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Left Wall Section
Measure from the planned base of the left finial to the first inside corner.
BLB means Bay Left Back.
How to Measure for a Bay Window Curtain Rod
Custom Hardware for Angled Windows
A bay window naturally draws the eye outward, creating a bright architectural alcove that can become one of the most memorable features in a room. The right curtain rod follows those angles cleanly, allowing the drapery to move across the entire window without interrupting its shape.
Measuring for a custom bay window rod is easier than it first appears. You are simply recording the length of each wall section and the angle at each corner. Once those measurements are known, the rod can be configured to follow the window.
What We Need From You
Three Wall Measurements and Two Corner Angles
Measure directly along the walls at the height where the rod will be installed. Do not measure across the window opening from one outer endpoint to the other.
Center Wall Section
Measure across the center wall from the first inside corner to the second inside corner.
BCB means Bay Center Back.
Right Wall Section
Measure from the second inside corner to the planned base of the right finial.
BRB means Bay Right Back.
Step by Step
How to Measure the Bay Window Walls
Establish the finished rod position first. The measurements should be taken at the same height and along the same line where the rod will be mounted.
Choose the Rod Height
Decide where the rod will sit above the window. Make a small mark at that height on each wall section.
- Keep the planned rod line level.
- Check crown molding, trim, vents, and nearby walls.
- Confirm there is room for brackets and drapery rings.
Mark the Two Outer Endpoints
Mark where the rod itself will begin on the left wall and end on the right wall. These marks represent the bases of the finials—not the outer tips.
Allow room beyond the window openings for the curtains to stack when open, provided the available wall space permits it.
Measure the Left Section
Measure directly along the left wall from the left rod endpoint to the first inside corner.
Record this as BLB or Left Wall.
Measure the Center Section
Measure directly across the center wall from one inside corner to the other.
Record this as BCB or Center Wall.
Measure the Right Section
Measure directly along the right wall from the second inside corner to the right rod endpoint.
Record this as BRB or Right Wall.
Measure Everything a Second Time
Repeat all three measurements before submitting them. Custom rods are made to the dimensions provided, so it is worth confirming every section carefully.
- Use the same measurement line both times.
- Record measurements in inches.
- Label each section clearly as left, center, or right.
Each Corner Matters
How to Measure Bay Window Angles
Many bay windows have corners close to 135 degrees, but the two corners are not always identical. Measure each one separately.
Option One: Use an Angle Finder
Place a digital or manual angle finder firmly against both walls at the corner and record the inside angle in degrees.
Measure both the left corner and the right corner rather than assuming they match.
Option Two: Trace with Business Cards
Hold one stiff business card flat against each wall. Slide the cards together while keeping each card flush with its wall.
Tape the cards together or carefully transfer their position to a sheet of paper, then trace the angle.
Place One Card Against Each Wall
Hold each card flat and firm against its wall at the inside corner.
Slide the Cards Together
Overlap the cards until their edges meet while both remain flush against the walls.
Secure or Trace the Shape
Tape the cards together before removing them, or trace their positions directly onto paper.
Label the Corner
Clearly mark the tracing as either:
- Left corner: Left Wall to Center Wall
- Right corner: Center Wall to Right Wall
Do not assume the left and right angles are the same. Framing, drywall, plaster, trim, and settling can make one side of a bay slightly different from the other. Two separate measurements or tracings give the most accurate result.
Plan Beyond the Rod Length
Finials, Brackets and Installation Clearance
Finials Are Not Included
The left and right wall measurements end at the bases of the finials. The decorative finials extend beyond those endpoints.
Check Side-Wall Space
Make sure the selected finials will clear adjoining walls, cabinets, molding, sconces, or other obstacles.
Allow for Brackets
Confirm there is suitable mounting surface at the outer ends, near the corners, and anywhere additional support may be needed.
Consider Curtain Stacking
When possible, extend the outer rod sections beyond the window glass so the drapery can stack away from the view.
Check Ring and Fabric Clearance
Make sure rings and fabric will move past trim, handles, shades, and other window treatments.
Photograph Nearby Obstacles
Photos of side walls, trim, cabinets, and unusual molding help reveal installation concerns that dimensions alone may not show.
How the Rod Fits the Corners
Flexible Connectors and Precision Miter Cuts
The three rod sections are joined at the bay corners. The connection method affects both installation flexibility and the finished appearance.
Standard Flexible Connectors
Hidden internal connectors join the rod sections and permit slight adjustment during installation.
This flexibility helps accommodate small wall variations and makes it easier to align the rod without forcing the sections.
Optional Precision Miter Cut
A precision miter cut shapes the rod ends to meet more closely at the supplied corner angles.
It creates a more finished corner appearance while the internal connector continues to support the joint.
Accurate corner information is especially important for mitered joints. A miter cut is based on the angles supplied. Send separate angle measurements or tracings for both bay corners.
Preparing the Custom Order
What to Send Iron Accents
Clear labels, photographs, and a simple overhead sketch make it much easier to review the planned rod before production.
Required Measurements
- Left wall measurement
- Center wall measurement
- Right wall measurement
- Left corner angle
- Right corner angle
Strongly Recommended
- Simple overhead sketch
- Full photo of the bay window
- Close-up photo of each corner
- Photos of side-wall obstructions
Order Details
- Selected finial style
- Selected rod diameter
- Selected finish
- Connector or miter preference
- Any unusual installation concerns
Before Submitting the Order
Bay Window Rod Measurement Checklist
Rod Placement
- The installation height is established.
- All measurements were taken at that height.
- Outer rod endpoints are clearly marked.
- Finials are excluded from the measurements.
- Curtain stacking space has been considered.
Wall Measurements
- The left wall was measured along the wall.
- The center wall was measured corner to corner.
- The right wall was measured along the wall.
- Every measurement was checked twice.
- All dimensions are recorded in inches.
Corner Angles
- The left corner was measured separately.
- The right corner was measured separately.
- Tracings are clearly labeled.
- Miter-cut preference is noted.
Installation Review
- Side-wall clearance has been checked.
- Bracket mounting areas are suitable.
- Drapery rings can clear trim and shades.
- Photos and a sketch are included.
- Questions were resolved before ordering.
Common Questions
Bay Window Curtain Rod Measuring FAQ
Do I measure straight across the entire bay?
No. Measure the left, center, and right walls separately along the surfaces where the rod will be installed.
Are the finials included in the left and right measurements?
No. The measurements end at the bases of the finials. Leave additional space for the decorative finials themselves.
Are all bay window corners 135 degrees?
No. Many are close to 135 degrees, but construction variations are common. Measure both corners individually.
Can I send a tracing instead of an angle in degrees?
Yes. A carefully made and clearly labeled tracing is often the easiest way to capture the exact wall angle.
Why are flexible connectors used?
Internal flexible connectors join the rod sections and permit slight adjustment during installation, helping accommodate normal wall variations.
What is a precision miter cut?
A precision miter cut shapes the rod ends to correspond with the supplied corner angle, creating a more closely fitted joint.
Should I send photographs?
Yes. Photos of the full bay, both corners, side walls, trim, and any obstacles are strongly recommended.
What should I do when I am unsure about a measurement?
Contact Iron Accents before ordering. Custom rods are made to the measurements supplied, so uncertainty should be resolved before production.
Made to Follow the Window
Turn the Bay into One Continuous View
Once the three wall sections and two angles are established, the bay window becomes a clear, measurable shape. The finished rod can then follow that architecture rather than interrupting it.
Review every measurement carefully and contact the Iron Accents team before ordering when there are questions about angles, finials, brackets, trim, or installation clearance.
