A bay window is an architectural structure that is a niche with windows that protrudes from the facade of a building. Such decorations can be found in private and multi-storey buildings, creating a unique layout for one of the rooms in the apartment. A decorative architectural element provides the opportunity to create an unusual, aristocratic interior in the living room or bedroom, depending on where the glazed niche is located.
Even a small bay window increases the living room area both actually and visually
Technical nuances of a living room with a bay window
Thanks to the bay window, the facade of the house and the view of the room from the inside are transformed. This architectural element makes the room visually larger, brighter, more comfortable and beautiful.
Non-standard shapes are always better than the usual straight walls. If you have a house or apartment with a finished ledge, all that remains is to think about the design. However, a bay window can also be installed in a building where it was not provided. Suitable materials for construction: foam block, timber, brick.
The ledge is most often made in the living room, because it is the most versatile room. The most advantageous option is a semicircular bay window. It gives more free space.
There may not be a protrusion as such in the living room - there are rooms with bay windows. Such structures differ from conventional ones in that the elements do not adjoin each other at right angles. To create such compositions, special connectors are used.
Dining area
In modern layouts, the kitchen does not include a dining table with chairs. In apartments with a bay window, there is no need to allocate a separate room for the dining room. The bay window area will do an excellent job as an area for lunch/dinner. To create a cozy dining area, install narrow sofas with low backs. In the center of the bay window area there is a set - a dining table with chairs.
If there are a large number of guests, a great idea would be to move the table closer to the sofas and place all the chairs on the opposite side. It will also be convenient to place buffet tables in the bay window area on holidays/receptions.
Living room with a bay window: design, features, photo examples
The design possibilities for a bay window vary depending on the type of room and its size. In a private house, it is easier to organize a large ledge where everything you want can fit. It’s more difficult with apartments, but you can implement interesting design projects there too.
When choosing a design, you should also take into account the shape of the protrusion. It can be semicircular, triangular, polygonal, rectangular. The smaller the niche, the more carefully you should arrange decorative items and furniture. It is important to prevent the space from becoming cluttered, because bay windows are created for precisely the opposite purpose - to increase the area of the room and “unload” the main part of the room.
Color solutions for different variations of bay window interior design.
| Zone assignment | Suitable shades |
| Game room | Pink, blue, lilac, purple, green |
| Cabinet | Red, grey, orange, brown, black |
| Lounge area, dining room, rest area | Beige, peach, blue, green, pink |
If the room with a bay window is very small, you don’t have to place furniture and accessories in the ledge niche. You just need to choose the right curtains and decorate the windows. This decor will look elegant and self-sufficient.
You can separate the bay window area from the main part of the room using fabric and plasterboard partitions. You will get an additional small room where you will always find privacy.
Living room design with bay window
Living room design with a semicircular bay window
Living room design with a rectangular bay window
Planning and zoning options
In any apartment, the layout of a large or small kitchen with a bay window looks very original. The kitchen room is always multifunctional; the bay window space allows you to conveniently place an additional area - a place for cooking or eating, a mini-working office or a relaxation corner, a sofa, a sports area, a children's playroom.
Zoning the bay window area using the ceiling.
Zoning here is done using:
- different colors of flooring and walls;
- a podium in which storage sections are located;
- lower or higher ceiling;
- folding screen;
- sliding doors;
- bar counter;
- curtains attached to a cornice hidden in the ceiling;
- elegant shelving;
- false columns.
Interior design of a kitchen-living room with a bar counter.
The zoning screen is made either dense or purely symbolic - from a frame, with threads stretched over it, hand-woven in the macrame style. The same goes for curtains. Separation using flooring also looks interesting: it can be two different colors of ceramic tiles, a combination of tiles and laminate, parquet and boards, linoleum and painted fiberboard. When there is a children's or "sofa" area in the bay window, carpet is often placed there, which is not acceptable for a work area. Decorating walls with various materials is also very popular: a combination of wallpaper and decorative plasters, various types of paint and wall panels allows you to create an original design.
When designing bay windows, special attention should be paid to the choice of curtains
Bay window interior and styles: looking for successful solutions
A living room with a bay window in a modern style is a godsend for those who love comfort and interesting combinations. There are many ways to unobtrusively incorporate elements of any direction into the decor of the protruding part. If you don’t yet know what design you like and what accessories to choose, look at the already implemented designs.
High tech
A minimum of furniture, monochromatic colors and severity are the distinctive features of the direction. The main goal of the high-tech style is to visually increase the area of the room. This is easy to do if you decorate the bay window area with the same materials as the room. Then the protrusion will not become a functional element, but simply part of the space.
Living room design with a bay window in high-tech style
Country
It is better to play up the country style in a bay window living room with the help of natural materials and color accents. Don’t forget about original furniture with typical patterns for the movement: checks, polka dots, circles. There should be no massive objects with flashy decor, provocative accents, or too bright colors.
Living room design with a bay window in country style
Loft
Brick, logs, slats, natural stone are materials that can be safely used in decorating the ledge area. The photo shows an example of a successful combination of all style trends at once. You can create something similar even in a small space.
Living room design with a bay window in loft style
Retro
Retro design in a room with a bay window is a combination of extravagant furniture and unique decor. In the niche area, you can install a sofa in the appropriate style, and decorate the walls with striped wallpaper, vinyl records, and framed photographs.
Living room design with a bay window in retro style
boho
Boho is a style where combinations of materials and decor that seem strange at first glance are acceptable. In the bay window you can place indoor plants, mirrors, a sofa or sofa with colored pillows, and a soft carpet.
Living room design with a bay window in boho style
Idea! It is not necessary to place frame furniture in a niche at all. With the help of large soft pillows, fabric bolsters and fluffy blankets, it's easy to create a cozy place to relax right on the floor.
Modern
In the Art Nouveau direction, furniture is very important. It should not be too pretentious and pompous - it is better to choose functional models with smooth curves. Preferred materials: wood and glass. The highlight of the style is stained glass windows. You can take advantage of this trend and decorate your bay window in a similar way.
Living room design with a bay window in Art Nouveau style
Minimalism
The name of the style speaks for itself - no unnecessary details or fancy items. Only furniture of laconic forms, one bright accent, the most simple wall decoration. For decoration, you can use items made from natural materials. Winning shades: gray, beige, light pink, brown, black.
Living room design with a bay window in a minimalist style
Provence
If the room has a French style, it is better to decorate a seating area in the bay window. As decoration, it is permissible to use light curtains with floral prints, elegant furniture, and living plants. You can hang paintings or photo panels on the walls.
Living room design with a bay window in Provence style
Place for tea
If you don’t want to have dinner in the living room, or the layout of the kitchen doesn’t allow it, you can use the bay window as a place for drinking tea. This modification is suitable for both small and large rooms.
In this case, the space needs to be decorated casually, creating a cozy atmosphere for relaxation. Small sofas in the shape of window sills or several wicker chairs around a tea table are suitable. This furniture should be complemented with several pots of outdoor flowers and cozy curtains.
If you are a fan of tea ceremonies, the bay window area is perfect for holding them. You can separate it from the living room with light curtains, place a low tea table and an ottoman. Figurines of Chinese dragons or other items of oriental culture are a good addition.
You can put furniture and a table in the bay window and have a tea party there
This place is great for tea
Arrangement of a bay window in the living room: secrets of designers
The first step is to create a design project that will reflect all your wishes. Then you can implement your ideas step by step and avoid mistakes. Professionals advise paying attention to the following points:
- Furnishings. Items placed in the living room should not block access to the bay window;
- Lighting. A room with a bay window should have a lot of light, despite the fact that the sun's rays penetrate through the large windows during the day. In the evening, without sconces, lamps and floor lamps, the original architectural element will turn into an uncomfortable dark corner;
- Finishing. Experiments are welcome, but you should not use radically different colors, styles, or materials in the interior of two parts of the room;
- Functionality. The bay window space is created with the goal of adding usable space. It is not advisable to place unnecessary items in this area and clutter the space.
If you have a large living room with a bay window, you can divide it into several zones. This does not contradict fashionable interior trends and is welcomed by lovers of studio spaces. The only condition is that it is important to adhere to the chosen style and correctly place accents.
Color design
The choice of colors largely depends on personal preference. If you like calm pastel colors, decorate your bay window with white, olive, beige, peach or golden tones. The atmosphere in such a room will be peaceful and calming. If you like more austere colors, use combinations of dark brown, mahogany, bottle green, burgundy, etc.
The choice of colors also depends on the purpose of the bay window. Too intense colors are not suitable for the work area. Red and orange, for example, will be distracting and irritating. Blue and green colors work well; these shades calm and set you in a working mood. Calm shades and even dark colors look appropriate in the recreation area.
A bay window can play the role of an accent spot in the interior of the living room. Then contrasting colors or patterns can be used to decorate the ledge if the rest of the walls of the room are plain.
Curtains in the bay window: choosing a key design element
Not everyone attaches utmost importance to window curtains. But in vain! It is the curtains that complete the stylistic ensemble of the design and create the completeness of the perception of the decor. A nuance - for a bay window in the living room, ordinary curtains that hang on other windows in your house are not suitable. Experienced designers shared the secrets of choosing a frame for a glazed space.
Requirements for curtains for a room with a bay window
Before you make your choice, it is important to understand what bay windows are. These are structures consisting of several elements connected to each other by a special pipe. They can be completely different in height and width, but they have a common quality - excellent throughput. In the daytime, this feature is an advantage, but in the early morning it is rather a disadvantage.
What kind of curtains should be that emphasize the advantages of bay windows and neutralize the disadvantages:
- Corresponding to the general design style. Curtains can be an accent, but too bold experiments will lead to serious mistakes in design;
- Moderately long. Short curtains are definitely not recommended for purchase - they will look strange and inappropriate in the design of a bay window living room;
- Dense and at the same time light. Heavy drapes are only good for certain styles. It is better to choose products made from flowing soft materials.
The color of the curtains should differ at least minimally from the design of the walls. If the tones are identical, the eye will perceive the space as a single whole. It is better to choose curtains that are a slightly darker shade than the paint or wallpaper.
The design of a living room with a bay window allows for the presence of decorative elements in the protrusion area. However, if you have purchased colorful curtains, do not burden the interior with massive objects and a lot of decorations.
Features of the cornice
Ideally, the cornice should match the shape of the bay window. It can be ceiling, wall, open, hidden, solid or composite. If the ledge has a non-standard configuration, cornices with connecting elements will help out. Such models are suitable for placing several pieces of fabric.
Advantages of three-room apartments series 44
Multi-room options are designed for families with children, and the state allocated them for those who have 2-3 children or the prospect of having them. Pros of the project:
- isolated rooms with separate entrance;
- spacious kitchen, which can be easily divided into a working and dining area;
- ventilation ducts and inspection hatches can be hidden with decor or furniture;
- large loggias, after glazing and insulation, become an additional room that can be conveniently used all year round (greenhouse, sports corner, dressing room, PC gaming area or workshop);
- spacious bathrooms (sometimes 2) can be transformed at your discretion, redistributing space for a shower, washing unit and washbasins.
Home office in an insulated loggia
Bathroom
A small hygiene room and toilet are a headache for the owners. You don’t want to carry bath accessories from your room or hide cleaning chemicals on the mezzanine or in a drawer on the balcony. A good option is to combine two rooms. This conversion is acceptable if no more than two people live in the apartment.
In a small apartment it is acceptable to combine a bathroom and a bathroom
Combined
If you remove the wall between the hygiene room and the toilet, install a shower cubicle or hydrobox, then in the room you can install an automatic machine, a pencil case for hygiene and washing supplies, bathrobes and towels.
Tiles of the same color on the walls and floor - a trendy solution
Put all small items in cabinets. Do not use the tile layout: dark bottom, light top, this is the century before last. An interesting effect is achieved by using patterned tiles on only one wall (along the bathroom or inside the shower cubicle). Leave the remaining walls smooth. The space will become stylish and visually increase.
If you install a shower cabin, there will be space left for installing equipment
Buy console toilets and save 0.5 m². They “steal” less room space. Visually separate the toilet with a low partition. It can serve as a storage place and shelf for decorative items and candles. Just don't go overboard with the details.
Scandinavian design in the bathroom and emerald white colors
Separated
Turn the bathtub across the room and you can make room for the washing machine. Use models with rounded edges. Plastic lines change space. Be sure to use a decorative panel that covers the space under the bathtub. Do you like bright colors? Choose tiles of the same color and different shades, variety is guaranteed.
Try to make the entire space functional
A large number of reflective surfaces increase the space. This room needs good lighting. Ideally, multiple light sources. Place spotlights in a checkerboard pattern - the space expands. Installing along walls pushes the boundaries.
Separate bathroom in minimalist style with futuristic accents
Instead of tulips, install a Moidodyr washbasin to use shelves for detergents. By replacing the bathtub with a shower cubicle, 2 - 2.5 m² is saved with a hydrobox. For convenience, replace all swing doors with sliding ones.
Lots of light and reflective surfaces increase the space
A little about safety. For the floor, use special tiles with an anti-slip surface. Plumbing fixtures must be well secured. If communications are covered with plasterboard or plastic, install inspection doors to provide access to the pipes.
Make sure the tiles have a non-slip surface
Ceiling
Dark ceilings definitely “steal” height. However, if the perimeter of the room is painted dark, framed with plaster rods, and the central part is left white, the visual effect will be fantastic. The height of the room becomes much larger.
For a small room, light ceilings are best
Advice for lovers of classic interiors: order an illusory ceiling painting. Artists who master this technique create unusual decorations that change the true idea of the height of a room.
The ceiling does not have to be white. Very light shades of the color palette are quite acceptable. But they should not be dissonant with the main background of the decoration.
Walls and ceiling in the same color scheme
For neoclassical, Provence and country styles, artificial and natural ceiling beams and coffers become wonderful decorations. It is acceptable to leave the natural color of the wood or paint the elements in light colors.
A wooden ceiling with beams and simple brickwork is an excellent option for a masculine interior.
A wonderful option is stretch ceilings. Quick to install and easy to clean. The variety is huge. These are not only purely matte, glossy or patterned options. Modern technologies make it possible to combine materials of different textures and colors. This helps to emphasize zoning and complement the wall finishing materials.
Stretch ceilings are convenient, easy to install and maintain
Don't get carried away by glass ceilings. Fragmentarily, yes, the ceiling will disappear. However, psychologists warn: a large number of reflective surfaces causes a feeling of anxiety and is irritating.
Lighting
The living room is illuminated by a small ceiling chandelier. In elongated rooms, good light is provided by a model with a long rod and several shades. Suspended plasterboard structures connect the central chandelier and spotlights.
A room with French windows that provide a lot of natural light
Near the sofas and beds the following is installed:
- sconce;
- lamps;
- floor lamps
- floor vases;
- paintings;
- The sculptures are illuminated with LED lamps.
They are economical and can be used for a long time.
In small, low rooms, heavy classic chandeliers with a large number of pendants are inappropriate. They do not decorate, but “steal” the space of the room. For lovers of lamps with Swarovski stones, I recommend choosing miniature models.
Classic chandeliers with a lot of pendants are unnecessary in a small room
You can “play” with contrasts and choose two types of diametrically different lamps for different areas or rooms. This combination brings variety and fun notes.
