08 Airy Bay Window Ideas to Light Up Any Room
A bay window is a central window or group of windows surrounded by additional windows that protrude from the wall of the building and create a “cavity” within the room. Curved bay windows are a type known as bay windows.
Bay windows add character to any room and also add a luxurious amount of natural light. A hallmark of Victorian architecture, they also add interest to a building’s exterior. Bay windows create a focal point and often act as a natural accent in a room, often highlighting a beautiful view. But they can also take on a supporting role depending on the decor and function of the room, and provide a backdrop for everything from reading nooks and dining areas to bedrooms and home offices.
Take a look at these bay windows in every room of the home for ideas on how to honor and enhance this architectural feature, with painting ideas, window treatments, furniture placement, and more.
01 Set a Table for Two
A round tulip-colored table and a pair of natural wood Scandinavian-style chairs sit in the floor-to-ceiling bay window of this home library from Emily Henderson Design, providing plenty of natural light and gorgeous views of the outdoors.
02 Build a Window Seat
The deep blue paint on the walls of this home library from Kate Marker Interiors has a calming effect, invites relaxation and adds character to a cozy window seat built into a recessed window that provides views and natural light.
03 Add a Bedroom Lounge Area
In this spacious master bedroom by Marie Flanigan Interiors, a sitting area in front of the bay window provides a space for relaxation and relaxation away from the bed.
04 Go Victorian
In the living room of this Victorian mansion in London, designed by Emilie Fournet Interiors, a lush classic sofa sits next to bay windows, which have no curtains to maximize natural light. The walls and window frames highlight this feature.
05 Keep It Open
The living room of this San Francisco apartment, designed by Catie Hong Interiors, features a row of modern bay windows with a large center window and trim painted bright white, like the rest of the room. A stylish reading chair and book tower create a place to read and recharge.
06 Paint Them Black
Soft textures, layered fabrics, natural elements, sculptural lighting and a neutral color palette make this living room by Leanne Ford Interiors cozy and relaxing, while the black-painted bay window features black lattice panels for an added graphic accent.
07 Add a Banquette
Huge bay windows in the spacious upstairs breakfast nook, designed by Seattle-based OreStudios, allow natural light to flood the space and create breathtaking views. The rounded banquette and generous dimensions create a comfortable seating area, while simple white Danish pendant lights anchor the space without blocking the view.
08 Hang Curtains
This homey bedroom was designed by Jess Bunge and styled by Emily Bowser for Emily Henderson Design and is set inside a large round bay window. Sculptural furniture, antique chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling curtains in pale pink create an elegant space that makes the most of this beautiful architectural feature while adding functionality to the room.