I remember when I was a kid, I loved sitting in the bay window of my grandma’s house.
It was like having my own little nook to read books, color, or just gaze out at the neighborhood.
Now that I’m an adult with my own place, I’m excited to finally have a bay window living space to decorate!
There are so many creative ways to make the most of this unique architectural feature.
Here are some of my ideas for decking out a bay window area into a cozy and attractive spot…
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Create a cozy reading nook with a plush armchair, pillows, blankets and bookshelves
One of the most popular ways to utilize a bay window is by transforming it into a relaxing reading nook.
This is such a lovely use of the recessed window space.
I would start by placing a comfortable oversized armchair in the corner of the bay.
Look for a plush chair perhaps with nailhead trim or other decorative details.
Make sure it’s wide enough that the sitting area feels completely enclosed by the chair back and window.
Next, add plenty of soft decorative pillows in textures like faux fur, velvet or chenille.
Use around 4-6 pillows in varied sizes and hues to give visual interest and layering.
Don’t forget a cozy throw blanket folded at the foot of the chair.
For shelves, choose a painted wood if you want contrast or go all white for a peaceful look.
Built-ins are ideal but freestanding shelves will also work.
Fill them with books, framed photos, plants and a small table for a lamp.
String fairy lights or a pendant lamp above to channel those coffee shop vibes.
Finish with a soft woven rug underneath and sheer curtains on the window.
Finally, tuck in side tables for a mug, snacks or remote control.
Add a basket for clutter and you’ve created the perfect personalized reading retreat in your bay window.
Cozy details are key for making it a comfortable, inspiring space.
Display your art collection in the bay by mounting shelves or utilizing wall space
Bays provide lots of wall area both inside and framing the window.
Consider artwork size and how light hits during different times of day.
Floating or bracketed shelves are ideal for bays.
Opt for wide plank wood in a light color.
Make shelves proportional to artwork size.
Group 5-7 framed art pieces in varied sizes for visual interest.
Use different frame styles/colors but keep artwork subject cohesive.
Combine paintings, photographs, mirrors and decorative pieces.
This prevents it looking like a straight art gallery.
Draw the eye with one larger artwork center or above the window.
Coordinate other pieces around it in descending size order.
Is it meant to be appreciated up close or viewed from afar?
Arrange accordingly near seating areas.
Hang some pieces overlapping slightly for depth rather than in strict straight lines.
Use the full height of the bay by mounting above custom shelving or window bench seating.
Mix in potted greenery on shelves below artwork for a living display.
A curated art collection maximizes display possibilities in a bay’s versatile space.
Play with composition for visual interest.
Grow plants by the window using hanging pots, a small herb garden or flowers
Hanging pots of trailing plants like pothos or ivy are ideal for bays.
Mount them along the top trim at different heights for visual interest.
If your bay gets good light, grow a mini herb garden along the bottom curved window ledge.
Choose easy care herbs like basil, thyme and mint.
Line the broad bay window sill with colorful pots of blooming annuals and trailing greenery.
Change up the flowers seasonally.
Display smaller potted plants on shelves, coffee tables or alongside the armchair to bring nature indoors.
Snake plants and ZZ plants are great low-light options.
Instead of traditional artwork, try displaying larger decorative planters with tall palms or flowering tropicals for a jungle vibe.
Add touches of wood, rattan, macramé or jute for plant hangers, planters and décor to match the organic element.
Use string lights or simple lamps near the plants instead of overhead cans for a relaxing atmosphere.
Drape with light-filtering sheers or colored linens to complement your plant palette.
Filling the bay with greenery brings natural beauty, color and life into the space all year round.
With some easy care plants, it’s a low maintenance way to decorate and uplift the living room.
Here are some more detailed tips for growing plants in a bay window:
Hanging Pots:
- Use cages, macrame hangers or wall brackets to suspend pots at varied heights along the window trim.
- Choose trailing or compact plants that won’t overgrow the space like pothos, philodendron, ivy or ferns.
- Use a variety of pot sizes from small 4″ pots to large 12″ hanging baskets.
Consider mounting a long floating shelf below to catch water drainage.
Small Herb Garden:
- Bay windows get ideal light for an herb garden oasis.
- Line the bottom window curve with a 3-4 foot long planting box or built-in planter.
- Grow easy herbs like basil, thyme, chives, parsley and mint from seedlings.
- Add drainage holes and keep the soil lightly moist.
Place inside during winter.
Mixed Flower Arrangement:
- Create a colorful display in containers along the window ledge or shelf.
- Use a combination of blooming annuals like petunias, begonias and impatiens.
- Include filler greenery like hostas, ferns or dusty miller.
- Refresh the arrangement seasonally with new flowers and foliage color combinations.
Maintenance is key – water, prune and fertilize plants regularly to keep the living display thriving.
Consider the sunlight hours and placement to match plant needs.
The bay will feel fresh with a natural touch of greenery.
Install built-in window seating with storage underneath for extra functional space
Measure the bay window dimensions and plan the depth and size of the seating surface.
Typically 16-20″ deep is comfortable.
Draw up structural plans and cut all wood pieces for the frame, sides and shelf boards below.
Opt for a waterproof wood like cedar.
Attach the frame pieces together and then to the window trim/wall securely with wood screws from the back side.
Install the horizontal shelf boards that will act as the seating surface.
Pad and upholster these for cushioning.
Consider adding armrests, skirt boards and extra trim details for visual appeal and support.
Build in hanging shelving or enclosed storage below by adding vertical shelf pieces and doors.
Make sure the overall structure is sturdy.
Finish the wood with polyurethane or paint for protection and your desired look.
Test the comfort, bulk and practical storage space of the completed built-in.
Custom built-ins make neat use of the bay shape while adding convenience.
Upholster cushions for a finished, built-in lounge look perfect for reading or TV viewing.
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Try a gallery wall within the bay to showcase framed family photos
Collect your favorite framed photos that tell your family’s story – kids growing up, vacations, events etc.
Aim for 5-15 frames.
Start with arranging the frames on the floor to visualize sizing and placement.
Group by size/style but don’t line up perfectly.
For a cohesive look, choose frames in similar materials like wood or metal but varying shapes and details.
Neutral colors like black, white or natural frames work best as a backdrop.
Use sticky putty on the frames’ backs to safely mount them on the wall spaced 1-3 inches apart for impact.
Tack up in your pre-visualized layout.
Consider layering some frames in the front and others partially hidden to add depth.
Play with symmetry vs imbalance.
Fill any awkward spaces between frames by mounting small art, prints or decorative accessories spaced evenly between the main photos.
Attach frame shelves or small ledges to neatly display framed portraits below the gallery arrangement.
Hang string lights or a trailing plant to draw the eye up to the top framed images and complete the vignette.
A gallery wall is a thoughtful way to put family on display in this high-impact window space.
Make it a cohesive design that celebrates key memories.
Use the bay as a home office workspace with a desk and chair
Measure the space and choose a compact desk size that will fit fully or partially within the bay footprint.
A 5-6 foot wide desk works well.
Look for a desk with built-in storage like drawers or shelves to maximize space.
A motorized standing desk option is nice too if height can be adjusted.
Position the desk against or near the window so you can enjoy natural light and views while working.
Add an ergonomic desk chair suited to your needs – armless for tight spaces, rolling for mobility, high-back for support.
Mount floating shelves above or around the workspace for a laptop, files, plants and décor.
Include a task light if the natural light isn’t sufficient throughout the day.
A clamp lamp is adjustable.
Add an area rug under the desk and chair for warmth and to define the workspace boundaries.
Consider soundproofing window treatments like thicker curtains to block outside noise distractions.
Display inspirational art, photos or greenery to keep the space bright and uplifting for productivity.
With the right setup, a bay window can provide a productive yet peaceful home office oasis with lovely natural light.
Set up a kids play area with educational toys, games and soft seating
Designate the space with an area rug to define the play zone.
Bold prints or colors help set the tone.
Include soft, inviting seating like floor pillows, a cozy chair or beanbag.
Upholster in durable, easily wiped down fabric.
Install low, open shelves to display toys and activities thematically by category (blocks, books, pretend play sets etc).
Rotate regularly.
Add a small table for art projects, puzzles or toy tea parties.
Look for durable wood or plastic in a child-friendly shape.
Hang an interactive board or curtain below at their level for games, letters or numbers practice.
Incorporate learning toys that develop skills like sorting/Matching toys, magnet tiles, stacking cups or shape sorters.
Consider swapping out toys weekly to keep things fresh and prevent mess build up.
Use sheer curtains or privacy film on the glass for safety.
Keep plants up high.
Natural light, soft seating and developmentally-appropriate activities make a cozy play corner kids will enjoy for imagination and exploration.
Style it as a plant-filled greenhouse or terrarium with controlled lighting
Go big with foliage by choosing compact but lush houseplants like peace lilies, pothos, spider plants or philodendrons that thrive in low/indirect light.
Use a variety of decorative planters and heights – hanging baskets, tall arched stakes, terra cotta or woven wood.
Consider mounting grow lights or shop lights above on a timer for 12+ hours of artificial sunlight if natural light is insufficient.
For a enclosed terrarium feel, use a wall of glass shelves or cabinets behind the window to extend vertical garden space.
Add a humidifier or pebble trays to raise ambient humidity loving plants require.
Rotate dampening pebbles daily.
Use gardening accessories as decorative touches – terra cotta pots, watering cans, twine, birch logs or faux topiaries.
Consider tropical foliage that thrives in humidity like ferns, ginger, bird’s nest sansevieria or calatheas for jungle vibes.
Style with rattan or wicker furnishings and tropical printed accessories for an escapist greenhouse aesthetic.
The bright, lush display will be a peaceful indoor oasis perfect for planting inspiration.
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Arrange a breakfast nook with a small table and chairs for morning meals
Choose a compact dining table that fits the footprint of the bay window.
A round or square table works well in tight spaces.
Go for a table that seats 2-4 comfortably.
Be sure all chairs can fit fully under it.
Position the table toward the front of the bay so diners face out to morning views.
This defines the nook space.
Pick cheerful outdoor/indoor chairs with removable cushions for easy cleaning.
Painted wood, woven or metal chairs fit most aesthetics.
Add practical storage with a hutch, shelves or sideboard behind chairs for dishes, glassware, serve ware.
Include accessories that enhance the breakfast experience – a small dripping coffee maker, fresh flower vase, fruit bowl, placemats.
Layer textiles like a curtain panel, canopy or string lights above for an intimate ambiance.
Lay an area rug under the nook or choose rug decals for the windows to define the space.
Consider adding window-side benches as seating with storage underneath for extra practical function.
A dedicated breakfast spot transforms your mornings and makes the most of charming bay views.
Place a daybed or trundle bed for overnight guests or extra sleeping space
Measure space and choose a compact single or twin daybed style like a panel, platform or upholstered style that fits the width and depth of the bay.
Pick a style that allows you to easily swap out the cushion for a mattress at night.
Opt for a removable, washable slipcover.
For extra sleeping capacity, consider a daybed with a pull-out trundle bed stored tightly underneath during the day.
Lay an area rug to anchor the seating space from the rest of the room.
Choose durable, easy to clean fabrics.
Flank the daybed with artfully arranged nightstands or shelves holding plants, lamps, alarm clocks.
Add decorative pillows, folded blankets and a privacy curtain for a homemade “guest room” vibe.
Include practical storage underneath via ottoman, basket or bins to hold linens and guest essentials.
Consider blackout curtains to block light if needed for comfortable sleeping in the daytime space.
With thoughtful styling, the daybed can discreetly expand your home’s guest capacity right in the charming bay.
Display your collected accessories, vases, books or decor on open shelving
Measure and install floating or L-shaped shelves in the bay at different heights along the windows and walls.
Opt for widely spaced boards.
Curate collections by category – group books together, line vases or candles across shelves, stack decorative trays or bowls.
Vary heights so items on lower shelves don’t obstruct views of upper levels.
Keep the look editorial by alternating vertical and horizontal displays.
Stagger items unevenly.
For books, stand hardcovers upright and lay down softcovers or group by color.
Add bookends.
Use risers, plate stands or trays to lift smaller items like trinkets, artwork or family photos for visual impact.
Rotate collections every few months to creatively showcase new accessories and prevent visual clutter.
Consider string lights, trailing plants or wall art above shelves to balance the displays.
With open shelving, your personal collections become focal points that also showcase your style.
Organize purposefully for visual impact.
Add sheer curtains and string lights for a romantic, ambient vignette at night
Choose sheer, billowy curtains in a light filtering fabric like linen or cotton.
Opt for floor length panels.
Attach drapery hardware like rod brackets high above the window trim for full coverage when open.
Consider tie-backs, hooks or clasps to gather curtains to sides for a soft framed view.
String battery-operated mini lights along the curtain rod, behind photos on shelves, or weave them through trailing plants.
Use warm white, dimmable lights vs bright white for a cozy ambiance.
Strings with several light settings add flexibility.
Layer curtains or sheers of different weights – e.g lacy cafe curtains with billowy panels behind for day and night options.
Warm accent lighting from table or floor lamps provides secondary illumination without being too bright.
Scatter throw pillows and soft blankets to invite relaxing in the lit space at dusk.
Subtle lighting elegantly transforms the bay into a moody yet intimate evening retreat perfect for reading or cozy conversations.
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Design it as a relaxed seating area with a sectional, ottoman and side tables
Choose a modular sectional or chaise lounge that fits the footprint of the bay window space.
Look for pieces that can be rearranged.
Position the main seating piece perpendicular to the window facing outward.
This defines the seating area.
Include an ottoman, pouf or footrest for extra surface area and to add comfort.
These can be moved around.
Add well-scaled end or coffee tables within easy reach for drinks, books, decor items.
Rounded edges prevent bumps.
Incorporate throw pillows, blankets and a floor lamp for ambient lighting and relaxation.
Drape the windows with soft sheer fabrics that filter sunlight without blocking views.
Layer rugs underfoot for warmth and dimension.
Solid colors tie the space together.
Styling with greenery, candles and personal items makes it feel lived in.
Consider soundproof curtains for privacy if the nook faces a common area.
