How to Accessorize a Bay Window

A bay window gives you a special alcove to call your own.

A bay window can be a joy in a home but can also be a decorating nightmare. Due to the angles of the window and the unusual shape it can cause in a room, the design present a challenge. However, there are methods to integrate this small and recessed but architectural highlight with the rest of the room, or you can use it as a separate alcove. Bring your bay window to the foreground with a modern plan, some color and a few design elements. Once you conquer the difficult arrangement and create a harmonious space, you will be pleased with the accessories you choose for your bay window.

Things You'll Need

• Rod
• Floor-to-ceiling silver curtains
• Fainting sofa
• Silver chrome and glass tea tray
• Leather lounge chair
• Bar set
• Martini glasses
• Standing lamp
• Cushions
• Planter pots
• Plants
• Wall pockets
• Privacy window film

Instructions

1. Install a rod from the ceiling along the area where the bay window begins. Slide floor-to-ceiling silver-tone fabric curtains through the rod. Add several curtains for an opulent effect. Tie back the curtains just above half the length, creating a curtain opening to the bay window alcove.

2. Refurbish a fainting sofa into a silver-tone fabric. Place the sofa off-center so you can see the view from the window and the opening into the room. A silver chrome and glass tea tray can sit to the side with a bar set and some martini glasses. A leather lounge chair sits across from it.

3. Bring in lighting. Place a standing lamp with a retractable arm behind the sofa. Add an uplight to the floor.

4. Put cushions on the built-in window seat. Complement the color of the cushions to the curtains using a durable fabric. Overstuff the cushions for comfort.

5. Wind grape ivy leaves up the sides of the window and along the sill. Stagger several large planting pots on the floor behind the sofa. Plant palms, pathos and elephant tree in the pots. Hang some planter wall pockets for air ferns.

6. Apply a privacy window film to the windows. This allows you to see out but blocks others from seeing in. Select a frosted leaf pattern to complement your décor.

Tips & Warnings

• Select colors and fabrics that fit your theme.

• Decorate the bay window as a small separate room.

References

• Apartment Therapy; Modern Bay Window & Window Seat; Aaron Able; Aug. 20, 2009
• "Southern Living"; Curtains 101; Joyce Butterworth