34 
House & Garden 
An Interesting Architectural Feature 
Well Dressed 
VIDA LINDO GUITERMAN 
ALMOST any room is improved by a spa- 
cious bay window, but the degree of im¬ 
provement is dependent upon the skill with 
which the window is handled. In curtaining a 
bay window,—or “bow window,” as it is some¬ 
times called,—there are three features to con¬ 
sider: The outlook from the window, the size 
of the window in relation to the room, and the 
architectural design of the window. 
Too often the oriel window, to use another of 
the bay window’s aliases, is over-curtained. A 
glorious outlook is wasted in order that fine net, 
lustrous silk and soft velvet may be ostenta¬ 
tiously displayed. With equal frequency, how¬ 
ever, the window is left cold and bare, and the 
coziness of a room is spoiled by the obtrusion 
of a bleak, uninteresting view. The careful 
consideration of the natural features, the joyous 
admittance of the good and the tactful sup¬ 
pression of the bad are therefore essential. 
Changing the Apparent Size 
When the bay window is large in proportion 
to the room, break its effect of size bv a curtain 
between each two casements, as in the picture 
below. Use no valance, as a valance would 
emphasize the expanse of glass. When it is 
desirable to increase the apparent size of the 
window, as in the case of a large room with a 
small bay, nothing produces the desired effect 
so well as a long valance with few side cur¬ 
tains. Valances may be shaped, puffed, or 
.4 dignified window in an Elizabethan room 
of this character is most appropriately 
draped with velvet hangings and a shaped 
valance. The room is in the residence of 
Claire Briggs, Esq., at New Rochelle, 
N. Y. Henry G. Morse, architect 
pleated. The shaped valance of velvet, brocade, 
or needlework is pre-eminently suited to the 
room that has massive furniture, such as the 
dignified Jacobean or the stately Italian. The 
puffed valance is for the dainty bedroom or 
boudoir, while the pleated valance may be used 
in any informal room. 
A bay window that cannot take some drapery 
is extremely rare. An exception is the mul- 
lioned, heraldic window of intricate and deco¬ 
rative latticing, which is beautiful in itself. A 
fabric, no matter how rich, would serve only to 
detract from the architectural design. 
Window shades are unlovely and never de¬ 
sirable on a bay window. From one to three 
sets of curtains, however, may be used, namely: 
fine net or scrim curtains to soften the glare; 
thin silk drawn-curtains to serve as shades; and 
the heavier silk or velvet portieres to frame the 
window with dignity. 
Gillies 
In this bay window each casement is sepa¬ 
rately curtained, breaking the effect of the 
size. Net glass curtains and silk over¬ 
drapes are used. It is in the living room of 
Richard Heywood, Esq., at Bronxville, 
N. Y. Bates & Howe, architects 
