, wall position and overall shape can affect which pole or track will work.

Send us a photograph of the full window, together with any measurements you already have. We can help you identify the most suitable type before you order.

Contact us for advice