Choosing curtain poles isn’t just about finding something to hang your curtains on; they should look good as well. Think about whether your new curtains will go with your existing curtain poles or whether you may need a change. You may not think it’s as important - and maybe it’s not - but it will stick out like a sore thumb if your track and curtains clash. If you have bay windows, the job of finding curtain poles to fit doesn’t need to be as daunting as it may at first appear. There are companies which specialise in providing curtain poles specifically for bay windows and they can help.

Some stores will offer you specially designed curtain poles which you can bend to fit your bay windows yourself. Though these might be handy, the selection is often limited. Bay window specialists will have entire catalogues of poles suitable for bending, from corded poles with smooth gliders to traditional ringed poles which you can pull closed yourself. This wide variety ensures that having a bay window is a feature you can exploit to its maximum, without having to fit the rest of your house’s design around what is available for it.

But how do they make sure your curtain pole will fit your bay windows? The latest computer technology allows specialist technicians to ensure the fit of your curtain pole is millimetre perfect. All you have to do is provide them with the measurements - and don’t worry, that’s not too difficult either. Before beginning your measurements, go online and choose the design of pole you want. Then, work out what type of bay window you have: don’t worry if you’re not sure - most of us aren’t architects - your supplier’s website should have a guide to all the different types. You’re not looking for a picture that looks exactly like your’s, just one that has the same number of angles.

Once you’ve worked out what design of pole you want and what type of bay window it is you have, you will be presented with a diagram showing which areas need to be measured. Commonly, this will be the front section of the window (i.e. the longest) along with however many side panels your design of bay window has. Remember to take the measurements at the height at which you intend to fit the curtain poles, starting where the pole will start and ending where it will end. This allows for minor variations in the angle and width of wall sections (particularly important in older houses where walls may not be straight or elements may have warped over time). A metal ruler or tape measure is best for taking measurement, as it will not flex, bend and sag as a cloth ruler will.

Don’t get too concerned if you’re not certain every measurement is millimetre perfect. The technicians who will make your pole are specialists and will be able to spot if your measurements don’t add up. If they do notice the numbers you have supplied them with don’t match in the way they should, then they will get back in touch to double check before they begin bending the poles.

You may also be asked further questions about your bay window curtain pole. These are to do with weight and load bearing, so the technicians can work out what sort of brackets you will need. It’s no use having a beautiful set of curtains and matching pole, if they fall off the wall the first time you tug them shut!

Having a bay window needn’t be a hindrance to your also having great curtains. Specialist suppliers can guide you through every step of the purchase, so you can get the most out of what is already a great architectural feature.