• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • HOME
  • Love+Life
    • Adulting
      • This is the Story of My Life
      • I Hired a Life Coach
      • Why is Making Friends as an Adult so Freaking Hard?
      • My Biggest Insecurity… Money
      • My First Experience Using the Grocery Delivery Service Shipt from Meijer
      • Reusable Solutions: 8 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Waste
    • Wedding
      • Our Destination Wedding at Flora Farms
      • Our Intimate Courthouse Wedding
      • The Real Reason We Got Married 3 Months Before Our Wedding
      • How Much Does it Cost to Get Married at the Courthouse?
      • Our Couple’s Shower at Chateau Aeronautique Brewery & Winery
      • Our Tropical Wedding Invitation Suite from Minted
      • Slow Down & Enjoy Your Engagement with Modern Wedding by Kelsey McKinnon
      • The Best Little White Dresses for Your Bachelorette Party and Bridal Shower
      • Moody, Tropical, Boho Wedding Mood Board
    • Marriage
      • Married to Medicine
      • 5 Books to Improve Your Romantic Relationships
      • What If I’m Not Made to be a Mother?
      • The Real Reason We Got Married 3 Months Before Our Wedding
      • A Letter to My Almost Husband
      • Our Engagement Story
      • We Met on a Double Date
      • Finding Love After Heartbreak
  • HOME DECOR
    • Home Tours
      • Modern, Vintage Victorian House Tour
      • Paint Colors: As Seen on Instagram
      • Naked (The house, not me) Tour
    • Makeovers
      • Mudroom Makeover on a Budget
      • Mud Room/Laundry Room Progress Update
      • Black Bathroom Inspiration + Updates on Ours
      • Black & White Kitchen Renovation Inspiration
      • My $500 Kitchen Refresh Reveal with Cost Breakdown
      • Entryway Makeover: A Before & After on a Budget
    • Seasonal & Holiday
      • Holiday Home Tour 2018
      • Black & White Christmas Decor
      • Seven Ways to Make Your Home Feel Like Fall Without Holiday Decor
      • Fall Front Porch: Modern, Creative Ideas
      • Thanksgiving Tablescapes: Unique, Modern & Moody Fall Place Settings
  • Lifestyle
    • Family
    • Health & Fitness
      • My Battle with Chronic Headaches & Migraines + How I Found Relief
      • May is Mental Health Awareness Month
      • Why Every Entrepreneur Should Workout
    • Travel
      • Three Days on the Amalfi Coast: Italy Trip
      • A Magical Trip to Tulum, Mexico: On a Budget
      • La Lastra Winery Tour Sienna Italy
      • Transportation in Italy: What I Would do Differently
      • Vacationing in Costa Rica: Everything You Need to Know
      • Our Lake Michigan Weekend Getaway in a Tiny Cabin
    • Style
      • Zaful Swimwear Review + My Cheeky Honeymoon Bikinis
      • Beach Honeymoon Style Inspiration
    • Beauty
      • My Simple Skincare Routine
      • Getting Hair Extensions? Here’s What I Wish Someone Would Have Told Me
      • My 5 Minute weekday Makeup Routine
  • Business
    • Blogging
      • Affiliate Marketing: Make Money with Your Blog
      • Six ways to Monetize Your Blog and Social Media
      • How to Make Money Blogging
      • How to Manage a Blog When You Work Full-time
    • Entrepreneurship
      • Four Ways to Nail Your Business Finances
      • How to Avoid Isolation When You Work from Home
      • Empowering Quotes for Your Phone Screen Background
      • 12 Books Every Female Entrepreneur Should Read
      • The Power of Batch Working & Time Blocking as an Entrepreneur
      • Stylish Laptop Bags: Weekly Round Up
      • Seven Chances to Email Your List That You Might be Missing
    • Social Media
      • 5 Steps to Getting Ahead of Content Creation & Planning
  • SHOP
    • Home
    • Maternity
    • Organization
    • Beauty
    • Fashion
    • Sustainability
    • Workout
  • WORK WITH ME
    • Brand Collaborations
    • Wedding & Events
  • ABOUT

Miranda Schroeder

A millennial girl's guide to home, life & love.

What to do with the Bay Window?

mirandaschro| Home

This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for keeping my creativity afloat.

I randomly bring up our empty double parlor ALL of the time. I love a cozy home and this room is just so bare and empty! If I had all of the money in the world, I would buy more furniture to fill it up, but that is just not the case. It’s also an awkward space.

It sits between the dining room and living room and boasts a huge bay window and a fireplace flanked by French doors. The other sides of the room are open to the dining room and the living room. I can’t quite figure out what to even source for it since the layout is so complicated.

I adore this bay window painted in a deep, dark color with a hanging swing filling up the space. I desperately wanted to paint our bay windows black, but the previous owners installed white vinyl windows which aren’t meant to be painted.

I thought it would look funny if the windows remained white and the trim was black. That said, I ADORE black framed windows. I’ve also had a crush on hanging swings forever. I’m a little nervous to hang one form our plaster ceilings.

What to do with a bay window? | Miranda Schroeder Blog

Image Credit: Oh Happy Day

I’ve had a simple seating area with two chairs on my mind for awhile. I love the colors and textures in the image below. Maybe a little bright for our space, but the layout and concept is spot on. I’ve come SO close to grabbing a couple pairs of thrifted chairs and have yet to seal the deal. My problem with this is that if I fill the bay window with a seating area, what goes in the rest of the wide open space between the living room and dining room?

How to Style a Bay Window | Miranda Schroeder

Image Credit: Style Me Pretty

Another gorgeous seating area with a stunning light fixture. I love all the details in the molding and the archway. They just don’t make homes this beautiful anymore! I’m digging this vibe for sure. Neither of our parlors have overhead lighting and there aren’t very many outlets, so we will have to get creative.

How to Style a Bay Window | Miranda Schroeder Blog

Image Credit: FvF

Another option for the bay window would be a sofa. I love the gentle curve of this one and the fun color! The plants behind the sofa help fill the space and make it feel more cozy. Also, can we all drool at that light fixture plate! Seriously stunning and I’m jealous in every way.

How to Style a Bay Window | Miranda Schroeder Blog

Image Credit: Design Sponge

Another perfectly curved sofa and darling light fixture in this space. I love the brightness of the walls and the bold pops of color! Although it’s a bit more polished, it still feels cozy an eclectic. I’m really digging the roman shades here, too. We already purchased and hung white curtains on black rods, but the window could definitely use roman shades as well.

How to Style a Bay Window | Miranda Schroeder Blog

Image Credit: A Cup of Jo

Really loving the use of a small sized sofa so it feels more spacious. Again, I struggle with what to do with the rest of the room since it’s a “pass through” zone.

How to Furnish a Bay Window | Miranda Schroeder Blog

Image Credit: Design Sponge

Another option is to utilize the bay window as a breakfast nook or workspace! Although I love my office upstairs, looking out the window with the bright light pouring in would make for a pretty office view. This would also be a great motivator to keep my desk tidy and in tact. What is not to love about the image below? That black light fixture is everything and I love the eclectic feel of the table and chairs paired together.

How to Style a Bay Window | Miranda Schroeder Blog

Image Credit: House and Garden

More Home Decor Blog Posts You Might Enjoy:

    Even after pinning tons of furnished bay window examples on Pinterest, I’m still kind of stumped when it comes to furnishing this space. I’m really trying to think about the functionality of it and if we would ever use it.

    For example, we already have a large sectional. If we put a curved sofa in the window would anyone use it? I have so many questions and refuse to buy something that is just for looks. The space needs to be functional to justify furnishing it! If you have any ideas at all, please drop them in the comments!

    Now Get the Look

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Gloria Kifyuk says

      January 22, 2019 at 11:12 pm

      Drooling over those looks! But for you, what if you make a cool bar area looking right out the window? It’ll be the perfect spot for coffee in the morning! It will probably be hard to diy a big curved bar area without certain tools but it’s an idea! It can be extra seating for like kiddos who come over or something too 🙂 I have the image in my head but it’s hard to describe it 😂😬

      Reply
      • Miranda Allen says

        January 23, 2019 at 5:30 pm

        OMG! I am loving this idea & can 100% picture it in my head… I’m thinking like when you go to a bar/coffee shop/restaurant and they have the stools with a ledge out their front windows. Now to sell this idea to Andrew!

        Reply
    2. Elizabeth H says

      October 31, 2020 at 7:05 pm

      I just stumbled across your blog and I am in love! Can you post photos of your double parlor? We just moved into an old Victorian and we have the same problem…. double parlor with a bay window, awkwardly located fireplace and open to the dining room. I’m dying to know how you resolve your layout challenge!

      Reply
      • mirandaschro says

        February 18, 2021 at 2:01 am

        Hi Elizabeth! These posts show the space more and what I ended up doing over time!

        https://mirandaschroeder.com/one-room-challenge-parlor-reveal/
        https://mirandaschroeder.com/sage-green-living-room/

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome Friends

    I’m a newlywed living in Indianapolis, Indiana with my hubby and two pups, Porter and Piper. I wear a lot of hats, like blogger, marketing manager and small business owner. I believe everyone has the power to create a home, life & business that they LOVE. Don’t forget to subscribe for all the juicy updates I send out each week!

    Subscribe

    Find Something

    Blog Categories

    rug source

    The Latest

    • Spring Cleaning Checklist with Oreck
    • A Pro’s Guide to Refinishing your Hardwood Floors
    • Easy Dinner Recipes with Nakano Knives
    • From Weird TV Room to Guest Bedroom: This Room Got a Major Makeover
    • What’s in Baby Girl’s Closet

    What I’m Pinning

    • Inside the Home of a Modern, Victorian Filled with Cool Vintage | Black Eclectic Kitchen
    • Inside the Home of a Modern, Victorian Filled with Cool Vintage
    • Each spring, I love opening the windows and letting the fresh air pour into our home. Today we're sharing ten cleaning tips that will help break your home out of the winter blues. The post Spring Cleaning Checklist with Oreck appeared first on Miranda Schroeder.
    • Inside the Home of a Modern, Victorian Filled with Cool Vintage
    • Our Intimate Courthouse Wedding | Miranda Schroeder Blog | www.mirandaschroeder.com
    • Our Intimate Courthouse Wedding | Greenery Bouquet & Black Bridal Hat | Miranda Schroeder Blog | www.mirandaschroeder.com
    • Inside the Home of a Modern, Victorian Filled with Cool Vintage
    • Inside the Home of a Modern, Victorian Filled with Cool Vintage
    • Our Intimate Courthouse Wedding | Vintage, Rose Gold Engagement Ring | Miranda Schroeder Blog | www.mirandaschroeder.com
    • Our Intimate Courthouse Wedding | Vintage, Halo, Rose Gold Engagement Ring | Miranda Schroeder Blog | www.mirandaschroeder.com
    • Narrow, Small Entryway Ideas with Staircase | Miranda Schroeder Blog | Get entryway ideas at www.mirandaschroeder.com
    • We live in a world where we are constantly connected with the power of a computer in our purse or pocket. There is no clean, clear divide between work and personal life for so many of us. I got to the point where one email would put me in a downward spiral for hours, sometimes even a full day or two. The anxiety was so intense that it would make me physically sick, ruining special events, my normal favorite activities and time spent with people I love. Entrepreneurship | Business | Life

    Spring Cleaning Checklist with Oreck

    A Pro’s Guide to Refinishing your Hardwood Floors

    Easy Dinner Recipes with Nakano Knives

    Happy Saturday! 🌸 ⁠ ⁠ I have SO much to get Happy Saturday! 🌸 ⁠
⁠
I have SO much to get done today before we leave for the #babymoon tomorrow night. Not to mention, we are throwing a #babysprinkle for our sweet friends tomorrow right before we leave 🙃⁠
⁠
ALL THE BABIES.⁠
⁠
Our shower is next weekend, and I'm feeling more prepared for baby! In the end, I don't think there is anything that can possibly prepare you for bringing home a tiny human 😆⁠
    A rare sighting of our kitchen 👀 I've talked ab A rare sighting of our kitchen 👀 I've talked about how I want to gut this room since before we even closed on the house 🙈⁠⁠
⁠⁠
But so many people keep telling me it's not as bad as I make it out to be... & some even have said they like it 😂⁠⁠
⁠⁠
It's FULL of cherry wood, and was all done custom in the 1980s. Some days I love it. Other days, I hate it. I want to know your thoughts 👇🏼⁠⁠
⁠⁠
⁠PS: We are loving our new @nakanoknives 👏🏼 They just launched their new IG page!⁠⁠
⁠⁠
⁠⁠
⁠⁠
⁠⁠
⁠⁠
⁠⁠
⁠⁠
#thoughtfullythrifted #historichome #oldhouselove #kitchen #kitchenremodel #kitchenrenovation #paintedcabinets #sodomino #currentdesignsituation #apartmenttherapy #myhousebeautiful #finditstyleit #currenthomeview #mydomaine #mybhg #bhghome #myhomevibe #bohemianhome #ihavethisthingwithrugs #housetour #pocketofmyhome  #myeclecticmix #myhomevibe #homeblogger #mypinterest
    I am SO torn on how to paint this room 😩 Do I g I am SO torn on how to paint this room 😩 Do I go bright and white or dark and moody? Do I paint the wood or keep it as is? Helppppppppppp.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
There is absolutely no question that we will be replacing the ceiling fan 😂 Holding off on ordering one until I decide on paint color.⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
⁣⁠
⁠
⁠
#finditstyleit #pocketofmyhome #showmeyourboho #inmydomaine #homerenovation #currentdesignsituation #hunkerhome #myhousebeautiful #simplystyleyourspace #mybohoabode #myvintagehome #livingroomdecor #apartmenttherapy #howwedwell #modernboho #showmeyourstyled #howyouhome #mydomaine #showemyourstyled #heyhomehey #ispyraddesign #myeclecticmix #theeverygirlathome #bohovibes #smmakelifebeautiful #realhomesofinstagram #makehomematter #thenewbohemians
    We have been working so much lately & anytime we g We have been working so much lately & anytime we get together is such a treat 🖤 Pregnancy has brought a whole new set of challenges to our relationship + a whole lotta extra L O V E 🤰🏼⁠
⁠
I know things are going to change even more drastically when little miss Ryan makes her arrival. Thankful for a husband who is always so quick to forgive and even quicker to say sorry.⁠
⁠
Bring on the #babymoon hubs! Mama is ready for a break + some sand and sea 🌴🌊⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
#thoughtfullythrifted #posttheordinary #ownyoureveryday #girlshowyourface #seasonsofsimplicity #theartofslowing #seekthesimplicity #lifestylecollective #postwithpurpose #shedelights #relationshipgoals #Godisgood #marriagerocks #marriagematters
    It's time for spring cleaning #sponsored We are th It's time for spring cleaning #sponsored We are those weird people who LOVE to clean - on top of it being a new season, we are officially in nesting mode 🤰🏼⁠⁠
⁠⁠
We have tried SO many different vacuums and this @oreckliving bagged vacuum is AMAZING on hard surfaces & carpet (especially for all the dog hair).⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Head to my stories to see it in action!⁠⁠
⁠⁠
⁠⁠
⁠⁠
⁠⁠ #springcleaninghacks #springcleaningtime #springcleaningclosetremix #springcleaning2021 #spring #cleaningmotivation #springcleaningtips #springcleaningfever #homedecor #springcleaningsale #tidyingup #springclean #springcleaningcontinues #springcleaningmama
    The sun is shining & there is a healthy baby in my The sun is shining & there is a healthy baby in my belly ☀️🤰🏼 Nothing to complain about here. We are so ready for you little Ryan 🖤 #nesting #29weekspregnant⁠⁠
⁠⁠
⁠⁠
⁠⁠
⁠⁠
⁠⁠
⁠⁠
⁠⁠
#thoughtfullythrifted #sodomino #currentdesignsituation #apartmenttherapy #myhousebeautiful #finditstyleit #instahome #currenthomeview #mydomaine #designsponge #mybhg #bhghome #myhomevibe #bohemianhome #persianrug #rugsnotdrugs #vintagerugs #thisiswhyihavetothriftshopeveryday #ihavethisthingwithrugs #housetour #modernhome #mydomaine #pocketofmyhome  #myeclecticmix #myhomevibe #homeblogger #mypinterest

    Footer

    Disclosure

    This Site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Subscribe

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Connect

    hello@mirandaschroeder.com

    Book a Call with Miranda

    Copyright © 2021 · Florence Theme by Code + Coconut