These bedroom window ideas will guarantee a peaceful, private sleeping space

Perhaps more than any other room in the house, bedroom window ideas really matter. Not only do they need to keep the light out while we sleep and in those early hours of the morning, but they also need to let light in to ensure a bright, happy feel as day breaks.

In addition, bedroom design also needs to take into account the need for privacy in this room – a space in which you are likely to be getting dressed and undressed in needs a way of keeping out prying eyes.

And finally, bedroom window ideas also play a big part in the overall decor of the space so need careful thought in terms of colour, pattern and general style. Check out our pick of the best to ensure your bedroom scheme is a total success. 

What to consider when choosing your bedroom window ideas

Everything from where you position your bedroom windows to how you dress them is hugely important, both in terms of how well the room works on a day-to-day basis as well as how it looks and feels to spend time in. 

When thinking about your bedroom layout ideas, be sure to factor in window placement and aim to maximise light while also ensuring that you won't be disturbed by early morning sunshine. 

If you live on a busy road, you will also need to be thinking about choosing windows that will offer adequate soundproofing qualities and, if your bedroom is street-facing, you will also need to be thinking of ways to ensure privacy without totally blocking out the light. 

1. Plan your bedroom window placement carefully

If you are self building then you will obviously have more freedom when it comes to where to position bedroom windows, but if you are renovating you might have to get a little more creative.

In brief, an east-facing window will let light stream in during the morning, while west-facing windows will allow more light in during the afternoon. North-facing windows will receive less sunlight generally, which will help keep a bedroom cool in summer, while south-facing windows will help chilly bedrooms warm up during the day.

Of course you also want to think about where windows will be best placed in terms of views and privacy. In this bedroom, a picture window at the foot of the bed gives fantastic views at the same time as being surrounded by storage and seating. To the side, a high-level window protects the occupants from overlooking by next-door – clerestory windows can work really well where privacy is an issue.

2. Take care with rooflight positioning in a bedroom

Rooflights are a great way to bring light into bedrooms where standard windows are not practical or would result in a compromise to your privacy. That said, they need careful consideration if they are to draw light in without leaving whoever is sleeping in the room rudely awakened by the morning sun.

"If you’ve used your loft space to create an extra bedroom you’ve probably installed skylight windows to maximise the light and space," says Yvonne Keal, product manager at Hillarys. "But with lots of light comes the need for control. Enter skylight blinds – the perfect solution for maximising the potential of your loft bedroom."

Along with good skylight blinds it will also pay to think about where you position your bed in relation to the ceiling glazing – in this room, the rooflights sit behind, rather than directly above, the bed.

Yvonne Keal

Yvonne is a product management specialist with over 20 years’ experience in the interiors industry. Since joining Hillarys in 2003, Yvonne has successfully launched many window dressing collections, including roller blinds, vertical blinds, Roman blinds, curtains and voiles.

3. Open up an entire bedroom wall with a Juliet balcony

If you have a beautiful view from your bedroom then you should do all you can to make the most of it – after all, what could be nicer than waking to far-reaching views or settling down in bed to watch the sun set?

Giving an entire wall over to your glazing is the ideal way to do this. In this enviable bedroom, floor-to-ceiling sliding doors flood the space with light as well as giving stunning vistas.

4. Build in seating for a snug relaxation spot

Building seating into the space beneath a bedroom window adds an extra level of comfort and a real sense of being able to snuggle up in the room. Window seats can also be designed to provide additional storage, which is often something much needed by those after great children's bedroom ideas.

In this brilliantly designed child's bedroom, a deep window seat not only provides an inviting spot to sit and relax, but it also doubles up as an extra bed in addition to the built-in bunks – plus it features lots of handy storage drawers. 

5. Ensure privacy with decorative window film

Natural light should be considered alongside your other bedroom lighting ideas and while it is lovely to have a bedroom that enjoys plenty of natural light, it is not so lovely to feel like anyone who happens to be outside your window could look up and see you half-dressed.

There are lots of different ways to obscure windows without blocking light, but window film has to be one of the easiest and most cost-effective. 

This Blossom Printed Window Film from Purlfrost has a stained glass-like appearance and can be ordered in your choice of size. For a film measuring 50cm x 25cm you can expect to pay £15.75.

6. Let light in and keep eyes out with bedroom shutters

Window shutters are the perfect choice for those after a window treatment that affords both privacy as well as letting natural light into bedrooms. They suit both modern bedroom ideas as well as those that are a little more traditional in their design.

"Plantation shutters allow total flexibility meaning you can control light levels and privacy for when you most need it, resulting in a private sanctuary from morning to night," says Sam Tamlyn, managing director at California Shutters.

7. Maximise views with a picture window

A picture window is the perfect choice for a bedroom with a view – and, if it is master bedroom ideas that you are after then this is one to really consider, as not only do they let plenty of natural light in, but they can also become a focal point in their own right. 

There are also plenty of ways to ensure you can block light from coming through when you want to rest – such as solid bifold shutters and blackout blinds. 

"Blackout blinds are a must-have for light-sensitive sleepers or in east-facing rooms," says Yvonne Keal. "They'll significantly reduce light intrusion, ensuring a dark and sleep-conducive environment."

In this bright and breezy bedroom full advantage has been taken of the timber picture window with a built-in window seat that adds to the feeling of comfort and relaxation in the space. 

8. Enjoy a lie-in with a view through a floor-level window

Windows that finish at floor level add a whole new dimension to a room, giving glimpses of outside that you might not expect with more standard windows. They work particularly well in bedrooms, where they allow a great line of vision even when lying in bed. With these types of window, floor-length curtains make the most sense – in fact this type of curtain is always a winner if it is a warm, luxurious feel you are after. 

"There are a huge choice of window dressings available today and each one comes with its own benefits," explains Debbie Leigh, design manager at ILIV. "For a bedroom, a comfortable, cosy and inviting feel is usually desired and full-length curtains are great for this. Not only do they provide complete privacy, choosing a quality thick fabric will also provide an extra layer of insulation as well as creating a sense of luxury and hotel-room chic."

9. Compromise with a shutter and blind combo

There is no reason why you should feel restricted to just one kind of window treatment when it comes to ways of finishing off your bedroom windows –sometimes a combination can make more sense. 

In this bedroom, shutters have been used on the lower section of the sash window to give a little privacy, while a Roman blind has been used for the top of the window, meaning light can still stream in when it is open. 

"For small bedrooms and windows, Roman blinds are a good option. They take up less space and can be more cost-effective, as they use less fabric," points out Debbie Leigh. "They are also flexible, allowing varying amounts of light into the room."

Debbie Leigh

Debbie is an expert in creating beautifully coordinated fabric collections that can be easily combined to create harmonious interior schemes. With more than 30 years' experience, she takes every design from conception right through to the finished textile and is inspired by the latest trends and techniques from every continent.

10. Extend your bedroom space with sliding doors and a balcony

Incorporating some balcony ideas into your bedroom is always going to add plenty of wow factor – but including this feature as part of your bedroom design will also extend it. When the weather allows, by using a combination of full-height glazing and doors – either sliding, bifold or simple French doors – you can step out of your bedroom and into a sunny extra space from which to enjoy views out over your garden. 

This stunning bedroom enjoys masses of natural light thanks to the fully glazed gable, rooflights and all-white decor scheme.

FAQs

Are thermal blinds a good idea in a bedroom?

Thermal blinds and curtains are a popular way to ensure rooms stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer – but do thermal curtains work and are they a good choice for a bedroom?

"Did you know, windows can account for up to 18% of a home's heat loss?," says Yvonne Keal, product manager at Hillarys. "Choosing the right window dressing can help keep that precious heat locked inside your bedroom so you stay cosy and warm even on the chilliest of nights."

Most thermal curtains are made up of several layers of material as opposed to just one or two – at least three layers is preferable. These layers work together to control the temperature in a room.

Dunelm stock a range of ready-made pencil pleat and eyelet thermal lining kits that can be fitted to existing curtains. 

Should you put a bed in front of a window?

There is a lot of split opinion on this one. Advocates of Feng Shui would say you should definitely not position your bed under a window – apparently it can result in a bad night's sleep and cause energy to escape out through the window. 

From a practical point of view, placing a bed under a window could cause the occupant to be disturbed by chilly breezes if draught proofing windows has not been carried out properly. Floor-length curtains will probably be out too.

Even a simple upgrade using something like this Door Window Draught Excluder Strip from Amazon would help with keeping things comfortable. 

That said, in some cases it is unavoidable – perhaps in a loft conversion where the only place for the bed is in the centre of the room on the wall where the window also happens to be. Choose good blackout blinds and make a feature of the window if this is the case, as in the example below.  

Want even more inspiration for your bedroom? How about taking a look at our favourite bay window ideas? This style of window is perfect for making a space feel bigger as well as bringing light in from many different angles.