A bay window is an outward protruding window or cluster of windows that form a “bay” area in the room. Such projections could be curved, boxed, or angular, and add personality to the interiors and exteriors of your home.
While bay windows are aesthetic, they are criminally underrated and underutilised. To ensure that such a tragedy does not occur in your case, we have rounded up a few excellent bay window ideas for you.
1. Reading Nook
A reading nook is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of bay windows. After all, the space is light and airy, and even has adequate space to accommodate books! Now all you need is a custom-built bench topped with a mattress, some plump cushions, and a throw blanket, and you can get started with your next read!
If you are on a budget, you could invest in an accent chair (or a leatherbound chair if you’re into classic flair) and compact bookcases – these two items alone can set the tone. No matter the layout, pay special attention to the artificial lighting setup as you would want to keep this reading nook functional regardless of the season or time of the day.
2. Cosy Workspace
Setting up your workspace in the bay window could make every day a workation! In addition to draining the Monday blues, having a dedicated spot from where you work from home can eliminate distractions and help you stay productive and get more stuff done.
Such a strategic location also ensures that your at-home office would be well-lit, thereby elevating your mood. However, position your desk across the window than against it as the natural backlight would otherwise make it difficult to concentrate on the screen. Also, install curtains to filter in the light so that the sunbeams do not result in annoying glares.
3. Garden of Eden
If you have a green thumb, then a bay window could be the perfect spot for your indoor garden. The place is often underutilised and awash in natural light, so a few (or several) plants would definitely thrive here and liven up the place. You could install shelves in this area to house more plants or simply repurpose existing furniture like tables, TV consoles, etc. to hold smaller pots while the larger ones bearing monstera, rubber plants, parlour palm, and others can be placed on the floor.
You also have the option of hanging planters, with vines like string-of-pearls, pothos, philodendron, etc. spilling out of them. From decoration plants to fruit-bearing bonsai to succulents, your plant babies will prosper in this pocket of sunlight and fresh air.
4. Casual Conversations
Want to make your bay window region a social hub? Sure, go ahead! There are plenty of seating options – pouffes, ottomans, upholstered stools, banquette seating, loveseat, accent chairs, etc. that you can place around a coffee table. Add some cushions, blankets, etc., to make the place more comfortable.
You can even have a little coffee cart and keep some board games handy to make the place more intimate. And while setting up such an environment, pay close attention to the lighting as well, you want warm, layered lights (think chandeliers to floor lamps) to build on the element of cosiness.
5. A Place for R&R
Do you want to create a personal sanctuary where you can sit back and relax? Then there is no better place than a bay window! Install a hammock or a swing, or throw in a bunch of plush cushions and you have a seating area.
Now, go crazy while personalising the space. You could light up the area in fairy lights, hang a few of your favourite photographs on strings, keep your favourite musical instruments on the side, or have a rolling bar at hand – whatever helps you unwind. If the bay window is against an empty wall, you can even set up a projector and transform the area in your at-home movie theatre.
6. Bay Watch
If you are blessed with a stunning view from the bay window, then there is very little that you need to do! Simply set aside a sitting space and soak in the scenery from there! You have plenty of options available – from the 360-degree viewing angle of bubble chairs to dual-function of storage benches.
Of course, you can also build on the ambience to replicate the view that the bay window oversees. For instance, if it looks into the seashore, you can decorate the area using a nautical theme – seashells, corals, and all. Or if you see the mighty mountains, you could throw in a yak rug and some Tibetan prayer flags.
We hope you feel inspired after seeing the bay window ideas that we have. The above options are practical, aesthetic, and do not cost a bomb. Plus, they bring you one step closer to having a home that is unique and prioritises function over form – or at least strikes a balance between them.
If you wish to go about transforming your home and do not know where to start, schedule a consultation with a HomeLane design expert and let us lead the way. Whether you want a breakfast nook or a workspace in the bay area – we can help you get them all!
