Utilizing Natural Light: Arranging A Bedroom With Two Windows

Arranging a bedroom with two windows can be challenging, but there are several ways to make the most of the space and create a functional and aesthetically pleasing room.

Firstly, it is important to consider the layout of the room, including window placement, wall and floor space, and the position of wall outlets, telephone jacks, and cable inputs. The size and number of windows will impact how you arrange your furniture. For example, if the windows are small and located in different walls, you may not need to cover them with curtains, whereas larger windows may require specific curtain arrangements to let in light and maintain privacy.

When arranging bedroom furniture, it is generally recommended to start with the bed, which is typically placed in the center of the wall opposite the door or on the longest wall with no windows. However, in a room with two windows, you may want to position the bed between the windows or in a corner with a window to its side. It is best to avoid placing the bed directly under a window, as this can create uncomfortable drafts.

After positioning the bed, you can add other essential pieces of furniture, such as a dresser, nightstands, and a desk. It is important to use only necessary furniture, especially in small spaces, and to consider the function of each piece to ensure a practical and comfortable layout. For instance, if you watch TV in bed, ensure your layout accommodates this, and if you have a spacious closet, consider placing the dresser inside to save space.

Finally, complete the room with smaller pieces like lamps, mirrors, and seating, creating a space that reflects your personal style and meets your needs.

Place the bed in the centre of the wall opposite the door

Placing your bed in the centre of the wall opposite the door is a popular option for both large and small rooms. This is a good way to keep your bed out of sight of the doorway, which is important if your bedroom door opens to look directly at the living room or another frequented area of the house. This position also provides a nice view of the window if it faces the door, although you may want some heavy drapes to keep the sunlight out in the morning.

This position can be particularly useful if you have a small room with fixed elements like a radiator on the opposite wall, as it may be your only option. It can also be a good choice if you have a more oversized bedroom, as it allows you to place furniture around the room's perimeter without being obstructed by the bed frame.

If you want to add an interior designer flair, you can position your bed as an island in the centre of the room, or slightly off-centre. This can create a nice flow of air and positive energy through the space and is a modern look that works well with a good platform bed.

However, feng shui experts warn against placing your bed directly opposite the door, with your feet facing the doorway. This is sometimes called the "coffin position" and is believed to be bad luck because it mimics the position of a body being carried out of a door in a coffin. On a practical level, if your door is drafty, this position can create a chill at night and cause headaches for some people.

Use a single curtain to connect two side-by-side windows

Using a single curtain to connect two side-by-side windows is a clever way to make a small bedroom feel larger and more cohesive. This technique creates the illusion of one large window, making the room appear more spacious. To achieve this look, follow these steps:

Firstly, measure the width, length, and height of both windows to determine the size of the curtain you will need. This step is crucial, as you want the curtain to cover the entire expanse of both windows without looking too taut or disjointed.

When choosing your curtain, opt for a sheer or lace curtain if your bedroom has limited natural light. Avoid dark-coloured curtains, as these can make the room feel smaller and darker. Light-coloured curtains will complement the space and enhance the airy feel of the room.

As for the curtain rod, use a single rod that extends across both windows. Position the rod halfway between the top of the windows and the ceiling, or mount it with 8 inches of space on each side to allow the panels to stack well and not block any light. You can also hang the rod with slightly more space, depending on the thickness of the drapes.

When hanging the curtain, treat the two windows as a single unit. Pull the panels to the sides and ensure they just graze the edges of the windows, as having too much fabric over the windows can make them appear smaller.

This single-curtain technique is a simple yet effective way to connect two side-by-side windows, creating a sense of symmetry and balance in your bedroom. It is a great solution for small bedrooms, as it saves space and cost compared to using multiple curtains or panels.

Choose the right type of curtain

The type of curtain you choose for your bedroom with two windows will depend on a few factors, including the amount of light and privacy you want, the level of functionality you require, and the aesthetic you wish to achieve.

Amount of Light

If your bedroom is very dark, avoid dark-coloured curtains as these will make the room seem even gloomier. Opt for sheer curtains made from lightweight materials such as cotton, linen, or silk. These will allow more sunlight to enter the room. Conversely, if your bedroom receives a lot of sunlight, you may want to block out some of the light with heavier fabrics such as velvet or lined curtains. Blackout curtains are ideal if your bedroom windows let in a lot of light, as they completely block it out.

Privacy

If privacy is a priority, avoid sheer or semi-sheer curtains, as these are quite transparent. Instead, choose heavier fabrics such as velvet, silk, or lined curtains, which offer more privacy. You could also consider layering sheer curtains with a heavier fabric so that you can control the amount of light and privacy throughout the day.

Functionality

Consider the functionality you require from your curtains. For example, do you want them to be machine washable? In that case, cotton or cotton-linen curtains are a good option as they are easy to care for. Or perhaps you want your curtains to help insulate your room, in which case, velvet or thermal-lined curtains would be a good choice. If you suffer from allergies, velvet curtains can block dust and pollutants from entering the room.

Aesthetic

The aesthetic you wish to achieve will also dictate the type of curtain you choose. For a luxurious or formal look, silk or velvet curtains are a good option, as they offer a rich texture and depth to the room. For a more casual or airy look, sheer curtains made from lightweight materials such as cotton, linen, or silk can enhance the brightness and breeziness of the room.

Colour and Pattern

When choosing the colour and pattern of your curtains, consider whether you want them to stand out or blend in with the room's decor. For a bold statement, opt for dark or bright colours. If you want a softer look, choose neutral tones, but ensure the fabric still controls the light effectively.

If your bedroom contains many patterns, such as on the bedding, furniture, or rugs, opt for solid-coloured curtains. Conversely, if your bedroom contains mostly solid colours, patterned curtains can add a unique design element to the windows.

Place the bed in the corner with a window on its side

If you're looking to place your bed in the corner with a window on its side, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the bed is the key piece of furniture in the bedroom and will naturally become the focal point. Therefore, you'll want to ensure that it's positioned in a way that maximises the space and doesn't obstruct any doors or walkways.

One idea is to place the bed in the corner of the room, with a window on one side. This can create an interesting and unique layout, making use of the available space. By placing the bed in the corner, you free up the middle of the room, creating a more open and spacious feel. This is especially useful if your bedroom is on the smaller side. Just ensure that the window doesn't frequently stay open, as this can create uncomfortable drafts. If your home is air-conditioned or heated, this may be less of a concern.

When positioning the bed, consider the view from the window. If your room has a stunning view, you may want to angle the bed so that you can enjoy it while lounging. This can be achieved by placing the bed parallel to the window, giving you the feeling of sleeping next to the sky. This setup works well with twin or full-size beds, as it may rule out the option of having a nightstand on that side.

To enhance the sense of space and light, consider using sheer curtains. Sheer curtains provide privacy while still letting in natural light. They can also help bring attention away from the window behind the bed, making it seem like a large, ambient light. Additionally, raising the curtains higher can create the illusion of higher ceilings and elevate the look of the entire room.

If you're concerned about blocking light, opt for a bed that's low to the ground. This allows the window to frame the bed and act as a visual headboard. A wrought-iron bed or one without a huge headboard can also help maintain a bright and airy feel in the room.

To make the bed the focal point of the room, use decorative elements like open draperies, flanked artwork, or plant life to visually extend the window's width and create balance. You can also treat the window like a decorative headboard by placing the bed so that it is framed by the window.

Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to arranging your bedroom. Feel free to experiment with different layouts and see what works best for you and your space.

Place the bed under a window

Placing a bed under a window is generally not recommended, as it can create uncomfortable drafts if the window is frequently open. However, if your home is air-conditioned or heated year-round and the windows are seldom open, you may be able to ignore this rule. Here are some tips and ideas for placing a bed under a window:

Pros of Placing a Bed Under a Window

• Windows can frame the bed in a way that is striking and unique.
• Placing a bed against the window can free up more space in the room.
• If there is an outdoor view that you don't like, placing the bed in front of a window can block it in part.
• Some people love the natural light that spills over them when they wake up under a window.

Cons of Placing a Bed Under a Window

• When you place a bed next to a window, it can block the outdoor view.
• Having a bed near the window can feel less private and noisier, especially if your bedroom is on the ground floor.
• It can make you feel more vulnerable as glass is not as solid as a wall.
• The sunlight can intrude on restful sleep as it is brighter near the window.
• The temperature is more varied next to the window.
• Feng shui bed placement principles warn against it because it leads to a loss of positive energy.

Tips for Placing a Bed Under a Window

• Use a strong and sturdy headboard that is attached to the bed to provide necessary support.
• Install window treatments like drapes or roller shades to create a sense of energetic support and safety while sleeping.
• Choose treatments that are easy to keep clean—you don't want dust and debris collecting behind and above your bed.
• Use the bed and other furnishings and accessories to lead your eye past the bed and towards the window to make the view outside a focal point.
• Embrace multiple windows. Use them to surround the bed and create a light and airy feeling.
• If the bed is situated below a high window, you can easily place the bed underneath and have the window function as a source of light.
• If a bed has to go in front of a window, try running the side of the bed parallel to the window, which gives you the feeling of sleeping next to the sky.
• If you are concerned about a blocked window view, opt for a more open bed frame to allow as much light to filter through as possible.
• Let window treatments function like a solid wall to help provide privacy, darkness, and warmth.
• Use curtains to frame the bed and make it look intentional rather than an afterthought.
• Use wall art to distract from the bed's position and focus the eye on the wall rather than the windows.
• If your closet is spacious, see if you can fit a dresser inside it to open up more space in the room.

Frequently asked questions