{ Bay Window Beauty }

Bay Windows are a lovely architectural feature in homes,  but they can present an issue when trying to furnish the space.  Thank you to “C” who offered her photos for todays Ask A Designer. We met “C” at the Home Show – thanks for stopping by!

Before

After

Inspiration by House & Home Magazine

When arranging furniture in a space with a bay window, it can be difficult to decide where place the pieces without taking away from the architectural design of the window.  In many occasions bay windows have a custom  seat built in below, but how do we furnish the room when using pieces of  furniture rather than built-ins so it looks like a custom fit?  In this case the home owner has purchased some lovely furniture for the living room, and now it’s time to arrange it to best highlight the bay window, and provide a comfortable seating area.

Since the room is somewhat on the smaller side, it’s best to maximize every inch of space.  I recommend placing the sofa  into the bay window area where it will tuck nicely into the space, and offer a place to sit and enjoy the window views.  It also mimics the look of a custom piece built specifically for that area.  In order to add some personality to the sofa, toss in some colourful pillows with your existing animal prints, to  help to break up the neutral shade of the upholstery.

Floor to ceiling curtains  with luminous roman shades help to produce a backdrop that will soften the edges of the bay window, and by using two window treatments, this will create a luxurious layered effect.  Since your home has a bulkhead above the window, try mounting the curtain rod across the entire span of the bulkhead, as close to the ceiling as possible allowing the curtain panels to cascade down either side of the bay window opening.  To diffuse the light and add privacy, mount  roman shades directly inside each window.  This combination of window treatments will create the same effect as the inspiration photo, but with a few minor adjustments to adapt to your home.

Place the round coffee table and accent chairs across from the sofa with the small side table in between the chairs.   Then try moving  the third chair, larger side table, and table lamp to the centre of the left wall for additional seating, and creating a cozy spot to read a book.  The floor lamp would look lovely on the right side of the bay window beside the sofa, and the location will provide  balanced lighting across the room as well as highlight this area.  I love how the inspiration photo has used a narrow rectangular table for displaying accessories, and also providing a great opportunity to hang a collage of art above…so, if  a table like this is in the budget, I would explore that option.  Good luck, and have fun customizing your space!

~k