13 ft wide bay window

Bay windows can range in shape and size from a small 6 foot wide space up to 20 feet wide. This particular bay was 13.5 feet wide. There were two 90 degree bends and 6 individual window frames and 3 different width.

We also had to deal with 5 5/8" ceiling crown molding. 
There was a false tray ceiling that appeared to be a channel type of structure (metal strapping not wood beams).  We planned to use ceiling mount.
Another issue we had to overcome was the freight elevator height was 8 ft and diagonally it was 11.5 ft.  Installation was on the 10th floor so stairs weren't an option.
The client wanted to separate the alcove seating area in this bedroom from the sleeping area with a large drapery.
We decided to use silk and that decision really made a stunning impact on the room.
On the six individual frames we used a cornice on each one in order to highlight them as well as cover up the rollers on the shades that had no valances on them.

 

Dealing with obstacles & crown molding 

A couple of things to consider with crown molding:
1) If you desire a ceiling mount on the track and you want it to be wall to wall or "bracket to bracket" the crown molding will impact your overall width
2) If you plan to install a valance or cornice from the ceiling, your crown molding will also "interfere" with your valance installation as well.


Your accurate measurements will be key to ensuring your workroom has the proper calculations to fabricate your drapery and valance.
When measuring for a ceiling installation of this width, it is always best to take at least 6 ceiling to floor measurements across the width of your planned track placement. The heights can vary as much as an 1" to 1 1/2".
We ended up with a very stunning result on this one as the photos reveal.

Here is a before photo for reference:

First let's talk about the crown molding and how we managed to go around it with our cornice type valance.
The valance shown below in fabrication, had to be cut out on the ends to accommodate the crown molding.  With the use of high school math we figured out the angles and the amount to cut.

The cornice with a crown molding cut out

You use a speed square tool and a tape measure to take the measurements. See wiki-how for directions on using a speed square or go to You tube
There are two measurements you need (height & width):
1) height = Distance from the ceiling to the bottom of the crown molding
2) width = Distance from the wall to the edge of the crown molding on the ceiling
These two numbers are used to come up with the angle used to cut off the end of the cornice so it will fit into the corner and bypass your crown molding.

The cornice had to be split into two pieces and reassembled on site due to the client's freight elevator being less than the finished width of the cornice. We fabricated it as one piece and then cut a piece out for later placement at the job site.  The valance was folded in half and wrapped for transport. Then upon arrival at installation site, we used a couple of metal plates and pre-drilled the piece of wood and re joined it together.  On the back side, we stapled a piece of lining over the metal plates to make it look finished.



Below are a couple of close ups of the cornices we used in the 6 individual windows in the bay window.  There are two each of the 3 different sizes. 

 

Note that the larger the width the wider the accent fabric on the ends.

We had to have the ceiling track fabricated in two pieces as well. It was reassembled on site.
The track is from Kirsch and it was purchased from Williamson Supply Company in Houston.
The track has been very reliable and performs well in heavy drapery (over 60 lbs) every time I've used it.

 Here is the KS track from Kirsch.com ceiling mounted with the heavy duty splicer.

Ceiling mounted Kirsch KS track

 The drapery weight was well over 50 lbs due to the four layers of treatment. The four layers consisted of the face fabric (silk), 10oz per yard interlining, black sateen and 3 pass Australian blackout lining.  The Kirsch KS track with heavy duty ball bearing glides handles this with no problem.

 



Close up of the roman shade on patio door

 

View showing the drapery closed

The sides of the drapery were under a bit of tension and puckering resulted. Adjustments were made on this a few weeks later and the following pics were result.

 

2 sections 12 inches each were placed on either side to lessen any puckering or tension on the drapery

To ensure the best blackout near the crown molding we installed these "wings" of blackout near the sides onto the back of the track and secured them to the wall with cup hooks.

 

Close up of the blackout "wings"