What to do with a bay window – 13 creative and practical ideas to utilise this architectural feature in style

Bay windows make for a beautiful architectural feature of a home that adds a sense of grandeur and intrigue to any room that comes with one. But even though they are so wonderful, their unique shape can also make them quite tricky and daunting to decorate – which is where our bay window ideas come in.

From the right window treatment ideas that work best in bay windows to how to further decorate the area, these tips cover all of this. But if there’s one thing you take away from this then let it be this – whatever you do, don’t neglect your bay window and make the most of it.

‘Do not ignore it,’ says Sam Sutherland, Flitch interior stylist. ‘A bay window is too valuable to leave as dead space. Whether it is styled for seating, display or dining, it should earn its place in the room.’

1. Add a window seat with built-in storage

More storage is always welcome in any space – especially when it looks stylish and concealed. And that’s exactly why adding a window seat with built-in storage to your bay window is such a great idea.

‘A bay window is a natural focal point and deserves to be treated as one. A built-in window seat with hidden storage underneath can double as a reading nook and a practical place to stash blankets, toys or books,’ Sam at Flitch says.

Megan Baker from My Fitted Bedroom adds, ‘Neglecting the opportunity for storage or seating is a missed trick. A bay window can do more than just look pretty – it can work hard for you.’

2. Create a breakfast nook

If your bay window happens to be in the kitchen or the living room - especially if it’s an open plan living room with a kitchen a few steps away - then turning your bay window into a cosy breakfast nook is a stylish way to make this space functional.

‘If your bay window is in the kitchen or dining room, try creating a breakfast nook with a round table and built-in seating – it’ll be the most coveted spot in the house,’ Megan at My Fitted Bedroom says.

Sam at Flitch agrees, ‘In a kitchen-diner, a bay is perfect for a small round breakfast table and a couple of spindle-back chairs. It creates a relaxed, light-filled spot to start the day without taking up too much space.’

A round dining table that's on the smaller side like the Habitat Skandi Walnut Veneer Round 4 Seater Table, available from Argos, is pretty much a must in a bay window breakfast nook.

3. Fill it with plants

If you’re a houseplant lover but are not sure where to fit all your plant babies, creating a dedicated area for them in your bay window is the ideal solution, using hanging baskets, macrame and plant stands like the Simonne plant stand from Wayfair, selling for £21.99.

‘Go green with an indoor garden by grouping light-loving plants of varying heights on tiered stands,’ says Lucy Mather, interiors expert at Arighi Bianchi.

Sam at Flitch continues, ‘For something more natural, turn the bay into a mini greenhouse. A collection of terracotta pots, trailing ivy and even a small olive tree will thrive in the natural light and add warmth to the room.’

4. Turn it into a dressing area

A bay window presents the perfect spot for a dressing table – from the shape of the area to the perfect lighting you’ll get to take advantage of when getting ready.

‘A bay can become a dedicated dressing area. A freestanding mirror, antique-style console and a soft ottoman can create a boutique feel that frees up wall space elsewhere,’ Sam at Flitch says.

And if you really want to make the most of your bay window, we recommend space-saving solutions like Urban Outfitters' viral Jane Vanity And Chair set which now also comes in a striped finish.

5. Use it as a spot to relax

Whether it’s a reading nook or just a spot where you can simply sit down, relax and unwind, a bay window will make the perfect place for that. All you need is some comfortable seating that fits the pocket of space well and perhaps a little side table to go with it.

‘A velvet loveseat or a pair of tub chairs in a larger bay offer a cosy perch to read a book by the window – choose curved styles to echo the shape of the bay. A decorative chaise longue is an elegant option for living rooms or bedrooms,’ Lucy at Arighi Bianchi says.

The Hymes Velvet Chaise Lounge from Wayfair is not only super chic, but it also sells for only £219.99.

6. Utilise it for a WFH set up

If you’re in need of some small home office ideas due to lack of space for a fancy WFH set up in your home, turning your bay window into your office space is a great solution.

‘Transform a bay window into a mini home office with a slimline desk and stylish stool that tucks away neatly underneath, and you’ve got a serene little workspace that’s every bit as practical as it is polished,’ Lucy at Arighi Bianchi says.

7. Add Roman blinds for perfect cover

Choose a Roman blind for each bay window dressing, and measure them to hang slightly over the frame of the window to ensure the entire glass pane is covered and there are no gaps at the edges of the window blind idea.

Go for a large scale pattern for the blinds to create impact and team with a plain curtain in a toning colour. Roll-up Roman blinds are a simple solution for bay windows, while the curtains can either add extra privacy and warmth, or can simply be a decorative addition, framing the window for a smart finish and without the need to be drawn.

8. Use cafe-style half shutters

For an informal effect, hang shutters at the bottom half of the bay window, allowing light through the top half, but also creating privacy – especially important in a bedroom. Hem the panels of fabric and hang them on a flexible net curtain wire, so they can be gathered at the side if you need more light.

The overall look is laid back yet contemporary, and bring the look together with other natural elements around the room, like linen cushions and pale furniture.

Interior designer reveals what not to do when choosing curtains – from measuring to styling, for more inspiration.

9. Hang a curtain at each window

Curtain ideas for bay windows can be expensive and tricky to fit around curves and bends, so fitting a separate pole at each window is a good option. Hang a pair of curtains at the middle window and then frame each side with another curtain. This will create an extremely sophisticated look, bringing the focus to the bay.

Tie back hooks fitted high up will allow the curtains to be gathered in an attractive swag of fabric. Finish the look with a narrow pelmet around the top of the window in a dark fabric to draw the eye upwards and create a sense of space.

10. Hang curtains across the front of the bay

For a simply, fuss-free look, hang a thin wire rail across the front of the bay window and use a light muslin or linen curtain to create privacy without blocking out the light. For a savvy bedroom curtain ideas you could use a black out material, to ensure total darkness for a better night's sleep.

In a living room if you have a desk area or storage in the bay window space that you want to hide, then this curtain can act as the ideal screen, keeping the rest of the room clutter-free.

11. Filter out the light with full shutters

Window shutter ideas are a highly effective way to entirely cover a window, with precision. And practical, providing light, privacy and reducing noise – as well as being low-maintenance, requiring nothing more than a frequent dusting to keep them looking their best.

When used to dress bay windows the frames are made to fit each panel of glass perfectly, meaning maximum light control.

12. Opt for solid shutters for total privacy

Solid shutters are perfect for period properties, especially in bedrooms, creating a barrier against noise and the elements. Don't be afraid to go for a coloured option that will highlight any details on the shutter, especially if the rest of the scheme is pared back.

'Bay windows are architectural gems, and the right window treatment can really turn it into a feature,' says Matt Thomas from Apollo Blinds. 'Bespoke shutters, particularly tier-on-tier styles, are a brilliant option to keep the aesthetic clean and let more light into the room. And shutters also offer a degree of privacy for front room bays that look out onto the street. For an elegant twist, try painted shutters in heritage tones - like olive green or french blue - it’s a design statement that’s both classic and contemporary.'

13. Incorporate a coordinating window seat

Make the most of a bay window layout by installing a window seat idea, using the otherwise unused space below the window to allow for extra seating. Matching the fabrics for the window treatment to the seat cushions helps to make the window feel well-dressed as a whole.

The accent colour and pattern draws attention to the window, making it a feature to behold. This idea is especially good in a small room, to draw the eye to the view beyond to welcome a sense of airiness.

FAQ

What is the best way to dress a bay window?

What is considered the best way to dress a bay window? 'The decision on the window dressing itself can depend on a number of factors such as privacy and the overall look you wish to create' explains Debbie Leigh, design manager at ILIV.

'If, for example, you are wanting to let in as much light as possible it is worth considering sheer blinds which will allow a soft flow of natural light into your room – creating a lovely relaxing ambience. On the other hand, good quality, lined curtains are worth the investment – they are suitable all year-round , offering temperature control and privacy.'

'Perhaps the most popular bay window dressing is the combination of roman blinds with curtains' Debbie reveals. ' This not only provides the best of both worlds but also looks very luxurious. A roman blind in each window offers flexibility as each blind can be set at varying heights to create an interesting look as well as providing privacy when needed.'

'If you have the room either side of your bay window, then full-length curtains will create a cosy, comfortable and inviting feel. Not only do they provide complete privacy, choosing a quality thick fabric will provide an extra layer of insulation, as well as creating a sense of luxury.'

One final tip before we let you go to transform your bay window into a chic feature of your home is to never block the light filtering through this majestic window style. ‘Avoid pushing heavy furniture right in front of the bay. It blocks the light and cuts off the architectural interest, which is usually one of the room’s best features,’ Sam at Flitch concludes.