13 Creative Ways to Decorate and Make the Most of Your Bay Window Living Space

A bay window is a window space projecting outward from the main walls of a building and forming a bay in a room, either square or polygonal in plan.

While most bay windows protrude from a building, some bay windows are level with the exterior and are built into the interior of a room.

Bay windows are a beautiful feature in any room.

They provide ample natural light and are a great place to sit and read, write, or simply relax.

They are equally beautiful from the outside and add character to the home.

Bay windows can be small or large. They can be a single window or have two windows flanking a center window.

With so many different ways to configure a bay window, it can be challenging to decide how to decorate the space.

1. Create a Cozy Nook with a View

If you have a large bay window in your living room, consider creating a cozy nook.

Add a chaise lounge or a couple of comfortable chairs and a small table to create a space where you can relax and enjoy the view.

If you have a bay window seat, add a cushion and a few throw pillows to create a comfortable place to sit.

A small table or a couple of ottomans can be used as a footrest or for setting down drinks and snacks.

2. Bring the Outdoors In with a Garden Window

A garden window, which is a type of bay window, is a great way to get the best of both worlds in your living room.

You can enjoy the view that a bay window offers and bring the outdoors in with a garden window, which offers a great place to grow herbs, small plants, and flowers.

Placing a garden window in your living room is a great way to bring in natural light and add a touch of greenery to your space.

If you don’t have a green thumb, you can still enjoy the view and the natural light that a garden window provides.

3. Create a Window Seat with Storage

If you have a large bay window with a lot of space to fill, consider building a window seat with storage underneath.

This is a great way to add extra seating to your living room while also adding a cozy nook to relax in.

You can even add a cushion and some throw pillows to make it extra comfy.

And the storage underneath is perfect for stashing extra blankets, throw pillows, or even board games.

4. Make a Small Living Room Look Larger

If you have a small living room, a bay window can be a saving grace. This type of window can make a room feel larger and more open.

To take advantage of this, keep the space in front of the bay window open and free of furniture.

The more space you can see in front of the window, the larger the room will feel.

In this living room, a simple bench provides a cozy place to sit and enjoy the view without blocking it.

The bench also adds a layer of texture and color to the room.

5. Create a Sunny Breakfast Nook

Bay windows are the perfect spot to create a cozy breakfast nook.

This one is so inviting with the addition of a small round table and chairs, a built-in bench, and a few extra throw pillows.

The large window lets in so much light and offers a beautiful view of the yard, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning.

6. Use a Bay Window to Enlarge Your Kitchen

If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, adding a bay window to your kitchen can be a budget-friendly way to add space without adding a full addition to your home.

In this kitchen, the bay window was used to add extra space for a dining nook.

The window’s shape and size add architectural interest to the room and make the space feel larger.

7. Add a Desk to Make a Home Office

If you have a bay window in your living room, consider using the space to create a mini home office.

A desk fits perfectly in the nook of a bay window and can be a great way to add function to an otherwise unused space.

When decorating a home office in a bay window, make sure to add plenty of light and consider adding curtains to block the sun and add privacy when you need it.

8. Create a Focal Point with a Bay Window

In this living room, the bay window creates a natural place to put a sofa, and a console table behind it creates a focal point in the space.

The console table is styled with a large piece of art, and the table and art are flanked by two matching lamps.

A large round mirror is centered above the console table, and this creates the illusion of a larger space.

9. Create a Reading Nook

Bay windows are often the perfect spot for a cozy reading nook.

You can use a small loveseat or even a chaise lounge to provide a comfortable place to read.

Make sure to add a small side table, as well as a floor lamp, to make the space extra inviting.

10. Add a Table to Create a Game Area

If you have a large bay window, consider adding a table and chairs to create a unique game area.

There are so many fun things you can do with a table in your bay window. You could play games, do puzzles, or even use it as a dining area.

If you don’t have a lot of space in your living room, but you want to add a table, this is a great way to do it without taking up too much space.

11. Add a Side Table for an Elegant Look

A small side table can be the perfect addition to a bay window.

It adds a touch of elegance to the space and gives you a place to set down your coffee cup or book.

You can also use the table to display plants, candles, or other decorative items.

12. Create a Cozy Atmosphere with Curtains and Drapes

If you’re looking for a way to create an intimate and cozy atmosphere in your living space, consider adding curtains or drapes to your bay windows.

Floor-to-ceiling curtains can help to create the illusion of height in the room and make the space feel more grand.

You can also add curtains to the bottom of the window to create a layered look.

13. Add a Window Box

A window box is a great way to bring the outdoors in, and it’s the perfect addition to a bay window.

Fill it with your favorite flowers, greenery, or even herbs.

If you’re not a fan of the idea of a window box, you can also use a planter and place it on the window sill.

Pro Tip: Make sure to choose a planter or window box that is the right size for your space.

If it’s too small, it will look out of place. If it’s too large, it will take up too much space.

Conclusion

Bay windows can be a great asset to your living room. They can help you make the most of natural light, create unique window seats, and so much more. So if you have a bay window in your home, take advantage of it!