Bay windows are such a treat – the additional light they allow into space and the architectural detail they provide with their angled sides make them a beautiful focal point in any room. Decorating a bay window area can be a fun way to highlight this special feature while adding style and functionality. Read on for 50 cool bay window decorating tips ranging from inspiration on styling to practical advice for making the most of the space.
Inspirational Bay Window Decor
These ideas focus on using various design elements to make your bay window area pop.
1. Incorporate Greenery
Placing potted plants on the window seat or hanging trailing vines along the bay window frames brings natural flair. Go for an abundance of greens to maximize the outdoorsy feel.
2. Add Some Sparkle
When the light pours into a bay window, adding mirrors or metallic accents like silver candle holders reflects and amplifies the brightness. This makes the space feel open and airy.
3. Style with Artwork
Hang a painting or photo collage wall along the flat wall space above your bay window or lean canvases against the side walls. This frames out the area beautifully.
4. Build Display Shelves
Flank the window area with open shelves stacked with colourful books, vases and collectibles to create a vignette that catches the eye.
5. Drape Creatively
Take advantage of the architecture and drape your curtains or valances along the angled sides of the bay window for added drama. Cascading fabrics emphasize the window shape.
6. Contrast with Color
If your bay window exterior is white, choose a bold colour like navy blue for the interior window seats or walls to make the bay window recess pop. The colour contrast helps the architectural detail stand out.
Practical Bay Window Decor Ideas
These bay window decorating tips focus on functionality – how to maximize storage, seating and usage of the space.
7. Built-in Storage Benches
Custom-building bench seating with storage underneath is a great way to take advantage of the full area for the organization. Add hinged lids, pull-out drawers and baskets for stash space.
8. Window Seat Cushions
Plump cushions lined along a bay window seat add comfort so you can nestle right up to the glass and enjoy the views outdoors. Opt for washable slipcovers to keep them looking fresh.
9. Pull-up Seating
Attach a folding seat or ottoman to the wall or window frame so it can be folded out when you need extra seating around a dining table or living area but tuck it out of the way when not in use.
10. Display Built-ins
Build out the area around a bay window recess with custom bookshelves, cabinets and display shelving. This helps highlight the architecture while adding storage solutions.
11. Charging Station
In a home office or bedroom, install floating shelves or a built-in desktop to create a workspace. Add electrical outlets to make it a convenient charging station for your devices.
12. Window Perches
Place a narrow table, floating shelf or built-in desk right up against the bay window frame to create a perch for displaying special objects right in the light.
13. Pet Beds
The enclosed bay window space is an ideal spot for a plush pet bed – especially if there is a view outside for them to survey. It helps contain pet hair too!
14. Window Gardens
Line your bay window area with shelving and use it to house an indoor garden! The ample sunlight streaming in is perfect for nurturing plants.
Budget-Friendly Bay Window Decor Tips
These cheap ideas help you transform your bay window zone without spending a lot.
15. Fresh Coat of Paint
A simple DIY upgrade is to paint the recessed walls or window frames in a glossy, eye-catching shade. The colour change alone makes a big impact.
16. Area Rug Layering
Layer large area rugs over your existing flooring to define the bay window seating zone. Oversize patterns and braided textures add cozy style.
17. Thrifted Furnishings
Hit up garage sales, Facebook Marketplace and consignment shops to score secondhand furniture and accessories like side tables, poufs and artwork on a dime to fill out your bay window vignette.
18. Window Film
Add some privacy, UV protection and style by installing decorative window film on your bay window glass. Options range from stained glass to rice paper patterns.
19. Removable Wallpaper
Use temporary wallpaper only where it will make the most visual impact – right inside the bay window recess. Self-adhesive papers with wood grains, grasscloth and more create texture.
20. Fabric Curtains
Inexpensive cotton print fabrics can be used to fashion charming café-style curtains. Clip curtain rings onto twine, ribbon or a wooden dowel rod. Simple but impactful.
21. Beanbag Seating
For a flexible, family-friendly seating option, pick up a few oversize beanbag chairs. They can be arranged around the bay window space and pull double duty for extra seating when you have guests.
22. Faux Roman Shades
Make budget-friendly DIY Roman shades using foam core board. Cut the foam to size and cover it with scrapbook paper or fabric. Attach ribbons to the back to lift and lower your “shades”.
23. Gallery Walls
You can gather art, photos, mirrors and prints from dollar stores, thrift shops and your own collection to create an eclectic gallery wall display that highlights the bay window area.
Styling Your Bay Window Area
Use these tips to pull your bay window decor all together into a cohesive space.
24. Repeat Colors
Pick one or two coordinating colours and use them in the window treatments; throw pillows, accessories and artwork to tie the whole bay window vignette together.
25. Incorporate Natural Textures
Add touches like woven woods, rattans, ceramics and live plants to enhance the natural light coming through the bay window and make the area feel earthy and organic.
26. Harmonize Styles
The furnishings and accents around your bay window zone don’t have to “match” but opting for pieces with some common threads like all woods, metallics or global motifs helps them feel cohesive.
27. Soft Fabrics
Choose window treatments, pillows and throws in soft, tactile fabrics like velvets, faux furs and cable knits to encourage lounging and cuddling up in the bay window area.
28. Pull In Nearby Colors
Reference the colour scheme used elsewhere in your home. If your living room is blue and yellow, incorporate those same colours when decorating your bay window seating area. The repetition makes spaces flow.
29. Vary Textures
Combine glossy and matte surfaces, smooth woods with nubby fabrics, delicate sheers and chunky knits to add visual interest and dimension to your bay window vignette.
30. Display Your Collections
Make your bay window area even more special by using it to showcase meaningful travel souvenirs, seashells from beach vacations, or antique curiosities inherited from grandparents.
Functional Touches for Bay Window Zones
These ideas add convenience to your bay window seating space.
31. Side Tables
Flanking built-in bench seating with side tables, like a sofa, provides surface space for setting down snacks, beverages and remotes.
32. Floor Lamps
Position adjustable arched floor lamps nearby to provide task lighting if you’ll use your bay window area for reading, working on your laptop or doing crafts.
33. Charging Station
Incorporate electrical outlets into built-in cabinetry or shelves so you can conveniently power and recharge electronics while lounging in your window seat.
34. Drawer Organizers
Make use of all the storage space under bay window benches by adding drawer organizers for everything from remotes to coasters to hideaway clutter.
35. Lap Desks
Keep TV trays or small lap desks stored under your bay window bench to pull out and use as a surface for puzzles, laptops or writing letters.
36. Ottomans
Movable cube ottomans and poufs add extra, adaptable seating for when the company comes over. When not in use they can be tucked under tables.
37. Trays
Use trays atop storage ottomans or side tables to corral smaller items like TV remotes, headphones and candles so they don’t get scattered and lost in the bay window area.
38. Blackout Curtains
If the bay window space will also be used as a reading nook or nap zone, install blackout curtains to block light when desired for privacy and sleep.
Decor Touches for Specific Bay Window Rooms
Tailor your bay window decorating to how the space will be used.
39. Reading Nook
Style with plush pillows, soft throws, floor lamps, bookshelves and a cozy chair or chaise for the ultimate reading retreat.
40. Home Office
Add a desk, file cabinets and floating shelves brimming with office supplies to create a productivity zone with inspiring views.
41. Kids’ Play Area
Fill with toys, games, beanbags, a small table and chair set for arts and crafts and washable rugs over the flooring to withstand activity.
42. Nursery
Create a soothing sanctuary with blackout curtains, a cushy rocking chair, a side table and a soft lamp perfect for late-night feedings and lullabies.
43. Dining Room
Flank the ends of a bay window bump out with open shelving or cabinets to store dining ware. Add sconces above the window for ambient lighting.
44. Kitchen
Maximize cabinetry, countertops and open shelving along the bay window area to take advantage of the recessed space while prepping, cooking and cleaning up.
45. Living Room
Line with bookcases, cabinets and seating like a bench, chairs or sofa arranged to take in the outdoor views through the glass.
46. Bedroom Retreat
Make it an ultra-cozy place to start and end your day with layers of linens, pillows, and throws, plus a padded headboard and curtains for privacy.
47. Meditation Zone
Encourage reflection with minimal, natural decor like woven shades, a single candle, potted plants and a pillow for sitting comfortably.
48. Craft Area
Bring in a large table or desk, storage for supplies, specialty lighting and organization solutions to create your dream DIY workspace.
Special Considerations for Bay Windows
Keep these things in mind as you plan your bay window decor.
49. Sun Protection
The ample light is gorgeous but can also fade furnishings. Consider curtain linings, window film and shades to diffuse harsh rays.
50. Airflow
Bay windows can get stuffy. Incorporate ceiling fans, cross breezes with windows/doors on opposite sides of a room and plenty of live plants to freshen the air.
Conclusion
A bay window instantly elevates a room’s architecture while allowing beautiful natural light to pour in. With so many creative bay window decorating ideas at your fingertips – from lush botanical accents to built-in storage benches and colour-contrasting paint jobs – you’re sure to find inspiration to make the most of your space. The key is choosing bay window decor that fits both the room’s purpose and design style. Aim to highlight the bay as a functional focal point whether using it as a reading nook, home office, display case for collections or extra dining seating. The unique shape provides so many possibilities! Maximize the recessed space with organization solutions like shelves and drawers to eliminate surrounding clutter. Then fill the zone with plush pillows and eye-catching styles. Soon your bay window area will become a favourite spot in your home to relax, recharge and admire lovely views.