16 Bay Window Ideas To Brighten Your Space

Light up any space with this classic architectural feature.

Bay windows are showstoppers in more ways than one. A hallmark of classic Victorian design, this stunning architectural feature consists of three windows—a center window with two angled windows on either side—and adds extra space, light, and style to any space.

While styling the area can pose a bit of a challenge due to the unconventional angles, there are plenty of ways to maximize the extra space that a bay window creates. From adding a charming window seat to placing fun curtains around the windows, the options are endless to create a unique focal point in your home. Whether in your living room, bedroom, or dining room, bay windows have the ability to give your space a bright, beautiful ambiance. Check out these bay window ideas to inspire your next home project.

Create a Breakfast Nook

Bask in the morning light by using bay windows as a breakfast nook. This space features a delightful window seat surrounded by a small table and chairs perfect for enjoying a meal in the sunshine.

Heighten with Curtains

Tall ceilings are a home feature coveted by most homeowners, and there are ways to give your space the illusion of a higher ceiling—including with bay windows. In this space from designer Isabel Ladd, curtains were added all the way to the top of the wall over the bay window to lengthen the area in a stylish way.

Add a Custom-Built Sofa

"Although this bay window nook was a lovely original feature of the home and let in so much natural light, the seating arrangement in the room was awkward and limited," says Whitney McGregor of Whitney McGregor Designs. "The clients use this space as their primary family room area and so we needed to maximize seating options. Enter the custom sofa built to fit snuggly into the bay. It has now become a favorite sunny spot for reading or napping."

Create Symmetry with Decorations

Adding festive decor to your home is a highlight of many Southerners' holiday seasons, and bay window provide a unique opportunity to add visual symmetry to a space. In this dining room, two wreaths were placed on the angled windows with a sweet garland on the center window to make an appealing, curated look.

Maximize Natural Light

Natural light is highly sought-after in any home, and bay windows are a fantastic source of it. This dining nook maximized all of the natural light by adding white paint and acrylic seats to the space to reflect the light coming in beautifully.

Fall Into the Vintage Feel

Bay windows already have a classic feel, so why not make the most of it? This bay window features extra-thick molding with a copper top, and delicate leaded windows with wavy restoration-style glass to give it a lovely antique look.

Create a Wet Bar

The extra space created by a bay window alcove allows for multitude of uses. In this dining room, an antique table is used in the window as a wet bar to give the space a fun yet practical atmosphere.

Keep it Natural

With all of the natural light that bay windows bring in, keep the rest of the space in the natural realm is a great design option. This space features a variety of white and beige colors with beautiful wood tones and linen draperies over the bay windows to make a relaxing retreat in the home.

Use It As Office Space

It's been proven that working in bright lighting can drastically improve your ability to focus, concentrate, and stay alert, so if you aren't utilizing your bay window space currently, an office area could be a great option. This Theodore Alexander desk from the 2018 Idea House fits perfectly in the bay window to create a calming, inviting work space.

Make a Mini Sunroom

You don't need a full sunroom to enjoy a relaxing sit in the sun. This living room features a pair of rattan club chairs next to the bay window to create a small sunroom-like moment.

Set Up Curtains On the Edge

While most curtains around bay windows are placed in between the windows, add extra drama to a space by placing them on the edges. This dining room added patterned curtains outside of the angular bay windows to make it an architectural focal point.

Keep it Simple

With their unconventional angles and brightness, bay windows don't need too much to make them a star in a space. This living room features a bay window painted a classic white with no decor to let the other parts of the room shine.

Bring the Outside In

Take advantage of the natural light and nature views given from a bay window by bringing the outside in. This living room keeps a natural color palette of greens and browns to make for a relaxing space.

Paint the Trim

Window trims don't have to be white. In this living room, the trim on the bay windows were painted the same shade of green as the rest of the walls to make the window feel united with the rest of the space.

Create Cohesion with a Rug

When in a bedroom, bay windows can sometimes feel like a separate area of the room due to its angularity. Add a sense of togetherness by choosing a rug that compliments the design elements all throughout the space. This room uses a white rug that matches the color of the chairs by the window to keep everything cohesive.

Add a Comfy Window Seat

Window seats add an endearing charm to any space they occupy, and bay windows are the perfect place for them to sit. This living room features a tall window seat to add extra seating and pops of color from the throw pillows.

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Read the original article on Southern Living.