10 Ways to Place Your Bed in Front of a Window was updated in July 2022.
When moving into a new space, there’s always a learning curve when it comes to laying out your furniture. In bedrooms, there are limited ways to place something as big as a mastress, and in many situations, placing your bed in front of a window or adjacent to a window just works best. We’re here to tell you that’s ok. In fact, it makes for a strong focal point, especially when paired with dramatic drapery panels, wall decor, and striking shapes.
1. Start with Art
Placing your bed around several windows? Use a combination of sheer drapery panels and a grouping of wall decor to create a focal point. For some serious drama, we arranged eight pieces of art into two rows directly over the headboard. The symmetry and shape draw you straight into the room for a ‘wow’ moment.
2. Let the Light In
If you want to embrace your room’s gorgeous natural light, use a bed frame that’s open rather than an upholstered one, and keep pillow stacks low. In the room above, we also used sheer drapery panels so the light can stream in. The mix of open furniture and translucent drapery creates a room that feels bright and airy.
3. Board it Up
On the other hand, if you want to limit the amount of natural light in your room, choose a bed that has a tall headboard and a wooden frame. The height and structure will make a big statement while giving you some extra coverage and privacy.
4. Beat the Curve
A curvy headboard can work wonders when you’re placing a bed by windows. In the space above, we used a headboard with a curvy silhouette to make a statement and draw attention away from the windows anchoring each side of the bed. To give your room a bit of contrast, try a bed frame in a dark finish and colorful bedding to ground a room that gets a ton of natural light.
5. Play with Pattern
The biggest concern most people have about placing a bed in by a large window or set of doors is whether it’ll be awkward. Here’s a surefire way to make sure there’s no awkwardness — create serious drama. A dramatic pattern, like a an upholstered headboard or drapery panels, equals intention.
In the first image, we matched a busy pattern on the bed and panels for a chic, cohesive look. In the second image, we layered in patterns and textures to create visual interest. Working with pattern can seem intimidating, but it’s hard to deny that these spaces are what dreams are made of.
6. Mix Sheers and Panels
You may not need privacy on every window, and in those cases, consider mixing sheers and opaque panels strategically. Behind each headboard we used a single panel in a neutral linen to draw more attention to the headboard. In between those darker panels, we used sheers to create a soft, dream-like canopy. Leaving that negative space in between the beds means that the beds demand more of your attention.
7. Layer in texture
If you’re considering placing a bed in front of a window, your main goal is to make it look intentional and interesting. In this space, we sprinkled in some eye candy with two textured garlands. To bring even more personality to your room, pair the tassels and beads with an unexpected color or print. We love how the yellow daybed and organic leaf print drapery panels makes the room feel inviting and happy.
8. Go Monotone
If you want a softer, airier look, coordinate your headboard, bedding, and decor to your window panels. Add in some playful bedding combinations, art, and a few pops of color here and there, and your space is ready to go.
9. Make It Cozy
Small spaces are often the coziest because they feel cocoon-like. In this space, we placed the bed perpendicular against a bank of windows, then added tons of sheer drapery panels for softness and to envelop the entire space.
10. Add Finishing Touches
Once you’ve dressed your windows and picked out just the right headboard, bring in all of the details. Like we said, make the bed placement look intentional, and adding in all the finishing touches will do just that. Dot the room with designer details like a scalloped lamp shade, chic nightstands, and a hand woven rug to bring everything together.
What bedroom layout are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments.
For more ideas, check out our YouTube channel or read these related posts to get inspired:
- How To Pick The Best Mattress
- 11 Cozy Bedroom Ideas For Fall
- Curtain Clips- The Best Way To Hang Your Drapery
- 25 Blue Rooms and Why You Need This Classic Color
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Bed Frame nz
I loved your blog and thanks for publishing this content about Place Your Bed in Front of a Window!! I am really happy to come across this exceptionally well-written content. I like how you have researched and presented these exact points so clearly. Thanks for sharing and look for more in the future!!
Kelley Bostian
Thanks for supporting the How to Decorate blog and choosing Ballard Designs–Please let us know if you ever have decorating or design questions we could help you with!
Happy Decorating,
Kelley
Judy
Most helpful. I know I can really make a beautiful bed and room! Color, texture, pattern, etc. Great presentation! Thank you!
Anu
Awesome article, Caroline! The room designs are incredibly well done–ten times better than what I’ve seen so far in my search for a solution to this design problem. More importantly, the tips are practical, so I feel confident I can make it work. Thank you!!
Happy Sappy
Amazing and brilliant ideas. Thanks for sharing your tips! I’d love to try these out. Adding Roman shade and of course making it cozy.
Kathy Holland
We are purchasing a new (new to us) home. The bedroom’s have windows on 2 walls and the rooms are small. Your suggestion of making the bed, under the window, a focal point is a great way to make the room look and feel larger. Thank you for your amazing vision. Best regards, Kathy
Caroline McDonald
Kathy,
I’m so happy to hear that you found this post inspirational! I think we’ve all had that thought when buying a new home of how to make what we already have work. Hopefully you’ll be able to make the bedrooms relaxing, peaceful places you enjoy spending time in.
Thanks for your comment,
Caroline
covemaven
We’ve recently rebuilt an addition on our ground level that necessitated changing out one of two double hung windows to an awning window in the bedroom above. This could be a perfect solution for not only downplaying the half-height window, but increasing the feeling of more light in the room. The bed is currently on the wall opposite this shortened window. If we moved it out of its existing location, it would free up wall space to relocate the dresser/mirrow in its place, and that would help bounce more light around the room. Thanks for the inspiration!
Caroline McDonald
Awesome! So glad you found this helpful!!