Beds under windows: a design do or don't?

Make the most of natural light and views

If you have a room with a view, you may be tempted to wake up facing it every morning. However, design experts say that if your window faces East, where the sun rises, placing the bed either facing it or right beside it could be counterproductive. You may find your sleeping pattern disrupted in the summer, and may resort to keeping the curtains closed for longer to block the light – while also blocking the view. Instead, placing your bed facing toward the window, but not directly under or opposite it, could be the ideal solution.

Of course, if your bedroom windows face another cardinal direction, you can still design the rest of your room around the windows to enjoy your stunning panorama.

Consider temperature and air quality

It may be frowned upon in Feng Shui, but sometimes climate creates solid reasons for putting your bed under the window. For example, in a less-than-expansive bedroom, it's better to block a window than a radiator. Covering the radiator will limit its efficiency, lowering temperatures and raising heating bills.

In warm climates, placing the bed under the window can encourage air flow and allow your body heat to escape at night. If you have windows that can open at the top, take advantage of this feature to create better air circulation and help to cool the room with natural convection currents.

Use a bed under the window to solve design dilemmas

It's not uncommon for windows to disturb the symmetry of a room. In these instances, a bed is a fantastic design tool. Placing the bed on the opposite side to the window will add an extra focal point and hence create a more open, balanced space.

However, when the window is in the middle of the room, you're faced with a challenge. Placing a bed underneath can block light, tangle with the curtains and make it tougher to open and close the windows. Nonetheless, there are instances when you can effectively place a bed under the window. Choosing the right luxury bed will make a big difference. A low frame, for example, ensures that neither the view nor the light are blocked. Another factor is the shape of the frame. Matching dimensions to the size and shape of the window frame will restore symmetry and balance. Alternatively, opt for beds with curtains and you won't need them over the window.

Choosing the right furniture for the room can also make a big difference. For example, selecting the ideal bedside tables can blend the form of the bed with the window frame, and choosing matching wardrobes and chests of drawers will tie the room’s geometry and décor together. So when it comes to bed placement, don’t consider it in isolation. Map out the room as a whole, and you’ll find harmony in your space.