How to make the most of your bay window in four steps

Bay windows let in lots of natural light, add extra space to a room and are aesthetically pleasing. But how can you make sure this architectural feature doesn’t just look good but also serves a practical purpose? What improvements should you consider making to bring out the best in your bay? Read on to discover the four steps you should take. 

Replace the windows

One of the primary ways you can make sure your bay window looks its best is to replace and upgrade the glazing and frames. 

Changing your bay window shouldn’t be complex as window fitters are used to installing them, but it is a significant investment. You can pay anywhere between £800 and £3,000 for a new bay window. However, there are a few good reasons why it’s worth the spend. 

Firstly, it should look much better. Secondly, it will stop the space around it from feeling cold and draughty and if you go for triple or acoustic glazing it should cut down on road noise too. Making this change should also boost your home’s kerb appeal and value. 

It’s worth taking time to consider the frame design and colour and the type of openings your new windows have. The more flexibility you have with the openings, the easier it will be to ventilate the home and control temperatures in the room. 

The frame design and colour will have an impact on both the inside and outside of the house. It can enhance period character or give your home a contemporary edge, depending on what you go for. So, take time to think about these details. 

Customise your bay window

Even if you go with standard uPVC windows, you can still customise the look of your bay to make it look more upmarket and characterful. And this is something worth considering if you want your bay window to be a standout feature. 

One of the easiest and most affordable options is to change the hardware – so, any handles, catches or locks your window has. Most windows come with basic white fittings but you can switch these for ones that look fancier. 

This will not only make your windows look more expensive but will enable you to style them to match the other hardware in the room. So, if you’ve got brass knobs and light switches in your lounge, you could choose matching handles for your windows. You might also consider changing your window’s hardware to match the wider style of your home or décor. Perhaps you might switch basic handles for sleek, modern ones in matt black.  

You might also consider upgrading or replacing the internal sill. If you already have a wooden sill, you might simply refinish or paint this to give it a makeover. Or you might get one added, along with other woodwork such as architrave and panelling to help frame and highlight your bay window. New windows don’t typically come with a sill. So, if you want one adding, it’s worth discussing this with your window fitter. 

Enhance it with shutters or curtains

While a bay window is great for letting in lots of natural light and offering an extended view outside, it can mean your privacy is reduced. 

This is just one of the reasons to consider installing shutters. With adjustable slats, they also help you filter strong sunlight and when closed, help you to retain the heat in the room. So, they can increase the usability of the space in front of the bay. Shutters fit in well with both traditional and modern interiors and should enhance your bay window, making it look smart and stylish. 

Shutters can be expensive and do lack the softness of blinds and curtains, so they’re not the only way to make the most of your bay window. Using long curtains in a fabric such as velvet, linen or wool, will add to the bay’s grandness. Going for a good lining and pencil or pinch pleat curtains will ensure they have a high-end feel. Similarly, a metallic or wood pole with decorative finials will look classier than a plastic track.  

Give the area a purpose

Styling the window itself is all very well, but to make the most of a bay window, you need to find a use for the space in front of it. Many people struggle to utilise this space fully and may just pop an armchair in the bay’s niche and that’s it. 

To make the space feel special and ensure it’s practical, you need to give it a specific purpose. You might line the edges with comfy window seating and make it cosy with lamps, cushions and throws. So, you can use the space to watch the world go by while you read a book. Or you might go for a café style set-up with a small table and chairs and then use it to enjoy your morning coffee with a view. Alternatively, you might use it to embrace and showcase the seasons by creating changing displays. Many of us already do this in winter with a Christmas tree but you could do the same for the other seasons, perhaps with a citrus tree in the warmer months and a display of foliage garlands as it turns to autumn.

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