BUDGET FRIENDLY WINDOW TREATMENTS FOR A LARGE WINDOW AND IDEAS FOR MAKING A SITTING AREA COZY.
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Well, the master bedroom makeover is nearly finished. After updating the sitting area and installing new window treatments in the large bay window, there’s only one remaining project on my list. This post focuses on the budget-friendly window solutions I used and a few simple ideas that helped turn a spacious bay into a warm, inviting sitting area.
The sitting nook started out very different. Here’s a reminder of how the bedroom looked when we first toured the house.
I didn’t take photos of the room immediately after we moved in, so I can’t show that intermediate stage, but a few weeks ago the walls had already been neutralized, the carpet replaced, and we’d added a pair of swivel rockers from HomeGoods. They’re incredibly comfortable—Tommy Bahama is the brand, though I don’t have a product link.
Adding the draperies changed the whole feel of the space. They introduced softness, color, and a sense of enclosure that made the bay window feel like a deliberate sitting area instead of an awkward expanse of glass.
The curtains are a chambray gray-blue that complements the muted tones of our bedding and adds a subtle pop of color without overwhelming the room. The folded comforter at the foot of the bed picks up the same palette and ties the whole space together.
Large windowed areas can be tricky to make feel cozy because the scale and openness work against intimacy. With a few practical strategies—layered textiles, scaled furniture, soft lighting, and well-chosen window treatments—you can create a welcoming corner without spending a fortune.
One of the biggest cost savers was how we handled the bay window hardware. True bay window curtain hardware can be very expensive, but we used the same inexpensive drapery hardware hack we used in our breakfast room—an approach detailed in my projects post. It’s simple, versatile, and cost-effective. For this bay, I estimate we spent under $30 for all the hardware. The same technique can be adapted for almost any window configuration, not just bays.
Practical tips for making a large sitting area feel cozy:
- Layer textiles: add curtains, throw blankets, and a few plush pillows to soften the space.
- Define the area: use a rug or bench to visually anchor the sitting spot within the larger bedroom.
- Scale furniture appropriately: choose chairs that fit the space without feeling dwarfed by the windows.
- Lighting matters: add a floor lamp or replace ceiling fixtures with a softer option to create ambiance in the evenings.
- Keep accessories minimal but meaningful: a small side table, a plant, and curated books make the space inviting without clutter.
Here’s my updated to-do list for the room (items crossed out are finished):
Purchase new dresser and chest of drawers and change hardware.Purchase new chairs.Purchase new bed and bedding.Purchase new bench for foot of the bed.Hang wallpaper.Use wallpaper somewhere other than on a wall.Replace and hang mirror above dresser.Paint nightstands and change hardware.Makeover or replace lamps on nightstands.Add artwork above bed and above chest of drawers.Add window treatments in bay window.Replace ceiling fan.Replace lamp in bay window area.Purchase accent pillows.Add sconces to either side of mirror above dresser.- Make faux Roman shades for windows beside bed.
- Address problem with extension cords and other wires. (I think I have a solution!)
The next and final project is to create faux Roman shades for the two windows that flank the bed. I’ll be filming a video tutorial to show the simple way I plan to make them, so stay tuned for that walkthrough. For now, the bay window sitting area feels complete: affordable, functional, and comfortably cozy thanks to a few thoughtful updates and budget-friendly window treatments.