Are bay windows outdated?

Many people associate bay windows with old, vintage homes. While it’s true that these windows are quite common in historical Victorian houses, that doesn’t mean the style itself is outdated. Decorate your bay window with contemporary finishes — wall paint, furniture, curtains, etc. — to bring it into the modern era. Of course, there’s also nothing wrong with leaning into your bay window’s vintage appeal!

What is a bow window?

Bay windows include three or more panes that angle out past the exterior wall. This design results in a boxy or trapezoidal shape. On the other hand, bow windows feature several panes (often five or six) that gradually extend out in an arch. A bow window is essentially a curved bay window. Today, most people group both styles under the bay window moniker.

13 Easy Ways to Decorate a Bay Window

If you own an older house, especially one built in the Victorian era, there’s a good chance you have at least one bay window in your home. There’s also a good chance that you have no idea how to decorate it.

Bay windows might not be as popular as they once were. But that doesn’t make them any less stylish. You just need to know how to get the most out of this design element’s unique function and aesthetic.

These bay window ideas will help you decide on the perfect furniture, decor, and window treatments to pair with your home’s classic architecture.

1. Transform Your Bedroom with a Bay Window

The master bedroom (or any bedroom, really) is a prime candidate for a bay window. Bay windows let in plenty of natural light, which can make your bedroom feel larger and brighter.

Cozy bedroom bay window with a built-in bench, plush cushions, and soft throws, creating a serene nook for relaxation. — Source: @angiehappyhome via Instagram

Bright and airy bedroom with a bay window, rattan chair, and soft neutrals, creating a peaceful and inviting retreat. — Source: @becshomestyle via Instagram

Charming girls' bedroom with a bay window, soft pink and pastel decor, a cozy bench seat, and playful bunting for a whimsical touch. — Source: @budgethomedesign via Instagram

Bright bedroom with a bay window, navy velvet bed, floral bedding, and a vintage-style vanity, creating a cozy and elegant space. — Source: @lulus.home_ via Instagram

Cozy bedroom with a bay window, pink vanity, floral bedding, and a green accent wall, creating a charming and inviting space. — Source: @mid_terrace_victorian via Instagram

Cozy bay window nook with plush armchairs, soft throws, and a small festive tree, creating a warm and inviting winter retreat. — Source: @my_country_townhouse via Instagram

The space in front of your bay window is ideal for a reading nook, vanity, or dressing area. Take advantage of the extra floor space to store furniture or decor that would otherwise crowd the room.

While it’s great that these windows let in tons of sunlight, this isn’t always desirable in a bedroom. More windows also mean more concerns about privacy. Be sure to include a reliable set of curtains or blinds in your bay window design.

2. Create a Cozy Bay Window Bench

Bay windows and benches tend to go hand-in-hand. Seating is a great way to take full advantage of the natural light and view from your bay window.

Cozy bay window dining nook with a built-in bench, warm-toned cushions, sheer curtains, and a rustic wooden table for a charming farmhouse feel. — Source: @craftyglamwithmandy via Instagram

Sunny bay window nook with white blinds, mustard curtains, a cozy bench, and a lush green plant, adding warmth and vibrancy to the space. — Source: @home_in_silly_country via Instagram

Minimalist bay window with a built-in white bench, offering a bright and airy space perfect for a cozy seating or storage solution. — Source: @myloyallens via Instagram

Warm and inviting bay window dining nook with a built-in wooden bench, cozy cushions, and a round table, perfect for relaxed gatherings. — Source: @sinnamon_studios via Instagram

If permanent seating isn’t an option, place an ottoman or bench in front of your bay window. Add a seat cushion or throw pillows to your window bench for a personalized style and added comfort.

Whether you’re upgrading an existing bench or installing a brand new one, don’t overlook the potential for extra storage. Include compartments in your bay window seat for more functional storage and organization.

3. Select the Perfect Blinds for Bay Windows

Many homeowners struggle to choose the right window treatment for their bay windows. With the sheer number of window panes to be covered, it’s important to opt for sleek, low-profile blinds for your bay window.

White bay window with classic grid-style panes and fitted blinds, offering privacy while allowing natural light to filter through. — Source: @bakersblinds via Instagram

Cozy bay window nook with soft grey Roman blinds, diamond-patterned glass, and a comfy reading chair with a matching footrest. — Source: @donebychristmas via Instagram

Modern bay window with sleek dark wooden blinds, a cozy ottoman, and stylish lighting, creating a warm and sophisticated living space. — Source: @house_in_the_heath via Instagram

Modern bay window with sleek gray blackout blinds, a black radiator, and wood flooring, creating a stylish and functional space. — Source: @lara_blinds_interiors via Instagram

Elegant bay window with tailored gray Roman blinds, soft curved seating, and a bright view, blending privacy with natural light. — Source: @our_1930s_green_renovation via Instagram

Cozy bay window reading nook with soft Roman blinds, a plush armchair, and a side table, creating a tranquil space to unwind. — Source: @tresco_trio via Instagram

Bright dining area with a bay window, white wooden blinds, and a modern pendant light, offering a cozy yet stylish space with natural views — Source: @wilcox_homely_house via Instagram

A Roman shade is a great option that looks nice pulled up or down. Wood blinds mimic the look of shutters without the permanence or expense.

You want your bay window to look bright and open, not weighed down by blinds or curtains. Choose a window treatment that matches the surrounding wall or window frame for a uniform appearance. Or draw attention to your bay window with contrasting blinds in black or white.

4. Design Bay Windows with Curtains and Shades

Bay windows can make the perfect backdrop for your favorite furniture and decor. Leave the window panes bare for tons of natural light and a great view. You can also use curtains, shades, or blinds to add a dose of color to your bay window design.

Cozy bay window with gray Roman blinds, a white bench-style sill, and a plaid armchair, creating a warm and inviting living space. — Source: @curtainspelmets via Instagram

Cozy bay window nook with white blinds, soft stained glass details, and a warm-toned sofa bathed in golden evening light. — Source: @harburyhouse via Instagram

Bright bay window with white wooden blinds, natural light, and warm wood flooring, creating an airy and inviting space with personal decor touches. — Source: @our_greenhouse_reno via Instagram

Vibrant bay window nook with lemon-themed pillows, a cozy bench, and bright yellow decor, creating a cheerful and inviting reading spot. — Source: @skylaspencerofficial via Instagram

Elegant bay window nook with white wooden blinds, a plush fur throw, and a modern curved chair, creating a cozy and sophisticated retreat. — Source: @the.home_.of_.grey_ via Instagram

Use windowsills to display decor but be sure not to block too much of the window itself. Potted plants are a great option, and most will thank you for being left in a bright window.

Add comfortable seating or a desk in front of your bay window — unless, of course, it’s already outfitted with a built-in bench seat. This is also the spot to tuck your favorite holiday decorations depending on the season.

5. Enhance Your Dining Room with a Bay Window

In many contemporary homes, the dining room feels like an afterthought. This room often offers limited floor space and suffers from a lack of natural light. Installing a bay window can fix these common problems.

Elegant dining area with a bay window, patterned curtains, a glass-top table, and warm lighting, creating a cozy yet sophisticated ambiance. — Source: @curtaincathy via Instagram

Festive dining area with a bay window, white wooden table and chairs, a decorated Christmas tree, and cozy holiday decor for a warm ambiance. — Source: @our_castleford_casa via Instagram

A large bay window makes the perfect accessory to a formal dining room table. If you prefer a more casual dining experience, transform a corner of your kitchen into a breakfast nook with a bench seat and a small table.

Finish your dining room or kitchen bay window with roller shades or a drapery panel. Also, don’t neglect the light fixtures. Your bay window won’t do you much good after the sun sets, at least in terms of light.

6. Create a Focal Point in Your Living Room

Use your bay window as a reverse accent wall for your living room. Keep the wall around your bay window neutral while painting the adjoining walls a more dramatic hue. This will also open up your living room space, making it feel larger.

Minimalist living area with a bay window, soft Roman blinds, a cozy gray sofa, and natural wood flooring for a calm and airy feel. — Source: @ahome_bythesea via Instagram

Warm and eclectic living space with a bay window, stained glass details, bold red ceilings, and cozy seating around a classic fireplace. — Source: @at_the_armstrongs via Instagram

Cozy living room with a bay window, white blinds, soft lighting, and a virtual fireplace, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. — Source: @home_dreams_and_wishes via Instagram

Bright and elegant living room with a curved bay window, soft Roman blinds, cozy seating, and floral accents, creating a charming retreat. — Source: @daly_delights_ via Instagram

Stylish bay window nook with white shutters, mid-century chairs, lush greenery, and a vintage rug, creating a cozy and elegant space. — Source: @overatno15 via Instagram

Cheerful bay window nook with a mustard yellow bench, cozy pillows, soft curtains, and greenery, creating a bright and inviting space. — Source: @somethingsohome via Instagram

Modern living room with a bay window, soft roller blinds, plush blue sofas, and a chic gold coffee table, creating a stylish and cozy space. — Source: @that_overton_house via Instagram

Elegant bay window living room with classic drapes, a statement chandelier, cozy seating, and a striped bench, creating a warm and inviting space. — Source: @urbanworkroom via Instagram

If you want to strike a balance between natural light and privacy, cover the bottom of your bay window with a valance or half-shutters.

For a more formal living room, you can use drapery as a bay window treatment. You can hang a tension curtain rod across your entire bay window area for a simple solution. Or install a custom valance and curtains over each window for a more polished appearance.

7. Modernize Your Space with a Bay Window

For a modern take on bay window design, keep things clean and straightforward. A sleek bench seat is your best option, but you can also go with something like a desk or mid-century chaise lounge.

Stylish bay window nook with white plantation shutters, a marble vanity, and a plush pink chair, creating a chic and functional bedroom space. — Source: @_benflower via Instagram

Boho-inspired bay window nook with a built-in bench, layered cushions, hanging plants, and natural light, creating a cozy and inviting retreat. — Source: @home.and_.boho_ via Instagram

Stylish living room with a bay window, white plantation shutters, a built-in bench, and soft neutral tones, creating a cozy and elegant space. — Source: @homeat22_ via Instagram

Elegant bay window living room with plush tufted sofas, soft drapes, warm lighting, and cozy candles, creating an inviting and classic ambiance. — Source: @marie_antoinette57 via Instagram

Sophisticated bay window with navy velvet curtains, white plantation shutters, and a gold-accented bench, creating a luxurious and stylish space. — Source: @restoring_ingleside via Instagram

Charming bay window nook with a built-in bench, colorful pillows, patterned Roman shades, and classic decor, creating a cozy and stylish space. — Source: @suzannetullockinteriors via Instagram

Luxurious bedroom with a floor-to-ceiling bay window, offering a breathtaking cityscape view, cozy seating, and warm, modern decor. — Source: @tamannahbysonakshi via Instagram

Don’t overload your extra seating with pillows and blankets. Instead, keep the space clutter-free. You can add texture to the area with velvet upholstery, potted houseplants, or unique window treatment ideas.

The bigger your bay window the more dramatic and stylish the finished design will look. While you can’t change the size of an existing bay window, you can create the illusion of a larger window frame with strategic curtain placement.

Read more: Modern Living Room Ideas

8. Build a Charming Reading Nook

If you have a bay window sitting empty — no matter the room — few design ideas are as quintessential as a reading nook. Your top priorities for this project should be comfortable seating and adequate lighting.

Cozy reading nook with a bay window, floral valance, plush armchair, and soft cushions, creating a charming and relaxing countryside retreat. — Source: @hatty_ridout via Instagram

Modern bay window reading nook with a cozy gray chair, soft green walls, minimalist decor, and natural light, creating a serene relaxation spot. — Source: @homewithharri via Instagram

Lush bay window reading nook with abundant greenery, a tufted vintage chair, and soft natural light, creating a tranquil and cozy retreat. — Source: @meammeammeam via Instagram

Modern bay window nook with a plush navy blue accent chair, a sleek glass side table, and a cozy carpeted space for relaxation or reading. — Source: @the.new_.ashbourne via Instagram

Stylish bay window nook with mid-century modern chairs, bold blue upholstery, dark Roman blinds, and a bright yellow accent table for a cozy touch. — Source: @villageblindslondon via Instagram

Finding the right window seat can be tricky — go with your gut. Choose something that looks great and stays comfy throughout hours of reading. Set up window blinds and a lamp so you have full control of the area’s lighting.

Many readers refuse to let go of their hardcovers and paperbacks. But if you enjoy using a Kindle or tablet on occasion, you can bring your quaint reading nook into the modern era by making sure you have access to an outlet.

9. Install Custom Shutters for Privacy

Indoor shutters are sturdy and easy to adjust if you need a change in lighting or privacy. Shutters are great for areas like the bedroom, where blackout window treatments are necessary. They’re also less bulky than many other window coverings.

Modern bay window nook with a built-in bench, bold red cushion, cozy throw, and sleek gray blinds, creating a stylish and inviting space. — Source: @cc_designs79 via Instagram

Vibrant bay window nook with white plantation shutters, a bold yellow sofa, lush greenery, and colorful pillows, creating a bright and cozy retreat. — Source: @juliusinteriors via Instagram

Classic bay window with white plantation shutters, curved radiator, and wooden flooring, offering a bright and elegant look with privacy control. — Source: @keyes.home_ via Instagram

Cozy bay window nook with white blinds, a cushioned bench, lush greenery, and a relaxed cat enjoying the natural light. — Source: @nightanddaydecor via Instagram

Cozy bay window nook with wooden blinds, soft cushions, a warm throw, and a cat enjoying the sunlight, creating a perfect relaxation spot. — Source: @our_bellway_adventure via Instagram

Modern living room with a bay window, white plantation shutters, plush gray seating, and warm lighting, creating a stylish and cozy retreat. — Source: @t.l_homes via Instagram

You can still finish your bay window with a set of traditional curtains. Drape a decorative curtain on each side of your window or hang sheer panels over the shutters themselves.

If your bay window is surrounded by a white wall, white shutters will make the space feel nice and put together. Natural wood shutters go with everything. On the other hand, contrasting shutters can be a great complement to your room’s color scheme.

10. Decor Solutions for Small Bay Windows

Most bay window designs assume that your window is large enough for a full-length bench or sofa. If you’re looking for ways to decorate a small bay window, though, finding inspiration can be hard.

Bright and airy living room with a bay window, cozy seating, a fireplace, and modern decor, creating a stylish and inviting space. — Source: @117the_village_reno via Instagram

Minimalist bay window with white plantation shutters, elegant decor, and a stylish centerpiece, creating a bright and sophisticated space. — Source: @at_home_onthevale via Instagram

Classic bay window with floral curtains, white trim, and natural light, offering a charming and elegant space with vintage appeal. — Source: @restoringsouthbourne via Instagram

Cozy bay window nook with a wooden storage bench, soft cushions, and a plush blue sofa, creating a warm and inviting living space. — Source: @the_seaview_2020 via Instagram

Modern bay window nook with sleek gray blinds, a classic Eames lounge chair, and a cozy radiator, creating a stylish and relaxing reading space. — Source: @victorian_renovation_3bh via Instagram

Cozy bay window nook with white shutters, a bold green velvet loveseat, colorful cushions, and warm lighting, creating a stylish and inviting space. — Source: @wakeupinworthing via Instagram

Instead of a long bench, try placing an accent chair or ottoman in front of your windows. A sturdy chest can double as seating while also offering hidden storage — throw a cushion on top for comfort.

Keep the space directly in front of your windows clear to maximize the amount of sunlight that comes through. Curtains will weigh down small bay windows. Opt for Roman shades or Venetian blinds for privacy.

11. Style a Square Bay Window with the Right Decor

Box bay windows — bay windows with a squared-off design — can add beauty and intrigue to the exterior of your home. They can also be an interesting addition to your interior floor plan.

Charming square bay window with patterned Roman blinds, matching cushions, and a bright, airy view, creating a cozy and stylish nook. — Source: @candsinteriors via Instagram

Modern living space with a square bay window, white blinds, a bold red accent chair, and neutral decor, creating a stylish and cozy ambiance. — Source: @doornumbereleven via Instagram

Elegant living space with a square bay window, soft gray tones, plush tufted seating, and cozy decor, creating a modern and inviting ambiance. — Source: @foundations_2_finishes via Instagram

Bright square bay window with white blinds, a simple vase centerpiece, and a cozy ledge, creating a minimalist and inviting space. — Source: @movingintono.11 via Instagram

Cozy bay window nook with soft sheer curtains, warm neutral tones, built-in shelves, and elegant decor, creating a bright and inviting space. — Source: @my.white_.house_.by_.the_.seaside via Instagram

Elegant bay window nook with floor-length drapes, a crystal chandelier, soft neutral tones, and a floral centerpiece, creating a refined and cozy space. — Source: @oakhousedesign via Instagram

Modern square bay window with sleek white blinds, recessed lighting, wooden ledges, and warm wood flooring, creating a clean and stylish space. — Source: @projectfourwinds via Instagram

Classic square bay window with white plantation shutters and soft, tied-back curtains, offering privacy while letting in natural light. — Source: @shutterfitter via Instagram

Depending on the size, a box bay window can be turned into a private alcove with a bench seat, armchair, or writing desk. Use a screen divider or tall houseplants to separate this space from the rest of the room.

When it comes to choosing blinds or shutters for a box bay window, there’s little room for error. Make sure your measurements are accurate, or else you’ll end up with window treatments that gap or overlap.

12. Add Victorian Elegance to Your Bay Window

Many homeowners strive to make their houses look as contemporary as possible. But if you relish in the vintage details of your home’s architecture, decorating a set of bay windows can be a real treat.

Elegant Victorian bay window with white plantation shutters, floor-length drapes, a stylish radiator, and a modern plant stand for a sophisticated look. — Source: @amyclarkinteriordesign via Instagram

Modern bay window with sleek roller blinds, a curved velvet sofa, and a minimalist design, creating a cozy and stylish living space. — Source: @kellysblindsuk via Instagram

Ornate Victorian bay window with intricate stone detailing, set against a red brick facade, showcasing classic architectural elegance. — Source: @oldmoneyarchitecture via Instagram

Elegant Victorian bay window living room with white plantation shutters, a cozy neutral-toned sectional, and modern decor for a timeless look — Source: @projectno55 via Instagram

Cozy bay window nook with a plush green velvet armchair, white blinds, a vintage brass table, and warm decor for a stylish and relaxing space. — Source: @westcliffe.reno_ via Instagram

The best way to dress Victorian bay windows is to mostly let them stand on their own. Stick with basic window coverings, like sleek blinds, shutters, or a custom curtain set.

Keep your decor and window treatments as simple as possible. Instead of placing decorative items on your windowsills, adorn a small cocktail table or bench set in front of the window.

13. Build a Bay Window Seat with Storage

Whether you’re dreaming of a private reading nook or some extra seating for your kitchen or living room, a bay window is the perfect spot to bring this idea to life.

Cozy bay window nook with white blinds, a soft armchair, and deep blue walls, creating a stylish and inviting reading corner. — Source: @113.greenvictoria via Instagram

Bright and cozy bay window nook with a cushioned window seat, soft neutral-toned pillows, and warm natural light, creating a perfect reading spot. — Source: @lynncgriffith via Instagram

Charming bay window nook with a built-in wooden bench, colorful throw pillows, and lush greenery outside, creating a cozy and inviting space. — Source: @rumah_ayin via Instagram

Looking for more windows seat ideas? Find them here: Window Seat Ideas

Many bay windows are accompanied by built-in seating. You can also use a freestanding banquette bench, armchair, or loveseat. Make wooden bench seating more comfortable with an upholstered cushion and throw pillow arrangement.

Get creative with your window seat ideas — the only rule is that the furniture must fit the space. Place a small table or desk in front of your window seat for a casual dining or work area with plenty of natural lighting.