I think short curtains in any room are horrible but just my opinion. What about shutters - expensive but last - let in the light & don't block the radiator. Otherwise would just have roller blinds.

I like very long curtains spreading over the floor. Chose thermal ones as my window is completely rubbish and there is no radiator under.
I love shutters and would like to get them for my bay window at living room and dress it with net linen curtains like that one from Ada & Ina

it is always a dilemma - to save money or not to save? And on curtains it is almost every time. Curtains make a room look homely and cosy and you need a couple of layers to really achieve the most. You have lots of radiators and if I was you I would like to cover them (curtains or panel), not the most beautiful accessory in the house.

Working roman shades might work. They can be decorative or plain, textured or smooth, lined or not. Do a search for "roman shades" in Houzz photos. Your window bay is an architectural detail you want to feature, not cover up. Also, look up "radiator cover" for creative ideas to celebrate your radiators.

Frame the window with long lush curtains
Then roller blinds or shutters in each window
Curtains can draw but mostly there for show

I agree you need to enhance the shape of the bay window and roman blinds would do that nicely. I just saw this image on instagram, I love the trim which adds a lovely touch of detail especially for a bedroom.

Stick to long! Very classy and elegant in a large window :)

Thank you all so much for your suggestions. I'm going to explore the shutters and Roman blind options and will let you know what I finally decide. Short curtains are definitely off the short list.

Hi tosca100, I have used both shutters (plantation style), Roman blinds and curtains in many of my projects and each lends a totally new look to the windows.
The shutters were used in a 1930s property and also a Victorian extension to a Georgian home they opened up the space in both making the windows appear bigger and uncluttered. They are not as 'cosy' as curtains but do retain heat in a room in fact they help the radiators to work more efficiently because there is no fabric blocking the heat emission.
A warm, cosy look can be easily attained using Roman blinds and dress curtains i.e. the curtains are not meant to be drawn - this look is quite theatrical (especially if using velvets etc) and look lovely if the right fabrics are used. This look goes particularly well with large windows, if you have a smaller room with corresponding window dress it lightly with roller blind and dress curtains. The photos show shutters in bedroom and living room.
Glad you are staying away from short curtains by the way :-)

Could you have shutters on just the bottom half of the windows, then you could have the privacy but still let more light in at the top (after shortening/removing the pelmet - maybe someone can add whether that works or not or what you can combine it with, I'm just a bit obsessed with maximising light, must be the time of year!

I've seen photos of a cafe style shutter which would only cover the bottom half. This would still give us privacy in the bay window but not the side window where we would still need a blind on the upper part. Just not sure if a cafe style would work on an upper floor though or if a shutter and blind combination would look ok.

I'm still a little concerned about making the room dark. The photos of white shutters make the rooms look light and airy but I presume I would need dark wood to match the window frames.

Paint the windows a light colour

I love the look of Roman blinds. I know it's a bit more work opening and closing, but anything you love is worth the work. How about softening the look with full length sheer curtains for a finished decorative look.

It's not your curtains. The window is lovely but you have obscured and cluttered that vision with your chairs and tables. Rethink the furniture placement and make your lovely window a feature. C

Me again ... Also reposition where the curtain pieces hang. Leave the two middle sections clear to give a nice open vista.

...and have the curtain hanging at the corner.

Better already!

I really don't think you need to rush out a spend a great deal of money. Is it a bedroom? A chaise or small sofa by the window to relax with a magazine?

Just bought new long curtains from company online don't know if I am allowed to mention name but if so let me know as they are fantastic

Most definitely long. You could always have dress curtains either side and have some kind of blinds on windows. No need to hand a curtain at every window divider.