Blinds- Help! How would you dress a bow window?

[TattyToe10]

We have just had a 5 pane bow window fitted to replace a (3 metre wide) flat one. We have curtains, outside the recess, but I'm not sure what blinds to go for. I had some quotes for Roman blinds but they were (massively) over budget and I think they'd have been a pain to open and close? Do I have to go back to the vertical blinds I've had before... they remind me of work!! Don't want to make an expensive mistake..any ideas ?!!

Made to measure window dressings in 5 sections were always going to be expensive. To be honest, every attractive solution will be. I have a pair of 6 pane span bays and they were v expensive to dress. One is due an update after 10yrs (has made to measure romans on at the mo and the fabric is fading on the folds) and I can’t decide what to go for.

A bow will add expense to curtains because of the rail, unless you use a flexible track system, but curtains are likely to be as expensive as Roman blinds, if not more so because of the extra fabric.

Roller blinds will be cheaper but might look a bit basic.

Shutters are more expensive than Roman blinds.

Verticals will be cheaper but as you say, they are very clinical.

I've got a swish curtain track attached to the ceiling in my bay window and curtains. You can bend them to shape.

Thank you both. I think if you get 10 years use they might be worth the investment, but having a look at alternatives just to be certain.

You just get a curved curtain rail put on the ceiling and you’ll be fine. You don’t need to dress each window pane separately

Yep, they can bend a curtain rail. I had this same panic when I did my renovation. I had no idea tracks could be bent to any shape!

Bespoke curtains will last you more than 10 years. Good quality fabric with sun proof linings can last decades. Just make sure you don't go off them.

I think your issue is the same as a lot of people with either Victorian or Georgian styled properties, the number of windows and the fancy surrounding can make things tricky.
Roman Blinds or Venetian Blinds can be a good quick fix, but if you have 5 windows that's possibly 5 windows to open and close, and as fashions change you may have an expensive change.
Curtains and Curtain tracks can be expensive, but its relative, as good quality simple White curtain track like the Silent Gliss 1280 will last 20 years plus, and will outlast your curtains.
Depending on the size, there are a lot of cheap ready made curtains, or go to your local curtain shop, they can show you some fabrics that may fit your budget.
Here's a link to the 1280 track, its super strong, and smooth.
Silent Gliss 1280
Contact the company they will give advice, you could sent them some sizes and photos to help.
Hope this helps.

Great, thanks everyone!