Currently, ordinary design is fading into the background, original ideas are gaining popularity. One such idea is the presence of a bay window. Thanks to it, you will not only get a modern, original design, but will also be able to increase the functionality of the room. Let's look at all the advantages of this add-on and the possibilities of its use.
Living room design in purple with bay window
You can arrange a dining table in the living room
The design of a living room with a bay window looks very unusual
What is this?
First, it’s worth figuring out what this ornate word means. A bay window is a protruding part of a building, which is part of the living space from the inside. It differs from an ordinary wall in that it has a rounded shape (sometimes rectangular or multifaceted), and is also equipped with a large number of windows (sometimes it is glazed completely around the perimeter).
Black color combined with white looks very beautiful
You can put a sofa in the bay window
If you are in doubt about whether to buy an apartment with a bay window, we suggest considering the advantages and disadvantages of this addition.
Pros:
- thanks to the bay window you get expanded space;
- the functionality of the room is expanded due to the use of additional space;
- more sunlight enters this area due to the large number of windows;
- a room with a bay window looks more formal;
- This solution makes it possible to implement more modern ideas and create a cozy and functional area.
Minuses:
- the only downside is the higher cost of an apartment with a bay window.
The advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages, and the choice leans towards an apartment with a bay window. As a rule, this area is located in the living room. We suggest going further and considering possible options for its use.
You can put a table in the living room and organize a dining area there
Living room design in dark brown color
A living room design in bright white will look very beautiful.
Dinner Zone
Another opportunity to make a kitchen design with a bay window functional is to arrange a dining area here. If you place the table so that half of the space remains free, it will be comfortable and beautiful. The table does not have to be placed close to the window, but if necessary, you can do so.
The dining area is a good option: it’s both functional and has access to windows
Pros - free access to windows, the ability to make zoning, ease of implementation. The size and shape of the table will need to be decided additionally, but it is quite possible to find a ready-made dining table. You can search among folding/folding tables. In this case, it will also be possible to increase functionality.
Using a bay window in the living room interior
The bay window can be used as additional space, continuing the idea and style of the living room. The independent existence of a bay window is also welcomed, that is, equipping it as a separate area that differs from the living room in both design and functioning.
| design ideas | pros | minuses | color scheme |
| dining room | large area, separate space for dining | combined with living room | beige, light orange, yellow |
| place for tea | an excellent solution for creating a relaxing atmosphere | not isolated | all shades of green, blue, adding purple |
| play area | children will always be “in sight”, separation of the play and sleeping areas | the walls of the bay window can be painted, which will be visible to guests | crazy combinations of bright colors |
| greenhouse | gets a lot of sunlight | inability to control temperature and humidity separately from the living room | green tones with the addition of yellow and orange |
| home cinema | the ability to create a good acoustic zone | presence of a large number of windows | grey, dark colors (blue, purple, burgundy) |
| study | good lighting, the ability to separate the rest area and work area | combined with living room | cold colors (blue, cyan, turquoise), red, orange |
Let's look at each option in more detail.
You can put a sofa in the bay window
In this place you can put armchairs and a coffee table
No. 1. Features of the bay window projection
Bay window is a word of German origin, and translated means “protrusion in the wall”, “lantern”. A bay window is usually called an architectural element, a protruding part of the facade of a semicircular or multifaceted shape. Most or even the entire area of the bay window is glazed, so there should be no problems with a lack of natural light. A bay window is not a balcony or a loggia , although they certainly have something in common. The difference is that the bay window is practically not separated from the main space of the room.
Typically, a bay window is used to decorate living rooms, but there are also kitchens, children's rooms and bedrooms with a similar architectural element. The protrusion can be of various sizes and shapes:
- semicircular, trapezoidal and polygonal bay windows are most common;
- cubic and angular-rectangular bay windows are more reminiscent of traditional loggias and balconies;
- Two-story bay windows are usually installed in private houses.
Depending on the features of the house, the bay window can be very compact and can accommodate only a couple of small armchairs with a coffee table, or it can be so huge that half of the living room will be in this part. In any case, the bay window is such a noticeable, strong and dominant part of the interior that it would be better to develop a design project based on this particular detail.
Dining room
A dining area will be a good addition to the living room. Not every room can have enough free space to use it as a dining room. The presence of a bay window in the living room interior will be an excellent option for creating a dining room.
If the kitchen is combined with the living room, then this solution is the most successful. In this case, the dining room should be equipped in accordance with the kitchen and living room. These three areas must correspond to each other in the design solution: color scheme, use of furniture, selection of lamps, etc. When choosing furniture, it is better to give preference to a round or multifaceted table that matches the color of the other details.
It would be a great idea to make a dining area in this place.
The dining room will fit perfectly into the living room interior
No. 5. Bay window and interior style
A bay window can become a continuation of a room made in any style. However, this element most successfully complements the following styles:
- classic, baroque and rococo . Considering that bay windows still decorate ancient buildings, this is not surprising. In new houses, the ledge is often ennobled with decorative columns, resulting in an ideal dining area;
- in a room made in an ethnic style, such as country and Provence , a bay window will also look great, especially if the windows are complemented with cute curtains with floral or checkered patterns;
- modern interior styles (minimalism and hi-tech) involve avoiding curtains or using blinds, Roman and roller blinds. In such a bay window, both a bar counter and a sports or soft area will look great. The main thing is that the decoration and furniture contain a minimum of details and decorations;
- A bay window in an Art Nouveau can be decorated with colorful stained glass windows. The ideal option is rounded window openings;
- Only with the loft style can difficulties arise, but even here you can get out of the situation by giving up curtains and decorating the walls with brick or concrete.
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
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.
Game Zone
If there are children in the family, a living room design with a bay window is well suited for organizing a play space.
To do this, you should take care of warmth and comfort in this area. The windows need to be well insulated. Also pay attention to the condition of the floor. You can cover it with a warm carpet or cover it with carpet. But the best solution would be to use parquet or linoleum and carry out the “warm floor” function. In this case, children will feel comfortable and take care of this type of coating much easier.
As play structures, you can install a Swedish wall with a rope or a rope track, or put up table hockey (or other active board games). In this case, you have the opportunity to make any of your child’s dreams come true, as well as spend warm play evenings with him.
Bay window can be used in different ways
A bay window is a great place to create a workplace
Bay window as a seating area
Bay windows have quite a bit of window overhang and extend out from the walls - in most cases this provides seating - a popular idea in modern decorating. They have been in the design world for a long time, but designers are still trying to make more unique, inspiring homes with them.
The right place to sit involves several factors:
- place of application;
- correct style;
- color combination.
French style
Kitchen window seats are a popular, cozy addition that can bring your dream kitchen to life, comfortably seating friends and family. And even on quieter days, you have a delightful and secluded corner for reading and relaxing, which will also become part of the open lifestyle. For a smart, practical and beautiful approach, check out these kitchen seating ideas.
Small and stylish armchairs
Yes, a substantial window seat that allows you to lazily catch up on a midday nap is impressive, but not all of us have enough kitchen space to skimp on such an extravagant addition. For those who save not only space, but also resources, this is a suitable solution for a small bay window with built-in storage drawers.
Helps you hide utensils you don't usually use
Not only will this give you a comfortable place to rest in the kitchen, but it will also help you hide utensils you don't usually use . It can also be used as a relaxing home area or for a small breakfast with the folding table.
A small window seat can also provide a nice contrast to the wall shelves and kitchen cabinetry.
Throwing pillows and fabric seating also bring a textural change to the space when wood, tiles and metallics dominate the space. Whether you use it for children or as a wonderful conversation nook, a small chair in the kitchen always comes in handy.
Fabric seating brings a textural change to a space
This will be interesting to you: REVIEW: 220+ Photos of New Kitchen Design 9 m2: Functional and laconic design
Color accompaniment
Window seats are not only functional, you can use them to elevate the overall style.
Since most modern kitchens tend to be draped in neutral shades as well as lots of white, a window seat can easily fit into this scheme with bright seasonal colors.
Cozy eating area
Everything from the slipcover and pillows to the lighting above the window can easily be changed with the arrival of new seasons and trends to give your kitchen a fresh decor. This kitchen remodel idea is economical, convenient, and definitely one of the easiest to implement.
Modern approach
Kitchens increasingly act as spacious, family gathering spaces that also provide a transition zone between indoors and outdoors. A large window in the corner of the kitchen overlooking the backyard or wooden deck is now a more common solution in modern kitchens. From simple wooden window seats to luxurious designer designs that create the illusion of a room within a room, there are many ways you can achieve this.
In beige tones
Dinner Zone
Dining tables are never quite a good fit where you want them to be, requiring more floor space than you thought possible.
Advice Try installing it in a niche in the bay window, and you will have a pleasant bonus in the form of free square meters. You can even make a bench in the window to replace one of the chairs.
This will be interesting to you: REVIEW: Freshness and safety of Green in decoration: 130+ Photos of green kitchen in the interior. What does this natural color give?
Greenhouse
For lovers of nature and house plants, the interior of a living room with a bay window will be a real discovery, as this is an excellent place for a winter garden or greenhouse. Due to the large number of windows, this area will receive a lot of sunlight, which is perfect for light-loving plants.
You can leave this area for your “green friends”, or add a table and sofas or chairs. In this case, the greenhouse will become a favorite place for relaxation and pleasant friendly gatherings.
When using this method, care should be taken to place the plants correctly depending on the more illuminated areas. Regulate the humidity and temperature of the room. And also limit plants from excessive exposure to sunlight in the summer.
It would be a great idea to put flowers in the living room.
Flowers in the room will perfectly complement the interior
Choosing a style
Initially, bay windows were designed... as defensive structures in fortresses. However, now they serve as a full part of city apartments and private houses. And they are decorated completely differently: depending on the purpose and style of the kitchen.
Don't be afraid to experiment with bay window designs.
Let's see what bay windows look like in different interior styles.
You can decorate a bay window in different ways.
A classic-style kitchen with a bay window is characterized by light colors and natural materials. Choose light, airy curtains and elegant textures. Here it is better not to experiment with the purpose of the bay window - a beautiful dining area will fit perfectly.
For a kitchen in a classic style, it is better to focus on the dining area.
But in a Provence-style kitchen, the bay window is often converted into a work area with a stove and sink. This approach is fully consistent with the traditions of the style: as much light and space as possible.
Colors and materials characteristic of Provence in the bay window.
In an American-style kitchen, a bay window can be used to successfully position the kitchen island. Try experimenting. For example, choose a non-standard location. Place the table symmetrically with the work surface moved to the bay window. In addition, it can be turned into a bar counter. This is an example of making the most of a space.
It's worth playing around with the island's layout.
Important nuance: Make sure that the dimensions of the kitchen allow such an approach. If the area is less than 14 square meters, it is better to look for other options.
Kitchens in the Art Nouveau style are characterized by non-standard techniques for decorating bay windows. We like this option: a dark work area separates the bright bay window area. Due to the contrast of colors and textures, the room looks very stylish.
Modernity allows experimentation.
However, you can find many interesting solutions for a modern kitchen.
How about such a corner in the bay window?
A neoclassical style kitchen also gives a lot of room for imagination. Use modern materials, experiment with a combination of textures. We recommend decorating a lounge area in the bay window - in this style it looks impeccable.
Lounge area for the kitchen with a bay window.
Note! If you don't want to overload the room with too many cabinets, use hidden furniture reserves. For example, order a sofa with built-in drawers.
Are you decorating a kitchen with a small bay window in a loft style? It's time to turn the bay window sill into a bar counter. This fits perfectly with the spirit of the loft.
In a loft, a bay window can be used in different ways.
Home cinema
Not everyone can afford to have their own cinema. But, using a bay window with such functionality, you have the opportunity to make your dream of a home theater come true. If you are a lover of high-quality audio and video, this option is for you.
Knowing about the future fate of the bay window, take care in advance of its arrangement for high-quality sound display. Think about how to distribute the windows and where to place the speakers (hang on the wall, under the ceiling or put on the floor). If you decide to hang the TV on the wall, the bay window may not be glazed at all (but with this decision, little sunlight will enter during the day). It’s better to place it on the side, leaving room for windows.
All that remains is to choose a sofa and choose curtains. It is better to give preference to dark and dense material so that in the daytime the windows can be tightly closed while viewing.
A room with a bay window looks very unusual due to its non-standard shape
Large windows can fill the room with natural light
No. 8. Curtains for bay window
The main, and sometimes the entire, area of the bay window walls is glazing. Of course, the peculiarity of a bay window is precisely its ability to transmit a large amount of sunlight, and it would be stupid to deprive yourself of this advantage, but sometimes hiding from the rays may simply be necessary. In principle, you can use any type of curtains, but it is undesirable to choose ones that are too thick and dull.
These curtains are ideal for framing a bay window:
- blinds are perfect for an office; they will also be appropriate in a winter garden, where it is very important not to crush the leaves with massive textile fabrics;
- roller blinds and Roman blinds are a win-win universal option. They would be appropriate in the office, in the recreation area, and near the dining table. The main thing is to choose the right drawing;
- classic curtains with or without tiebacks and lambrequins will decorate a relaxation or dining area and fit into the classic style of the interior;
- filament curtains will help create an atmosphere of mystery and mystery, without greatly shading the room.
When choosing a color and pattern for curtains, remember the golden rule . If the walls are decorated with a pattern, then the curtains should be plain. If the walls are made in a calm color and do not have patterns, then the curtains can be either neutral or with a pronounced pattern.
Things are somewhat more complicated with cornices . A bay window, as a rule, has a semicircular or multifaceted shape, so a standard straight cornice will not work ( if the shelves are suspended , then an article about cornices for a suspended ceiling will be useful). There are several ways out of the situation:
- make custom cornices. They are bent in a certain way using special equipment. The curtains can be moved along the entire length of the cornice, but its production will be expensive;
- ordinary metal and wooden cornices can be mounted on separate sections of the bay window using brackets. Let's say the bay window has the shape of a trapezoid. Then you will have to fix three cornices. Naturally, there will be little freedom in moving the curtain fabric;
- string cornices are also attached with brackets located on both sides of the window, but lightweight organza curtains are suitable for mounting.
If you don’t want to bother with curtain rods, remember that there is always an option with Roman or roller blinds.
Study
Another solution for using this area is organizing your workspace. This option is suitable for a one- or two-room apartment. And thanks to the large number of windows, this place will be well illuminated by daylight, and you will have the opportunity to take a break from work and be distracted by the environment, admiring the view outside the window, which has a beneficial effect on the work process.
In this case, your task is to choose a table that follows the lines of the bay window. A window sill table is best. A structure combined with a window sill, performing two functions simultaneously. It is better to choose blinds for windows, as curtains will only get in the way. The work area in the bay window is suitable for romantic and measured people, as well as for collected and practical people.
This would be a great place to create a workplace.
Creating a workspace in the living room would be a great idea.
No. 2. The main advantages and disadvantages of a bay window
The bay window is a real find, no matter what room it is in. Today, more and more people understand this fact, so developers are reacting accordingly, building more and more apartment buildings with similar architectural details. In order not to be unfounded, here are the main advantages of rooms with a bay window:
- penetrates through a large area of glazing from different angles , and this is savings and comfort, and a well-lit room always looks larger than one in which there is not enough light. In summer, curtains will help fight excess sun rays;
- A bay window is a useful additional space that can be used for different purposes. If the area of the room is small, then the bay window generally becomes a lifesaver;
- with the help of a bay window you can quite easily zone the space of a room , highlighting several independent areas in it;
- a glazed ledge in a room, no matter what shape or size it is, is the decoration of the room and its highlight, giving the space solemnity . Everyone who enters will immediately be drawn to the bay window;
- if the apartment is located at a sufficient altitude or in an area with beautiful natural landscapes, then just the view outside the window will make you fall in love with the bay window with all your heart;
- due to the fact that the room with a bay window will be filled with a sufficient amount of light, its design can use dark and rich shades , which are taboo for small and dark spaces;
- There are practically no restrictions in terms of choosing style and color design.
You can add to the list of advantages the multifunctionality of the bay window , because it can be adapted as a dining area, an office, a sports corner, or a place to relax with a cup of coffee and a gorgeous landscape outside the window - there are an endless number of options, and we are still on them let's stop. It is worth noting that the bay window looks great from the facade.
disadvantages in a bay window, but they exist. If there is too much light, you can always use thick curtains, and they can be very compact and, when assembled, take up virtually no space. Sometimes they find fault with bay window ventilation, but modern window systems are perfect in this regard: the glazing includes opening parts, so there will be no problems with a lack of fresh air. The main disadvantage is more complex repair and finishing work, because when it comes to non-standard architectural forms, protrusions and niches, you always have to spend more time and abandon some materials, but in our case everything is not so critical. You will also have to bother with more complex glazing, and in some cases you will need to pay closer attention to insulation.
Selecting the color scheme
One of the main aspects in the design of a bay window is the selection of colors. Incorrect use of the palette can hopelessly ruin the look of even an expensively furnished room. And, conversely, a good color scheme will save a hopeless situation.
For the work area, you need to choose cool colors that promote concentration. Warm colors include red and orange, which will also put you in the mood for work.
For the children's area, it is better to choose bright, cheerful colors. Here you can not limit yourself and realize even the most ridiculous ideas.
The living room design is made in light colors
A fireplace in the living room interior will create a warm atmosphere
In the living room you can create a workspace with a table
The tea party or dining room can be decorated in warm, pastel colors, creating an atmosphere of relaxation. Or in bright green and blue shades, bringing a fresh note and helping to quickly restore energy.
In any case, the choice of colors depends on your personal preferences and the functionality of the room. And the design of a living room with a bay window will allow you to recreate any area for a comfortable pastime.
