The window as a headboard: A thousand ideas for placing the bed under the window

Advantages and disadvantages

The main disadvantages of placing the bed under the window come on the one hand from the difficulty of opening the window, since it forces us to lean on the bed to open it. In addition, once opened, the possible draft over our heads if we are asleep is not the most suitable.

Even so, this option has its advantages. In addition to the aesthetics (sometimes the window works as a large painting), we find a cost savings (we save the purchase of the headboard or decorating that wall), the ease of opening certain windows when they are very high, as in some semi-basements or lofts (as we have a permanent foothold to climb) and space saving, allowing to place double rooms in elongated and narrow bedrooms in which otherwise would be very difficult or forced.

When to place the bed under the window

Sometimes, due to the configuration of the room or its exterior openings, if we want to convert it into a bedroom, we have no choice but to use the window as a headboard.

Rooms with large windows

When the room is full of large windows that leave practically no free walls, it is necessary to place the bed underneath. To protect yourself from the air and facilitate the opening of the window, if possible, you can place the bed slightly in front (to make way behind), and use a small wooden or upholstered headboard that acts as a barrier.

If, on the other hand, you do not want to block any of the light opening, low beds that are kept below the window are recommended.

Rooms with windows in several walls

There are rooms that, although they do not have large windows, do have windows on more than one wall.

This limits the options when placing the bed and therefore there is no choice but to place the bed under one of them, but in this case has the advantage that we eliminate its two main drawbacks, since having other windows, we can keep the headboard window always closed and open the others to ventilate.

Narrow and elongated rooms

When in a narrow, elongated room with a window in the background we want to place a double bedroom, often there is no choice but to place the bed under the window, since in its proper position (parallel to the window) we would not leave room for the feet. In addition, for aesthetics, in these cases the bed thus arranged visually "shortens" the length of the room, improving its layout.

Rooms with high windows

Some houses, apartments or apartments often have windows that cannot be reached by reaching up from the ground. This is the case for example of semi-basements (in which the windows are at the top of the wall to let in light from the street), gabled houses or attic apartments and lofts (whose ceiling heights sometimes cause windows to be placed out of reach).

In these cases, placing a bed under the window makes sense, since on the one hand the possible drafts are far away and on the other hand it allows us to use the bed as a permanent ladder, so that by climbing on it we can more easily open those windows that are otherwise inaccessible.

Special windows

When the window itself, due to its special characteristics, becomes the focus of the room (for example, if through it a spectacular landscape can be perceived, if it has a creative or original format, etc.), it is convenient to place the bed under the window to focus all eyes on it.

This is because it must be taken into account that in a double bedroom, the main point of attraction is the area of the headboard and cushions, so if in these cases the bed is placed in another location, the human eye would have two different focal points of attraction (headboard and window) that would unconsciously conflict when paying attention.

In this way, placing the window as a headboard gives it all the importance.

To take advantage of the windowsill

Sometimes, the window is not in line with the inside face of the wall but with the outside, leaving us with a nice window sill that can be decorated in many ways.

Well, by placing the bed under the window we can use the window sill as a bedside table or as an additional support, where we can place a lamp, some plants, a book, the alarm clock, the breakfast cups...

Minimalist rooms

Minimalist style rooms lend themselves like no other to place the bed under the window, since, faithful to the "less is more", why place a headboard if we already have one "as standard"?

For purely aesthetic reasons

Sometimes, you may decide to place the bed under the window just because you like the way it looks.

We have enough space across the width and walls to place the bed where it suits us, the window is not particularly original, but we consciously decided to use the window frame as a focus of attraction.

Is it also suitable for children's rooms?

Of course! Although in these cases it is more difficult to see them, since a children's bed occupies less space in width and therefore allows other configurations, but of course this option is valid for all types of rooms, whether with wide or narrow bed, child or youth, for one or for two.

Although the ideal in these cases is that the window acts as a headboard, if it is larger, a bedside table can be placed next to it, creating a frame for the whole.

In the opposite case (if the window is narrower than the bed) the ideal would be to center the window with the bed, but if this is not possible, it can also be placed on the side, compensating the free space in some way (with a picture, with a powerful curtain drawn on that side, etc.).

How to decorate them

If the window is chosen as the headboard, we must know that it will be the focus of attention and therefore should create an environment that enhances its strengths.

Uncovered windows

When the window itself or the landscape is spectacular enough, it is best not to cover them so that nothing tarnishes their appeal.

It is also convenient to leave them visible when the window is wide and short, since in these cases it would not make much sense to place a curtain or a blind.

Likewise, if the sill serves as a bedside table, for practicality's sake it should not be covered.

Decorating with curtains

In the Nordic countries they are used to dispense with blinds and curtains not only to maximize the light but also because they don't usually care (or talk) about what the neighbors do or don't do in their homes.

However, in Mediterranean countries, leaving a window uncovered is rare, especially if it is a bedroom. Therefore, the option of placing curtains on the window is almost essential.

As options, if you are looking for a light atmosphere or you have a Scandinavian aesthetic bedroom you can opt for a simple white sheers. On the other hand, if your bedroom is more classic or you want to give more prominence to the window you can choose curtains something more "packaging", either with the material (velvets, heavy fabrics) or color (gray, beige, dark tones ...)

You can also choose to place the curtains along the entire length of the headboard (if you have several windows) or at the foot, creating a very romantic space.

Finally, if your room has a special window, nothing better to cover it than a very light net curtain, even leaving the part that is out of the ordinary.

Other options

In addition to the classic curtains, you can choose to place venetian blinds in wood or another color to create contrast.

You can also use shutters, louvered shutters or other systems that avoid curtains.

And finally, if you like windows as a headboard but want to avoid their drawbacks, how about placing fake ones? :)

As you can see, there are a thousand options. Do you dare to put the bed under the window? In case you do, here are some more examples for your inspiration.