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Bay window ideas: 8 ways to use the bay in a small living room
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A bay window adds a bright alcove to a small living room, and it works best with one clear job: a seat, a table, a desk or a reading spot. Bays often have radiators underneath, so leave them uncovered and let warm air rise into the room. Curved curtain tracks are made to measure and are best fitted by someone experienced.
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A window seat with storage
A seat around the bay, storage beneath.
Why it works
A built-in seat following the bay, with drawers underneath, adds seating and storage in one. The seat in the picture has a grille in its front panel; a grille alone does not make a radiator behind it work well.
Materials and furniture
- Built-in seat with drawers
- Cushions
- Carpenter
Check first
- If a radiator sits under the bay, plan the seat with a heating professional so warm air can still reach the room.
- Built-in joinery is a job for a carpenter; in a rental, only with permission.
- Drawers need room in front to open.
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A round dining table in the bay
Dinner with three windows.
Why it works
A round table suits the shape of a bay and turns it into a bright dining spot; four chairs fit round the one in the picture.
Materials and furniture
- Round table
- Chairs
Check first
- Keep the radiator's front and top open so warm air can rise; the picture does not show a tested clearance.
- Leave room to pull the chairs out.
- Measure the bay before buying a table.
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A desk across the bay
The best light in the house for work.
Why it works
A long desk across the front of the bay gives a workspace with daylight from three sides. In the picture the radiator sits under the desk, which keeps some of its warmth from the room.
Materials and furniture
- Long desk
- Chair
Check first
- Keep the radiator's front and top open so warm air can rise; the picture does not show a tested clearance. A desk directly over a radiator is a compromise.
- Watch for screen glare from the windows.
- Run the lamp cable along the wall to a socket.
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Two armchairs and a side table
A conversation corner with a view.
Why it works
Two armchairs angled towards each other with a small table between them make the bay a place for coffee and conversation.
Materials and furniture
- Two armchairs
- Small side table
Check first
- Keep the radiator's front and top open so warm air can rise; the picture does not show a tested clearance.
- Leave a way through between the chairs.
- Choose chairs that suit the depth of the bay.
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A plant stage on tiered stands
The brightest spot is for the plants.
Why it works
Plant stands at different heights in the bay give plants the best light in the house and turn the bay into a green corner. In the picture the stands stand in front of the radiators.
Materials and furniture
- Tiered plant stands
- Pots with saucers
Check first
- Plants and stands right in front of a radiator block its warmth and dry the plants; keep a gap.
- Saucers under every pot.
- Choose plants for your light and check whether they are safe for your pets.
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A reading daybed
Somewhere to lie down in the light.
Why it works
A daybed in the bay is a sofa, a reading spot and a guest bed for one. In the picture the radiator is on the side wall, so the window side stays free.
Materials and furniture
- Daybed
- Cushions
Check first
- Leave the radiator uncovered.
- Measure the bay's straight back wall.
- Washable cover.
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A curved curtain track
One curtain that follows the bay.
Why it works
A curtain track bent to follow the bay lets the curtains close round the whole window. The radiator under the middle window in the picture stays clear of the fabric.
Materials and furniture
- Made-to-measure curved track
- Curtains
- Experienced fitter
Check first
- Curved tracks are made to measure; have them fitted by someone experienced.
- Keep curtains clear of the radiator.
- Check the ceiling or wall can take the fixings; the picture does not show them.
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Low shelving under the windows
Books below, light above.
Why it works
Low shelving following the bay holds books and baskets and doubles as a deep sill for plants. No radiator is visible in the picture; if your bay has one, the shelving must not cover it.
Materials and furniture
- Low shelving units
- Anchoring kit
Check first
- Keep the radiator's front and top open so warm air can rise; the picture does not show a tested clearance.
- Anchor taller units; low shelving still needs to stand firm.
- Measure the angles of the bay before building.
One job for the bay
A bay is the brightest part of the room. Give it one clear job, such as eating, working, reading or growing plants, and furnish it for that. A bay filled with a bit of everything just looks cluttered.
Radiators
Many bays have a radiator under the window. A window seat or shelving in front of it blocks the warmth; leave it uncovered, or build in grilles that let warm air rise into the room. Never cover the thermostat valve.
Curtains and blinds
A bay can take a curved curtain track that follows the windows, or separate blinds in each window. Curved tracks are made to measure and are best fitted by an experienced fitter; blinds in each window are easier in a rental.