Bay windows bring in more light, offer a wider view, and add character to any room. They give spaces a little shape and charm that flat walls just can’t. But decorating them isn’t always easy.
It’s common to wonder – should the window be left open, styled with curtains, or turned into a cozy nook with a bench? The answer often depends on where the window is, in the kitchen, bedroom, or living room, since each space has different needs.
That’s why this list was created. It’s filled with simple, practical decorating ideas that work in everyday homes. No need for anything fancy or overdone – just real suggestions anyone can try.
Whether you’re working with a small window or a wide bay, these ideas will help turn that bright corner into a cozy and beautiful spot that truly fits the room.
What is a Bay Window?
A bay window is a window that sticks out from the wall of a room, usually in a rounded, square, or angled shape. Instead of being flat against the wall like most windows, it creates a little nook or bump-out.
It often has three sections, one in the middle and two angled ones on the side. You’ll usually see bay windows in living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, or even cozy corners of old homes.
Because they open out in different directions, they bring in more natural light than regular windows. They also make a room feel a bit bigger, thanks to the extra space they create.
Bay windows can be large or small, fancy or simple. No matter the size or shape, they add a unique feel to a room, and that’s why so many people love them.
Easy Bay Window Decoration Ideas
Bay windows are both charming and useful, but decorating them can feel confusing at first. The good news is that there are many simple and smart ways to style them without a lot of effort.
1. Add a Bench Seat With Soft Cushions
Adding a bench in your bay window gives you a quiet spot to sit and rest. Soft cushions make it feel cozy and comfortable.
You can match the colors to the rest of your room. It’s a great place to relax, read, or just look outside. This works well in living rooms, bedrooms, or even hallways.
2. Use It As a Reading Nook
A bay window can become the perfect little reading corner. I added a comfy chair, a small lamp, and a stack of my favorite books nearby.
The natural light makes it easy to read during the day, and it feels peaceful. You can also keep a blanket there to stay warm and cozy. It’s a quiet spot where you can relax and enjoy time just for you.
3. Hang Sheer Curtains
Sheer curtains let sunlight in but still give you some privacy. They make the room feel soft and airy.
Light colors work best to keep the space bright. You can open or close them easily depending on the time of day. Sheer curtains are simple and look nice in any room.
4. Layer Curtains With Blinds
If you want more control over light and privacy, use both blinds and curtains. Close the blinds when the sun is too bright or you want privacy.
Add curtains for color and warmth. This mix also helps block noise and cold air. It’s a useful and stylish way to dress up your window.
5. Place a Dining Table
If your bay window is in the kitchen or dining area, put a small table there. The windows give you a bright and open spot to eat meals.
It feels cozy in the morning for breakfast or coffee. Add two or three chairs to make it work. It saves space and makes the room feel open.
6. Add a Small Round Rug
A round rug can make the space feel finished and comfortable. It’s great under a chair or a small table in your bay window.
Choose a soft rug that adds color or texture. It also keeps your feet warm on cold floors. Just make sure the size fits the space.
7. Hang Pendant Lights
A hanging light above the bay window can add soft light in the evening. It also draws attention to the window area.
Choose a style that matches your room, like metal or glass. Pendant lights don’t take up floor space, which keeps things open. This is a smart choice for small rooms.
8. Make It a Spot For Plants
Bay windows get a lot of sunlight, which is great for houseplants. You can place small pots on the sill or larger ones on the floor.
Try using different shapes and heights to make it look nice. Plants help clean the air and add life to the room. It’s a fresh and natural way to decorate.
9. Create a Pet Bed
Pets love to sit in the sun and watch outside. Place a soft pet bed or blanket in the bay window. It gives them a warm and safe place to rest.
This works well for both cats and dogs. My cat loves spending hours sitting there. You’re using the space in a way that makes them happy, too.
10. Use Floating Shelves For Books
Floating shelves don’t take up floor space and are easy to install. You can use them to hold books or a few small decorations.
Place them above a seat or along the side walls of the bay. It turns the window area into a mini library. Keep it neat so it still feels open.
11. Decorate With Seasonal Items
I like changing how my bay window looks with each season. In fall, I often add pumpkins and orange leaves.
In winter, try candles or a string of lights. Spring is great for flowers, and summer can be simple with light colors. This keeps your home feeling fresh all year.
12. Use It as a Home Office
A bay window can be turned into a small work area. Set up a desk and chair in the space. The natural light helps you stay focused during the day.
Keep your items organized with a small shelf or tray. It’s a quiet corner where you can get things done.
13. Try a Corner Sofa
A corner sofa that wraps around the bay can make the space cozy. It works well in living rooms where you need extra seating.
The sofa can follow the shape of the window. Add pillows and a blanket to make it soft. It turns the bay into part of your main seating area.
14. Place a Small Coffee Table
A small coffee table fits nicely in the center of a bay window. You can use it to hold books, drinks, or a plant.
It turns the space into a spot for relaxing or chatting. Add a chair or cushion nearby to make it more useful. This setup works well in living rooms or bedrooms.
15. Add a Mirror
Placing a mirror near your bay window helps reflect sunlight into the room. It makes the space feel brighter and bigger.
Choose a simple frame that matches your room. You can hang it on the wall beside the window or place it on the sill. Mirrors are helpful in small or dark rooms.
16. Use a Long Bench with Hidden Storage
A bench with storage inside gives you a place to sit and store things at the same time. You can keep blankets, books, or toys tucked away.
It keeps the space neat and helps if you have a small room. The bench can run the full length of the bay. Add cushions on top to make it more comfortable.
17. Hang String Lights
String lights give a soft, cozy glow in the evening. You can hang them across the top of the window or around the edges.
They’re easy to put up and safe to use with curtains. Choose warm white lights for a calm look. This works well in bedrooms, kids’ rooms, or living spaces.
18. Make a Play Area for Kids
Bay windows can be a nice little play zone for children. Add a soft rug, a few pillows, and some toys or books.
The sunlight makes it a cheerful spot during the day. You can even add a small shelf for their things. It helps keep their play space out of the way.
19. Put a Piano or Keyboard
A bay window can fit a small upright piano or a keyboard stand. The natural light makes it a nice place to play music during the day.
It also turns the piano into a special feature in the room. Add a stool and maybe a music shelf nearby. This idea works best in living or music rooms.
20. Add Hanging Plants
I love using macrame plant holders to hang small pots in front of the window. It saves floor space and adds a nice touch of greenery up high.
The plants get plenty of sunlight and look beautiful from both inside and outside. You can hang just one or mix a few at different lengths for a layered look. It’s such an easy and stylish way to decorate with plants.
21. Use Vintage Trunks Decor
Old trunks or wooden crates can sit under the bay window or in the corners. They add a rustic look and give you extra storage, too.
Use them to hold blankets, books, or games. You can also place a cushion on top to turn them into extra seating. This works well in casual or cottage-style homes.
22. Use Roman Shades
Roman shades are flat when open and fold up nicely when you close them. They’re good for privacy without making the space look heavy.
Choose fabric that matches your room’s style. They’re simple to install and easy to use. This type of shade works well in bedrooms, kitchens, or studies.
23. Add a Tall Floor Lamp
A tall lamp gives light without needing to hang anything. Place it in one corner of the bay to brighten up the space.
It’s great for reading or adding soft light at night. Choose a simple design that doesn’t block the view. Floor lamps are also easy to move if you change the room later.
24. Add an Indoor Tree
A tall plant like a fiddle leaf fig fits nicely in a bay window corner. It brings in greenery and uses the natural light well.
The plant adds height and life to the room. Use a nice pot that matches your style. Just make sure the plant you choose likes lots of sun.
25. Use Beadboard or Shiplap
Adding beadboard or shiplap inside the bay gives it a cottage or farmhouse feel. The wooden panels make the space look more finished and warm.
Paint it white or soft colors to keep it bright. It works well in older homes or cozy rooms. This adds texture without using extra furniture.
26. Add a Decorative Curtain Rod
Instead of using straight rods, choose a flexible one that curves with your bay window. This makes your curtains hang neatly across all the sections.
It looks smooth and is made for the space. Use lightweight curtains that are easy to slide. This helps the whole area look more put together.
27. Install Built-In Cabinets
You can add low cabinets under the bay window for extra storage. Use them to store games, books, dishes, or craft supplies.
Choose cabinets with doors to keep things hidden and tidy. You still have space on top for seating or plants. It’s helpful in small rooms that need more storage.
28. Use Wicker or Rattan Furniture
Wicker or rattan chairs and tables feel light and natural. They look nice in sunny spots like bay windows.
These pieces are easy to move and match many styles. Add a soft cushion for comfort. This works well if you want a casual, breezy feel.
29. Try a Window Hammock or Hanging Chair
If your ceiling is strong enough, you can hang a chair in front of the bay window. A swing or hammock chair adds a fun touch. It becomes a spot to relax, read, or nap.
Choose a soft fabric and hang it safely. This idea works great in kids’ rooms or laid-back spaces.
30. Add Small Lanterns or Candles on The Sill
You can place lanterns or battery candles along the window ledge. They make the area feel cozy in the evenings.
Use simple designs that fit the style of your room. Just be careful not to crowd the space. This works well for a calm and quiet mood.
31. Use Frosted Window Film
If your bay window faces the street, try frosted film on the glass. It lets light in but blocks the view from outside.
You can choose simple or patterned styles. It sticks right to the window and is easy to remove. This is great for bathrooms, bedrooms, or busy neighborhoods.
32. Create a Game Zone
Place a small table in the bay window and add a few chairs. Store board games or cards nearby.
It’s a fun spot for family time or guests. Add a soft rug to make it more comfortable. This idea makes the most of a shared space.
33. Use It For Toy Storage
Bay windows in children’s rooms can hold bins or baskets for toys. Keep everything low so kids can reach it easily.
Add a bench on top if you need seating, too. This keeps their things tidy without using up too much space and makes the room easier to clean.
34. Add Wallpaper
You can use wallpaper just in the bay window area to make it stand out. Choose a soft print or fun pattern that fits your style.
It helps the space feel special without needing new furniture. Use colors that match the rest of the room. It’s an easy way to decorate.
35. Leave It Empty for a Minimalist Look
Sometimes the best choice is to leave the bay window open and clear. This keeps the room feeling bigger and brighter.
You still enjoy the sunlight and view. Clean lines and bare space can feel calm and peaceful. It works well if you like simple, tidy rooms.
How Do You Make a Bay Window Look Better?
I’ve found that the best way to make a bay window look better is to treat it like a feature of the room, not just some leftover space.
I always start by deciding what I want to use it for: Do I need extra seating or hidden storage, or do I want it to look nice and cozy?
Once I figure that out, it’s much easier to style it in a way that makes the whole room feel more complete. You can do the following things to make your bay window look better:
- Keep it clean and uncluttered: A bay window already draws attention, so don’t overload it.
- Use matching or coordinating colors: Tie the bay window in with the rest of the room using pillows, fabric, or paint.
- Add soft textures: Blankets, cushions, or curtains make the window feel warm and inviting.
- Choose window treatments that fit well: Inside-mount blinds or custom curtains look clean and polished.
- Bring in light: Make sure your design lets in sunlight—that’s one of the best things about a bay window.
Conclusion
Bay windows are special spots in a home that can be both useful and nice to look at.
Whether your window is in the living room, bedroom, kitchen, or even a kid’s room, there are many simple ways to make it work for you.
You can turn it into a seat, a storage area, a reading nook, a place for plants, or even leave it empty for a clean, open look.
With just a few items like cushions, curtains, or a small table, you can change the feel of the whole room.
The best idea is the one that fits your space and lifestyle. You don’t need to spend a lot or follow strict rules. Just choose what feels right for your home and style.
If you found an idea you’d like to try, go for it, and enjoy your bay window even more. Feel free to share your favorite use in the comments!