Is a Window Above a Bed a Good Idea?

Published: November 3, 2021

Updated: November 23, 2023

Reviewed by Jelena Veljkovic, Interior Designer

Did you know that we spend about a third of our lives in our beds? Whether it’s curling up with a book or catching up on some beauty sleep, picking a spot for your bed should be a top priority when designing a bedroom to maximize both comfort and style. That may include putting a bed in front of a window.

So: Is a Window Above a Bed a Good Idea?

In most rooms, yes. Placing a bed in front of a window looks amazing when executed properly. Having a window above a bed offers a unique aesthetic that can make a room appear fresh and airy. However, it also has its challenges such as blocking natural light, potential excess heat, and drafts and taking away wall space.

Luckily, these little bumps along the road have simple solutions that won’t detract from your décor. In some cases, they may even make your bedroom more alluring!

If you want to rest easy with your bed in front of a window, here are some things to consider.

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Placing a Bed Under a Window Draws Attention to the Window

Photo: nissalynninteriors

Due to its size, a bed is the natural focal point in most bedrooms. Therefore, wherever you place it, the eye will naturally follow. Positioning the bed to draw attention to a window can make the bedroom feel lighter and airier. This effect is particularly striking if you layer in semi-transparent curtains to softly diffuse the light. For those who favor an airy design where the window plays a pivotal role behind the bed, opting for lighter color palettes throughout the room, as seen in the accompanying photo, can enhance this breezy, open atmosphere.

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Centering the Bed is an Easy Way to Create Balance

Photo: bridgewaydesigns

Decorating a room symmetrically is one of the easiest ways to set up your décor in a wow-worthy way. Having a window with a bed in front of it provides an excellent jumping-off point for such a design. Flanking the bed with matching end tables and lamps can continue the symmetrical flow, enhancing the room’s aesthetic balance. Adding a central wreath or similar window décor can make the window’s center a focal point, further complementing the symmetry. You may also want to consider placing an ottoman or bench at the foot of the bed to complete the look.

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A Poster Bed Can Feel Extra Natural In front of a Window

Photo: bbrosnaninteriors

A poster bed placed in front of a window can create an aesthetically pleasing and intentional look, as the bed’s posts act as a natural frame for the window. This arrangement works best when both the width and height of the poster bed match the window’s dimensions, ensuring a neat and clean appearance. For smaller windows, consider hanging curtains that extend to the width of the bed. This can create an illusion of a larger window, harmoniously integrating the bed with the window’s design.

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Large Headboards or High Beds May Block Off Natural Light

Photo: hendersonhome_

Taller beds or chunky headboards positioned in front of a window may partially obstruct natural light, potentially making the bedroom feel less bright. To counter this effect, it’s important to incorporate adequate secondary lighting sources. Overhead lights and strategically placed lamps, especially nightstand lamps, can significantly enhance the ambiance of the room. These additional light sources ensure that the space maintains a welcoming and airy feel, avoiding any sense of darkness, dinginess, or claustrophobia.

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Open Metal Headboards Let Light Pass Through

Photo: mistymorning_

While you don’t need to ditch your headboard to maximize light (unless you want to), you should consider how different types of headboards affect window light. As mentioned above, chunkier headboards block off light, however, open metal headboards are perfect for letting light flow through.

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If There Are Other Windows in the Room, Blocking One Isn't a Big Deal

Photo: brookemoraleshome

Bedrooms with multiple windows have more than one source of natural light, so blocking one with a bed is less of a concern. This means that high headboards can be used without making the space feel closed in.

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Higher Windows Are Ideal for Beds

Photo: moxieandmint

When considering the layout of your bedroom, the placement of your bed can significantly impact the overall ambiance. A common question that arises is whether placing a bed under a window is a good idea. The answer lies in the type and position of the window. Higher windows, such as ones found in basement bedrooms, offer a unique solution to this dilemma.

These types of windows allow you to slip a bed underneath without cutting off the valuable natural light that floods into your room. The result is a cozy, well-lit space that feels warm and inviting. However, it’s not just about aesthetics – there are practical considerations to take into account as well.

Enter Annuska Menoita, a seasoned interior designer with a wealth of experience in creating spaces that marry functionality with style. “Placing beds under windows can be a practical choice, offering an additional source of natural light when other window options are limited,” she explains. “However, it’s crucial to ensure the window is positioned higher to avoid drafts, especially in colder seasons.”

Annuska further emphasizes the importance of window quality. “It’s vital to ensure the window has proper insulation. This is particularly crucial in children’s rooms to guarantee their comfort and safety during the night.”

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Leave Enough Room to Open the Curtains and Windows

Photo: sweetlittlesmithfarm

Try to leave a few inches of space between the window and the bed so you can move the curtains freely and open the window. For smaller rooms that can’t afford to give up a lot of space, try a pull-down shade instead.

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Wall Decals are an Excellent Alternative to Wall Art Above the Bed

Photo: reems_design

The downside of a window above a bed is that you don’t have the space to hang art above your bed. However, an easy solution is to embellish the wall with decals or wallpaper. Wall decals come in every shape and size from soft florals to bold geometric patterns.

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Putting a Bed In front of a Window is Bad Feng Shui

Photo: fowlercottage

According to the art of Feng Shui, you shouldn’t put a bed in front of a window as the energy flowing through may keep you up at night. Luckily, there are some simple ways to remedy this issue such as using heavy curtains and picking a bed lower than the window.

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A Bed Under a Window May Be Problematic for Kids

Photo: tanyacollinsdesign

Placing a child’s bed directly in front of a window, particularly in bedrooms with a single window, might require careful consideration. The proximity to the window could amplify outside noises, potentially causing distress for young children. Additionally, it poses a safety risk in the event of a fire. While most adults could easily move a bed to exit through a window, children lack the same physical capabilities. Moreover, the ease of window access from the bed heightens safety concerns, as the usual protective barrier of the window sill is diminished, possibly leading to unsafe situations for curious kids. It’s crucial to ensure that the bed placement doesn’t overly obstruct the window, maintaining safety and accessibility.

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Blackout Curtains Can Reduce Light, Drafts, and Noise

Photo: frenchflairfarmhouse

Lounging in a sunlit spot can be delightful, but the intense heat on warm mornings might be less appealing. To mitigate this, consider using thick or blackout curtains to block out the sun and its accompanying heat. These curtains not only provide a shield against the sun’s rays, but they also offer insulation against drafts and reduce external noise.

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Window Shutters are Another Option Worth Exploring

Photo: heartofwendy

Incorporating window shutters can effectively block out light and noise while also enhancing the room’s aesthetic, especially if you’re aiming for a colonial, farmhouse, or cottage style. Beyond their functionality, shutters offer versatility in daylight control, allowing you to adjust the amount of light entering the room to your preference. White shutters exude a fresh, modern vibe, whereas classic wooden shutters impart a sense of warmth. Their compact design makes them particularly suitable for bedrooms where headboards may partially obstruct the window, as they don’t require much space to operate effectively.

Zakhar Ivanisov

Meet Zakhar Ivanisov, a Seattle-based entrepreneur and design enthusiast at the helm of Soul & Lane. With a heart full of passion, Zakhar blends his business acumen and a keen eye for aesthetics to create spaces that are as inviting as they are stylish. His venture into the world of home decor and organization reflects a unique fusion of entrepreneurial spirit and a genuine love for transforming living spaces.

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