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Bed in front of window

4 years ago

Hey Houzz! I have a design dilemma. I am decorating a super tiny bedroom in an older brick townhouse where the bed has to be in front of a window. The window goes all the way up to the ceiling, and there is no space for a wall-mounted cuurtain; I’ll have to do a ceiling-mounted traverse rod. The

space looks awful as it. Any design suggestions?

Comments (21)

  • 4 years ago

    I would go from the corner to the jut out wall.

    Mich Williams thanked Lorraine Leroux
  • 4 years ago

    You could use an inside mount tension rod to hang something light like a sheer. Wallpaper on the window wall would be nice. A lower headboard might help too.

    Mich Williams thanked territheresa
  • 4 years ago

    I don’t see why you can’t install a rod like this:



    I agree that curtains along the entire inset area would look really nice, too. Just depends on the look and feel you want.

    Search ’window behind bed’, etc, for lots of ideas.

    Mich Williams thanked Jilly
  • 4 years ago

    I think Jinx is right to make that inset area to visually make that window space appear bigger and I would think about taking off the headboard if that is an option and just using decorative

    pillows, good luck!

    Mich Williams thanked Go Team
  • 4 years ago

    So if I just drape the inset area, I think I might have to center the bed in that inset area, but if I do wall to wall opaque curtains, it’ll disguise the window altogether, and I might be able to center the bed against the wall, not the window. i think this option might allow for a small nightstand on either side. Would that be better? Thoughts? @Go Team @Patricia Colwell Consulting @Jilly

  • 4 years ago

    How many inches back is the inset?

  • 4 years ago

    I would change the shade to something very neutral and put curtains up from the bump out to the right wall. They will frame that window when open. I would get a new headboard that only comes to the bottom of the window, maybe upholstered. And I would pull the bed out so that the headboard is in line with the corner of the bump out …..doesn’t squish the curtains and allows the bedside table to be useful.

    Mich Williams thanked plf12652
  • 4 years ago

    Good question. The inset is 3 inches deep @Jilly

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Get a Lower upholstered headboard or no headboard at all.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    I think you could definitely curtain the entire wall if you’d like, it’s just personal preference.

    If you do, I’d use a curtain rod that juts out a bit more than normal, otherwise the inset difference and window being farther back might be noticable behind the curtain. If that makes sense. :)

    Me, I‘d not try to hide the uniqueness or worry about everything being lined up and centered. I like a charming, eclectic look, and think having a window is an asset, no matter where it is. I’d try to moving the nightstand over, or even the bed towards the nightstand, if needed.

    I totally disagree with others about the headboard …. I think it’s lovely and wouldn’t change it because of the window set-up (unless you were wanting to anyway). It really brings a pretty look to the area. The window is a window, normal background element … it doesn’t need to dictate the whole room unless you want it to, unless you want it to be the focal feature. Otherwise, just treat it like you would any window.

    But again, it’s all totally personal preference. You could put a sheet(s) up to test the look you like before investing in curtains. Definitely do some searching for inspiration pictures to get ideas. Apartment Therapy has articles about this, too.

    Hope you update us!

    Mich Williams thanked Jilly
  • 4 years ago

    I would place wall mounted lights on either side of your window to bring light to the bed. You can still drape the entire wall, just place the lights through gaps in the panels (or have slots made between the panels) of your draperies. The gaps/slots will be invisible with the gathers. This could be a really nice bed area!

    Mich Williams thanked ptreckel
  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Yep, updates to come! Thanks so much. You were super helpful! @Jilly

  • 4 years ago

    I like the bed, but not in that room. I think an upholstered headboard could hide the bottom of the window and make the window look like it is more in proportion than it is. Part of the reason it looks oddly high on the wall is because it stops where it is, high off the floor. I think it would look better if you could make it look taller by hiding the bottom of it.

  • 4 years ago

    kandrewspa i would keep the headboard so air can get into the room when the window is open.

  • 4 years ago

    There are a few solutions that can make this room a little jewel.

    1) There is a very simple ceiling track available like this:

    2) A rod over the shade would look fine as long as the return (the bracket or curve of the rod that goes back to the wall) on the rod can accommodate the depth of the shade. If you like a clean tight top of the curtain panel, it can look like this:

    3) A valance will also work, whether it's a fabric gathered curtain or a fabric covered valance:


    Here's some pics for inspiration:





  • 4 years ago

    Did you try locating the headboard on the left wall, sideways in front of the window? In a small room, think tight and luxurious.

    If you turn the bed you will have room for a small dresser instead of a nightstand, and a small lounge chair.

    Keep the wood blinds and install a lush valance.





    Mich Williams thanked Denise Marchand
  • 4 years ago

    Hey Denise! i just saw that you responded to my post. Solid advice re moving the bed. The headboard is now on the wall on the right (there are 2 windows on the left wall), and I am able to fit a full size dresser between the two windows on the left wall and a nightstand on either side of the bed. It looks so much better!


    Thanks so much for sending over the inspo pics!!! I am leaning towards white sheers or white linen on a ceiling track or a valance. I could keep the bamboo shades with either, but I am wondering if the shades are too dark and heavy? Ofcourse I need full privacy because it’s a bedroom. Thanks again!! @Denise Marchand

  • 4 years ago

    Mich, happy I could help. Keep the wood blinds, but don't be afraid to do good curtain panels. White sheers won't add anything to the room, as a matter of fact, white sheers won't compliment the wood shades. Consider a printed linen in smart colors, like the very last bedroom pic on the second post with the brown walls and blue comforter. Pottery Barn should have a good selection.

    With a small room, it's always about the details to make it special.

    Mich Williams thanked Denise Marchand
  • 4 years ago




    Mich Williams thanked Denise Marchand