How to Dress Up Your Bay Window for Enjoying the View
You'll see your home from a new perspective.
A bay window is a luxury you should always make the most of in your home. Formed by three windows that bump outward (a center window with two angled windows on either side), it's an architectural treasure that deserves to be appreciated daily. Whether it's the backdrop for your kitchen table, a go-to perch for your pets, or a reading nook in your living room, a bay window adds all the drama without the fuss. You can take in a glorious view from your window while natural light spills into your home. These angled alcoves set up special moments in your space no matter where they are built.
"Bay windows add a ton of visual interest to a space. Rather than just having traditional windows, the three-dimensional nature of bay windows breaks up the wall," says interior designer Hilary Matt.
A bay window can be the secret to bringing the outdoors in. Since bay windows protrude outward, they actually increase the square footage of your home and provide an opportunity for creativity. They can also improve how you feel. Angela Hamwey, founder of Mackenzie & Co., adds, "Bay windows offer an abundance of natural light, which helps boost your mood and decrease the need for supplementary artificial lighting."
Perfect for basking in the sun (think of it as a mini sunroom), a bay window is too dreamy to ignore in your decorating plans. We tapped designers to share inspiring bay window ideas you can add to your home without breaking the bank. Reimagine your favorite area to fit in extra storage, a clever seating arrangement, or a lounge in the sun.
How to Decorate a Bay Window
A bay window can raise unique design challenges, but once you find a solution that works for you it's a breeze to decorate. According to Matt, the best place to begin is targeting what the use of that space will be and how the window fits that use. "Can it be a breakfast nook and fit a table?" she asks. "Then a bay window is a perfect way to anchor a table around built-in seating."
Hamwey suggests letting your windows shine and stand out as the focal point. Nothing should block the view. "We often approach bay windows as an opportunity to design custom furnishings such as a built-in dining bench or window seat. Surrounding decor or furnishings should be minimal and neutral to not compete with each other and create a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors," Hamwey says.
What Window Treatments Are Best for Bay Windows?
Our experts agree drapes are a bit of a hassle to deal with when styling a bay window. Opt for Roman shades or cafe curtains that can be customized to fit perfectly and allow you to control the amount of light that comes in. "If the bay windows are at the front of the home, you may consider a cafe curtain that only partially covers the window to create privacy while still allowing natural light in," says Hamwey.
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