I think it looks great. I wouldn't mount a sconce. There is already a ceiling light in the nook but, if you feel you need some other lighting in the nook I would go with a sconce and get rid of the lamp.

Looks great! Don't worry about the placement of the window -- the artworks do help on the right hand side.

Other thoughts -- Perhaps go for a swing-arm lamp? maybe a small one would work well for reading?

Perhaps add a shelf just above the window frame -- and stretching from side to side? Just a thin one to hold paperbacks or even lean a few favorite artworks or photos?

Jan at Rosemary Cottage

I think itÂs pretty too. If you want more balance I would start by getting more panels from Ikea that match the ones you have. Sew one lengthwise to the panel on the left to make it fuller, and sew two lengthwise to the panel on the right to make it full enough to cover more of that space. See what you think with them hanging straight, then experiment with a tie-back look: have the two sides meet at the center of the window, then tie back on both sides. The right will be fuller, but the window will be framed and the full right side will create the sense of a special spot back there. (Or you might prefer a tie back on just the right side - asymetrical is OK!) You could use really pretty metal tie backs that match other hardware in the room, or if you have fabric that matches the treatment above the window, use some of that for tie backs.

Which side do you sit on to read/relax?
If your back is to the left, then I would:
- make or buy a cushion that's a few inches deep and tall enough to rest your head against, and put it against the left wall
- put shelves along the space to the right

If you like sitting with your back to the right, I would:
- Build up that corner with a nice thick cushion, or use a cushion and extra pillows, to create a backrest against the right side.
- Shelves on the left side

Whichever side you sit on, I'd get a nice light for reading - either a sconce that's above your head height (but still easy to reach for on/off) or a pendant. Something that mimics the look of the existing light (white glass, similar shape just smaller) would be great.

What a lovely little space! I think you could even hang a light from chain in there. I'd hang it to the right of the window but you could put it anywhere or even make it movable. Where are the shelves going?

I'd do shelves on the right where the pillows and pictures are, since you have an outlet to the left of the window I'd do the swingarm lamp - wouldn't even have to be hardwired, and lots of comfy pillows to prop yourself up on, maybe a picture over your head (left hand wall at end of bench). Can't see what's to the right, but more artwork or more shelves at the opposite end of the bench might be nice.

That space is so cute! It already looks inviting and cozy. And I think it's just calling out for a tented ceiling. If you could get another of the IKEA panels, you could tack one up on the ceiling, highest in the center, and draping over to the top of the window and the to ceiling rod. One more thing I'd do is to cover a scrap panel of wood with some foam and material like your mattress cover, and stand that up against the right hand wall to make a backrest, (kinda like an upholstered headboard). If you have an extra throw to drape, and maybe a flameless candle in the new bookcase, that could look so nice, too.

YOu don't have to do a thing...I'll be bringing my own pillows, books, and snacks. lol

What a charming, cozy area. Enjoy it.

I like the idea of a couple of small/narrow shelves to hold a few books. I would also like to see the pictures hung. Cute space! ;o)

You can't do anything wrong with that space- it is adorable and anything you do will make it more so. naptime!

I want to thank you all so much for responding. I have had to lay the project aside for a bit, but I have some time today (knock wood!)

To answer some questions, the top of the seat under the cushions lifts up, so I am hesitant to put shelves on the right (looking at the picture) though that was my first thought too. Also, that is the side where your back rests. I think some more/bigger cushions is a great thought. I made the red stripey one from a tea towel. The built in shelves will go into the nook on the left. The builder extended the bathroom on purpose to make that cute nook, and I didn't grasp until later that it made the window off center which is what has me so flabbergasted.

I am intrigued by the idea of putting a shelf above the window-- that might help with the off-balance look. And my next trip to Ikea I will pick up another set of curtains and "cheat" a little as suggested with another panel on the right. I thought about trimming the plain curtains with some of the Norfolk Rose but mocked it up and thought it looked weird. I will also try mounting the valance above the windows, see if that helps. I had lace curtains I was all excited about but it was too many different textures.

My husband made white shelves with an arched valance for the yellow nook. Fingers crossed my paint job didn't ruin them.

I will post another picture as soon as I get some progress. My daughter fell asleep in the windowseat yesterday, so we're on the right track :)

I don't know what you mean by "yellow nook". I was suggesting putting shallow shelves (built in) to the right of the window, not the right (end) wall that you can't see. Why does your head need to go on that end? Seems like with the outlet to the left of the window, that would be a perfect spot to put a wall-mounted swing arm or fixed sconce and prop your head against the beadboard (bathroom wall?) to read.

Anyway, if that's where your DH made the shelves for then ignore me, don't want to waste all his hard work, but he may want to make matching shelves (that don't come down too low) for the big space to the right where you have the pillows and the pictures hanging, you just may want to add lighting to that side if that's where your head goes.

The space is already really cute! I really like the bigger pictures you put in. The one thing I think I'd do is switch out the floral valance for a light colored bamboo shade. They have cordless ones that would work well. You have all the other floral going on so I think something a little different for there would be nice.

Oh, I see now. DH just put in cleats and added boards for shelves, made a valance (and a side for the open end of the shelves). Looks very nice. Since he didn't do anything to existing wall, you still have outlet there - would it be too much trouble to add lights to the top under the valance? Can even put in battery-operated puck lights if you don't want to do any wiring there.

I still like the idea of having lighting on the side where you rest your head. Maybe paint the cleats yellow too - at least against the yellow wall. Is the inside of the side of the bookcase itself (the side DH made, where the curtain is) yellow or white?

How about white (faux) wood blinds? And loosen the ties a little on the fabric valance, fluff a little more, and make sure there's no gap on the sides if you keep it inside mounted? Though if you put blinds in there might not be enough room for both and you'd have to mount the valance outside/over the window.

I love the shelving your DH put in. Pat on the back for him!

How do you have your window seat fabric attached currently? There is a way you can get a board, top it will the pad, and then staple the fabric underneath. That's what I did with mine, though I'd love a custom cover, I didn't want to pay the hefty price.

Love it! What a wonderful space!