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Pinterest inspiration: Bay windows bring in light and form a spot to retreat to

Style it classic or contemporary, make the most of your bay window
Niki Lawrence on Pinterest

A bay window is the ideal place to take in a view and provide a quiet retreat to escape to inside the home.

Whilst many houses with period architecture have such windows built in as part of their original design, there’s no reason not to incorporate one in a modern home – either as part of your new build or a way of reclaiming solitude in your existing space.

 

We took to Pinterest for some inspiration from all over the world…

1. Classic Hamptons

All white with accents of nautical navy blue. Chrome wall sconces provide light for mood or reading.

Classic or contemporary, make the most of your bay window | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
(Credit: Thrifty Decor Chick on Pinterest)

2. Contemporary chic

An old building reworked anew with a sleek plywood banquet seat built into the original bay window. A mid century ‘tulip’ style dining table completes the look.

Classic or contemporary, make the most of your bay window | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
(Credit: Design Sponge on Pinterest)

3. White and light

Cool blue upholstery beckons beneath plantation shutters, which control natural light flow and give a sophisticated finish.

Classic or contemporary, make the most of your bay window | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
(Credit: Home Beautiful Magazine on Pinterest)

4. Style and comfort

This original bay window has been generously upholstered with plush seat cushions and an abundance of coordinated scatter cushions. Bookshelves on either side are styled up for the season.

Classic or contemporary, make the most of your bay window | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
(Credit: Cherill Watkins on Pinterest)

5. Smooth lines

Minimalism doesn’t scrimp on comfort with this recessed window seat offering sweeping views of the countryside beyond. The timber lining reflects the flooring and provides additional texture to the bricked alcove of the glass doors adjacent.

Classic or contemporary, make the most of your bay window | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
(Credit: Lauren Johnson on Pinterest)

6. Fine lines

Plantation shutters give privacy and filter light into the room. Elegant grey upholstery invites, rather than detracts from the leafy garden setting.

Classic or contemporary, make the most of your bay window | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
(Credit: Sonata Design on Pinterest)

7. Scandi style

Windows are left unadorned in this Scandi-inspired window seat. Textured cushions and a hide rug to cover the bench seat are all that’s needed for comfortable relaxation.

Classic or contemporary, make the most of your bay window | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
(Credit: Design Rulz on Pinterest)

8. Dramatic detail

Black window frames are echoed in the curtain rails and dark legs of the twin tub chairs nestled into this bay window. The metal framing of the ottoman draws the two spaces together.

Classic or contemporary, make the most of your bay window | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
(Credit: Niki Lawrence on Pinterest)

9. Queenslander quiet

Delicate timber fretwork does a fine job of enclosing this window seat to create a private spot, without removing its inhabitant from the indoor space entirely.

Classic or contemporary, make the most of your bay window | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
(Credit: Kate Ives on Pinterest)

10. Mid century magic

This original bay window is integral to the furniture layout of this living room, with the efficient design of the two leathers armchairs allowing for maximum use of space. Potted plants echo their symmetry, flanking a petite built-in bench seat.

Classic or contemporary, make the most of your bay window | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
(Credit: Johanna Methusalemsdottír on Pinterest)

11. Modern mindfullness

A great example of how to incorporate a window seat into a contemporary space with a minimum of fuss. Timber lining demarcates the space and ties the indoors to the garden outside.

Classic or contemporary, make the most of your bay window | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
(Credit: Jill Schulz on Pinterest)

Related: 

Top 5 window seats to escape to 

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