A room with a bay window looks unusual and has great design potential. It's no wonder that homes with charming additions are prized all over the world; popularity is not hampered even by additional difficulties associated with its arrangement. Let's figure out how to decorate a bay window in the living room: choose a suitable design and make practical use of the additional space.
Living room in contemporary style Source pinimg.com
Architectural features
Bay windows have been known since the early Middle Ages as details of fortress walls and Catholic cathedrals. A little later, architectural protrusions above the plane of the facade began to appear on residential buildings. By the beginning of the 20th century, bay windows were firmly established in private housing construction and became a familiar part of it.
The protrusion, reminiscent of an ancient lantern, can have almost any shape: semicircular, trapezoidal or triangular, but still more often rectangular and multifaceted. Usually it is located at the end of the room; less common is location along a long wall. Glazing is also done differently; it may be complete or partial.
The bay window changes the configuration of the room, and, unlike the balcony, is not separated by a partition or, for example, a threshold; has the same floor and ceiling height. Its dimensions vary widely. In the decorative version there is only enough space for a floor vase; large niches can easily accommodate a dining table for 12 people.
Dining area in the bay window Source cloudfront.net
Advantages and disadvantages
A bay window projection is considered an advantage of any home, which is why it costs more than similar bay windowless options. The increase in cost is justified by the following advantages of the architectural bonus:
- The sun's rays penetrate better into the room, making the room look more spacious and attractive.
- The usable area of the room expands; The additional zone can be used at your discretion.
- Design possibilities are expanding; you can decorate your living room or bedroom in a much more interesting way.
- A bay window ledge allows you to zone the space conveniently and at minimal cost. It is enough to choose a different floor covering, but you can do without it.
- The view outside the window becomes panoramic and becomes especially attractive.
Rational use of space Source wtsenates.info
The disadvantages of the “lantern” projection include the following problems associated with it:
- Under construction. The bay window (like the corner rooms) needs thoughtful insulation. Most likely, you will have to order windows according to individual sizes, as well as select a method for placing radiators and laying heated floors (if you are planning a children's play area).
- At the finishing stage. Additional financial investments will be required, as finishing work becomes more complicated.
- At the design stage. For a non-standard glazed niche, you will have to order curtain rods and the textiles themselves, and select (or order) furniture.
Combining a relaxation area and a workplace Source kientruc.com
What functions does it perform?
The bay window performs various functions both inside and outside the house.
In the latter case, the bay window is a truly unusual and original decoration and type of facade. This allows the home to stand out and add true elegance.
Breaking the straight lines of the body by adding a bay window will change the proportions of the house, and the facade will appear more open, warm and inviting to visit.
In addition to its decorative function, a bay window also performs important and useful service functions. In interiors, the main functions of a bay window are to let plenty of sunlight into the room while at the same time providing an additional and expansive view of the surrounding area.
The effect will be better the lighter the design of the supporting columns between the windows and the lower the window sills are placed.
Sometimes bay windows reach the floor, but it is more convenient when they protrude 50 cm above the floor. You can then install a heater or seat underneath them, and above them they will provide a panoramic view (like a garden).
In the living room and other rooms
In most cases, a bay window is a pleasant addition to the living room. Despite the fact that it complicates the geometry, sometimes it is used as an element of the kitchen, bedroom or even bathroom. The characteristics of the room cannot but affect the arrangement of the bay window area, which is reflected in the way it is used:
- In the living room. The niche expands the possibilities for a pleasant stay. If size allows, a couple of armchairs, a comfortable sofa, or even a full-fledged dining area are placed here. A collection of plants looks beautiful against the glazing background. The winter garden takes on a particularly impressive appearance in winter.
Living room in Scandinavian style Source ivd.ru
- In the bedroom. A bay window will help with zoning and turn the bedroom into a comfortable multifunctional space. The choice is quite varied: your favorite chair with a floor lamp, desk, dressing table or exercise machine will fit here. The sleeping place looks unusual, but not every bed is suitable for it.
Modern style bedroom Source hzcdn.com
- In the kitchen. The method of use depends on the size of the niche. If it is large enough, it is most convenient to organize a dining area. If there is not enough space, you can arrange a work area or an impromptu garden bed. Any housewife will appreciate fresh rosemary and hot pepper from the bush.
Kitchen in a country house Source thespruce.com
- In the nursery. The bay window is designed in accordance with the age and interests of the child. A play corner is set up for the little ones, and a work desk is installed for schoolchildren. A common option is a nice sofa, where you can sit comfortably with a book or tablet. It is convenient to organize a compact storage space under its seat.
Interior in twins' bedroom Source profdekor.ru
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in remodeling country houses of any complexity
- In the bathroom. An option that is becoming more and more common in modern layouts of private cottages. A niche is the best option for placing a bathtub, the main thing is to choose an interesting (preferably oval) shape and an appropriate design.
Bathroom design in a bay window Source pinimg.com
Design options for a bay window niche
The bay window is a universal detail of the room; its design is limited only by its size. The following arrangement options are possible:
- Rest zone. To realize the idea you need comfortable furniture. A small sofa or a pair of armchairs with a comfortable ottoman will do; a romantic daybed would be a good idea. Stylish furniture and good lighting will turn the bay window into an ideal space for photo shoots.
Relaxation corner: meditate for health Source pinimg.com
- Tea (coffee corner). If you like to sit down with a cup of an invigorating drink, place a small table and a couple of comfortable chairs. If the niche is deep, it is advisable to replace the chairs with a semicircular sofa.
- Lounge area. A compact bar counter, an electric fireplace and the legendary Barcelona chair with an ottoman will help you relax after a hard day. Chair – optional; Any furniture that is comfortable for you will do.
Daytime corner Source pinimg.com
- A place to read. It can be arranged even if the bay window projection is very small. The main thing is that there is enough space for a sofa with a collection of pillows. The functionality of the “reading room” will increase significantly if you organize a place to store books under the sofa.
- Gym. We are not talking about a tennis table, but about an exercise bike or treadmill - they will fit perfectly into the semicircle of the ledge. If you cover the floor with an anti-slip modular covering or a mat made from natural fibers, you will get a wonderful place for practicing yoga.
This sofa is made to order Source pinimg.com
- Winter Garden. Plants can compensate for the meager panorama outside the window. To do this, it is not necessary to set up a branch of the tropical forest; Cacti, succulents or other plants that like direct sunlight will do. A single plant, such as a spreading palm or lemon tree, will have a spectacular appearance.
- Other options. If there is a musician in the family, it is logical to place a piano or harp in the bay window. Creative people use extra space in different ways, for example, hanging a hammock in the bay window or installing an easel.
- If the bay window is symbolic. Some older houses have small bay windows that would be cramped even for a chair. If you don't like the empty space, get creative and fill it; a beautiful floor vase, a compact electric fireplace or a favorite flower on an elegant stand will do.
Small bay window niche in a wooden house Source pinimg.com
Arrangement of the dining area
From a financial point of view, the most practical way to arrange a bay window is to place a dining group in it: a table and chairs.
The cozy space will allow you to comfortably set up a small dining room where the whole family will gather. To soften the corners of the structure, it is recommended to place a round or oval table in the bay window niche. In addition to traditional chairs, you can use a sofa or order a special bench with a soft seat and storage drawers.
In the photo, the dining area, located in the bay window, is equipped with a semicircular sofa with soft pillows.
In spacious kitchens, especially in private homes, when the bay window is used as a dining room, there is enough space left to install an island, a large refrigerator or even a fireplace.
The photo shows a stylish kitchen with a bay window decorated with a seating area.
But not all modern apartments can boast large sizes. A bay window ledge will help save space if its window sill is turned into a bar counter.
In the photo, the bar counter is located in the bay window and serves as an additional cooking surface. To complete the image, decor is placed on it: candlesticks and a vase of flowers.
A variety of styles and their modern interpretation
The bay window is a godsend for lovers of unusual interior combinations, such eclecticism as is fashionable today. The bay window, as a natural extension of the living room, is arranged in the same style as the rest of the space, but it is convenient to place emphasis on it.
In classic interiors, the bay window is also designed with full respect for the classics. Expensive wooden furniture, high-quality textiles for upholstery and curtains are selected. If you like, add gilding or a noble patina to the frames and legs of the sofa.
Eclectic luxury in modern design Source pinimg.com
But, if the house is decorated in a modern style, the design of the niche can be made a little more interesting by incorporating the idea of a different direction into it. In order for the overall impression to be harmonious, the idea must be supported in the living room with the help of color or some characteristic detail. In modern interiors, the following design of the bay window area is possible:
- Minimalism, hi-tech. Distinctive features are rigor and simplicity, the main value is space. Therefore, monochrome finishing colors are chosen, furniture with chrome parts, and blinds are hung instead of curtains.
Classic living room in black and white Source pinimg.com
Video description
About the ideas for the interior of a living room with a bay window in the following video:
- Country, Provence. The idea is suitable for a country house. Good quality wooden furniture, natural palette and flowers look stylish. Textiles play an important role: curtains made of chintz or linen; the upholstery is dull, often with floral patterns or checkered patterns.
- Retro. Place your bet on extravagant furniture and support it with appropriate decor. Next to the niche, hang a collection of photos in various frames, and place your grandmother’s floor lamp.
Bedroom with a touch of Provence Source louisemisellinteriors.co.uk
- Loft. It fits well into an interior that has, for example, a brick surface (not only brutal, but also painted with white paint is suitable). In the decor of the bay window, you can safely use brick, slats, or imitate a concrete surface.
- Modern. The main attention is paid to the choice of furniture; Unpretentious models with smooth details are suitable. The highlight of the design is high-quality textiles and stained glass windows. To make the interior look harmonious, the room maintains style with the help of appropriate chandeliers and decoration.
Modernism in a light palette Source hzcdn.com
Design nuances: textiles and lighting
The living room with a bay window is decorated in the same style; This applies to both decoration and furniture. The pieces of furniture are positioned so that the passage to the bay window remains clear, and the bay windows can be easily opened.
The bay window area influences the development of a design project, which necessarily takes into account the main advantage of the “lantern” - filling the living space with light. Therefore, it is important to orient the design to support this function.
In modern projects, the bay window area can be adjacent to different rooms. Based on the purpose of the room, both standard curtains and other models are used for decoration: Roman, French, pleated, roller.
Bay window area as an interior accent Source amazonaws.com
For the living room, light tulle would be an excellent choice, which, if desired (or if the style requires it), is complemented with denser textiles. The mount (wall or ceiling) is selected depending on the shape of the bay window area; it can be several separate sections or a single cornice. The material of the bay window cornice affects its load-carrying capacity; Common options are made of aluminum, steel and plastic.
Despite the fact that the bay window is the brightest part of the room, it needs additional artificial lighting, especially if there is a table or a place for reading in it. The following options are possible:
- In classic interiors, a large niche is illuminated by a chandelier that matches the style. A table lamp is installed at the workplace.
Classic bay window design Source hzcdn.com
- In modern styles, the issue of lighting is solved by spotlights, chandeliers or spots with rotating shades.
- A floor lamp will be a suitable addition to the recreation area. It can be replaced with small sconces.
- A spacious bay window uses a combination of several types of lighting; LED strips are suitable as an addition.
Chandelier over the dining area Source morgantewilson.com
Furniture arrangement
Quite often, the bay window space is used to place furniture. In this case, there are several most popular design options:
- Occupy the ledge of the room with a special sofa that will cover almost the entire open space.
- Place small armchairs or a miniature sofa.
- Select a bay window for a unique dining room. If this option is chosen, it is better to use a small table that will not take up much space.
For different design styles of a room with a bay window, different types and materials of furniture are suitable. Glass chairs and tables will look good in high-tech, while for classic it is better to choose ordinary chairs and sofas, as well as tables made of wood. More details about the styles and design options for the room will be discussed below.
The colors and style of furniture should be in harmony with the overall atmosphere of the room.
Briefly about the main thing
A living room with a bay window expands the possibilities of decoration, while the additional space can be made not only beautiful, but also useful. To use it profitably, it is important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the niche, and also to design it in the same style as the rest of the interior.
The bay window area is decorated based on its size and shape, the functionality of the room and the needs of the owners. Popular ideas in the living room are a sitting area, a dining area, a reading area. In modern interiors, additional space can (and should) be stylized using eclectic techniques. At the same time, it is important to support the chosen idea in the living room itself, choose textiles and lighting.
Benefits of using a bay window
The bay window is an architectural element; it is a part protruding beyond the line of the facade, connected to the common space of the room. The classic option involves the location of apartments with a bay window above the first floor. Modern projects allow you to use a niche on the ground floor, changing the established rules. The architectural element is included when designing multi-storey buildings and private cottages.
It has its advantages and disadvantages, which should be taken into account when decorating the space.
Advantages of a bay window:
- expands the usable area, additional space allows you to create a separate area for work and relaxation;
- increases the amount of natural light, visually expands the living room space;
- provides scope for the implementation of non-standard solutions, the ability to use bright, contrasting colors and complex designs;
- a bay window located above the first floor offers a panoramic view;
- creates a unique atmosphere of home comfort.
The architectural element comes in different shapes - semicircle, trapezoid, polygon. Multi-storey bay windows installed in cottages are complemented by attics, terraces, balconies, and towers.
The disadvantages of the niche include the difficulty of repair work. The problem with space ventilation was considered the main disadvantage until the advent of modern window systems, where special openings are provided
At the design stage, it is necessary to pay attention to glazing and insulation of the architectural element. Decorating a bay window involves choosing the right compact curtains made from high-quality, non-fading material
