Our canopy bed in our bedroom was my dream bed. I still remember walking around a crate and barrel a decade ago and seeing a beautiful canopy bed and just knowing one day I'd have one. This home was the first time we had ceilings that felt tall enough to accomodate the bed of my dreams and it was quite the ordeal to get it in our room.We ended up having to hoist it up the balcony to go through the 8' tall balcony doors. (you can see that escapade here). Chris said we could move it with us the same way we got it in here, but the truth is--it feels so perfect in this house and in this bedroom and maybe a tad rustic for our new home. The new buyers expressed interest in buying it and we were more than happy to oblige. So now I'm in the market for a new bed.
We're obsessed as ever with our Sleep Number mattress and it's for sure coming with us but it does put us in a bit of a box with the type of bed we can get. Our Sleep Number mattress comes with its own base and sometimes people will put a bed skirt to cover up the legs. I actually prefer to just set the base inside of a bed frame. We did this with our last bed (if you look closely you can see the bed legs AND the sleep number bed frame legs), and with the canopy bed. Just put it right inside!
This time around, I've been looking at skirted or slipcovered beds, more on that in a minute, because I'm also trying to figure out WHERE to put the bed in our new home. Peep the room in the photos below!
You can see there's two entrances leading into this room (one coming from a sitting room off the front entry, and the other coming from a hallway leading to the kitchen). You'll know from our talking video tour, the door leading to the sitting room off the entry is getting walled off and we'll just have the one entrance. We'll also be removing all the tray ceilings in here. (In fact, our contractor sent us an updated photo of this room I put in at the bottom of this post!) So when it comes to bed placement we will have 3 options...
- bed against the wall (the wall with the entrance door), facing the window
- bed against the other wall, facing the bathroom entrance
- bed against the bay window, facing the wall
First, go read this post all about bed placement. (I've been down this road before!) I'm LEANING toward bed against the bay window. Chris said he's "open to try it." I like to walk into a room and see the bed and have the foot of the bed facing the door. I tend to feel backwards otherwise.
We aren't going to make and concrete decisions until we're there in person and try EVERYTHING, but Here's a couple photos of beds in front of a window nook I showed Chris to convince him. haha!
There's a lot of things to consider when placing a bed and although it's less typical to have a bed in front of a window, I love that it will be in this little cove of light. And to be honest, one of our favorite things to do at the end of the day is enjoy a show together in bed, and the tv placement makes sense on that opposite wall.
I really don't want to block out light coming into the room so I'm looking at beds with a lower headboard, and the skirted part to conceal our bed base. We rounded up some gorgeous skirted beds, and put them all in order of lowest to highest price point for you. To be fair, we did sprinkle a few beds in here that are upholstered to the ground, but no skirt because they would do the job, too.
1. Blue Sky Linen Slipcover Bed $559
2. Abdallah Upholstered Platform Bed $719
3. Laurel Upholstered Skirted Bed $802
4. Beige Oatmeal Linen Slipcover Bed $859
5. Pullover Pleat Sateen Bed $1499
6. Rigby Bed $1699
7. Ella Bed $2999
8. Paxton Slipcover Bed $3298
9. Broderick Slipcovered Bed $3698
10. Tall Broderick Slipcovered Bed $3798
11. Faris Bed $3900
12. Shelby Bed $5900
Leave a Reply
WE'RE CHRIS + JULIA
Portfolio
Projects
I guess your new locale is more temperate, but here in Michigan I’m just picturing the window being drafty / impacting temperature as you sleep?
Hi Julia, I’m a recent follower of your page and I’m so glad I discovered you. It’s so inspiring watching and teaching your posts. I have a quick question, are you not a fan of grayed ceilings? I noticed you always take them out. Wanted to see what your thoughts are when it comes to ceilings in general that are 9-10ft high (not cathedral ceilings)
Not a fan of tray ceilings, personally!
I like the look of the windows behind the bed, and there light, of course, but I really struggle with seeing the headboard from the outside! That’s why I don’t like high sofa backs in front of living room windows when the room has those really low windows…. Like in a split level… I like seeing the entire windows without furniture in front of it…
Definitely in the bay and with a low, pleated frame. It's going to look gorgeous. So curious if you are going with earthy colors again?
Looking forward to seeing what you end up doing. You're just going to have to play around with it. From the photos you posted of your bedroom, your bay window looks too small to fit anything larger than a full size bed in it. You also have a floor register there and you don't want to cover that up otherwise your room won't get cool in the summer or warm in the winter.
We are on the same predicament. Right now the bed is in front of the window and it 100% blocks the light but we also like having a tv. We are gonna try flipping the bed and using a projector/screen. These come in very small/discrete sizes now. We will see...
I am also in the market for a new bed and LOVE the look of these skirted/upholstered ones. But I’m wondering how you clean under there? It could be that I’m the most disgusting person out there, but the amount of dust that seems to accumulate under our current leggy bed is alarming. Do you all move the whole bed to vacuum under there periodically? Is there enough space to flip up the skirt and reach under there?
You can generally just flip up the skirt!
We have a temper-pedic adjustable base and mattress. My headboard can only be 40” high because there is a window above the wall that the bed goes on. I’m having so much trouble finding a king bed to work
Thanks for the inspiration. Can’t wait to see your new house.
Someone once told me to never have the bed oriented with your feet facing the door, because that's the way they carry you out when you die. True or not, it has always stuck with me. LOL
It's the only way I like! that's funny!
I have heard this, too! I think it's a Feng-Shui thing. But I always thought it meant to not place the bed immediately in front of the doorway, and if it's over to the side from the doorway a little, it's ok.
All I can think of is Forest Gump! His mom's bed was right in front of a big bay window in the movie and I think it would be lovely set up that way too. Guess I've seen it one too many times. Welcome to NC!
I can't wait to see your final choice!. Looking at bay window head on, it is symmetrical... I think the bed would look lovely. Glad to see the tray ceilings removed. They are so low over the transom windows. Are you changing any of the moulding?
Love the room! I can’t wait to see it come together! We have a similar layout. My husband is a firefighter and always says if at all possible never put your bed against the window for safety reasons. Just another thought to consider...whatever way you go I am sure it will be stunning!
So my designer aunt said about windowed walls, “there is already something interesting on that wall.” I tend to agree. You’ll love waking up to that view every morning rather than being kept awake by it. The TV would mount nicely to the right of the window.
I practice Feng Shui, which dictates that the bed should be in a command position to benefit it's occupants.
EX: the bed should be diagonally opposite the door ( command position) on a solid wall ( support for all you do) with a decent headboard ( nothing slatted or with cutting energy). We'd never put a bed in front of a window-it blocks the light, and is not helpful for support. The other thing to NOT have in a bedroom is electronics of any kids ( TV, Phone, ipads, etc.) The EMF's are not helpful for health/sleep. There are plenty of places to watch mind-numbing TV in a big house! Here's a link about bedrooms that you may find helpful: ( its billed as "for love" but it has bedroom layout tips ) https://redlotusletter.com/podcast-episode-4-feng-shui-for-love/
I don't think I would ever ever ever put a bed on a diagonal
I KNOW whatever you do will be fabulous! But one idea I haven't seen mentioned is to put the bed opposite the bathroom on that wall and when you do the ensuite bathroom, relocate the door off the left where I believe there is a closet. Then you aren't facing the bathroom which is usually frowned upon, and you get direct front access to a tv for your bed. You are both great at space planning, I am sure you could figure out a way to rework the space so the entry could be moved and you can see have a nice bathroom ensuite and closet but not stare at it from the bed.
I love the idea of the bed in the bay window. It is “fung shiu” to have the foot of the bed toward the entry door of the bed. It is considered bad energy to walk into a bedroom and see the side of a bed and not to look at the head of the bed.
As tall people, I wonder how you feel about foot boards? I noticed some of the beds you showed have them, some don’t. My husband is 6’4” and can’t stand a footboard on his bed.
I had this same question! I'm only 5'10" and I'm not sure I could deal with a footboard (though admittedly haven't tried one for any long period of time). I think I tend to sleep lower down the bed compared to what is perhaps normal, but I find my feet touching or hanging over the end of the bed as it is. Curious how you guys feel about this too as tall people. I do love the look of footed beds though!
We've never had a footboard and would probably avoid one just because of our height, but I love the look so much
Hubby is 6’4” and he hates the floorboards! First thing he does when he gets in bed is kick the sheets loose!
Hubby is 6’4” and he hates the footboards! First thing he does when he gets in bed is kick the sheets loose!
Whatever you decide will be absolutly stunning! I'm wondering if you can place your bed facing the bay window, and somehow configure a piece of furniture at the foot of the bed so thst the TV can be recessed within it and pop up when you want to watch it. Just another idea. Hope you start feeling better soon--you should be able to enjoy this time instead of feeling crummy. Sending good vibes!
I love a pop up TV idea! They even have a new bed out where it “hides” under the bed & then with come out from under it on two poles so it’s at the foot of the bed while watching it!
https://youtu.be/EBWpjLuOd3I
Love the pop-up TVidea! I prefer to have my bed face the windoe so I can see the changing sky.
I love the idea of the hidden tv. Reminds me of Gilmore Girls. It could be your Lorelei bed. (Jason Stiles guest room. )
We have an identical bedroom layout and our bed is on the wall that's getting filled in. I like it because:
1. Easy access to open and close curtains
2. More equal distance to reach the bathroom. No one has to do a u turn around the bed. In another house our bed had to be on the entrance wall and it was so annoying doing these long laps if I needed something from my night stand or using the bathroom.
3. Easy access to look out window at kid in the yard/spy on neighbors
4. Right now the sun is still up at 8:30pm. If you are in bed watching TV, it's better it NOT face the window. Even with black out curtains. Our dresser is next to the bathroom door and it is a perfect area for a tv.
Beds in front of windows is so pretty. I love the inspo images. But for these reasons my preference is practicality over pretty 😞
Addisons Wonderland has all her beds in front of big windows and it looks amazing!
Surprised you don’t want seating around that beautiful window (I would have thought against the wall with the door so the foot is “facing the window) ... too much light from bathroom for the other wall placement IMO. But with your photos I can see it would be pretty; however I would definitely keep with a low headboard ... 1, 5 or 7 maybe.
You mentioned once that you will miss the natural light from your bathroom & having a make up vanity in your closet. I think having a bed up against the new flat wall is best for the bed & the nightstands. Then place a vanity table in the bay window.
You won’t be getting that much natural light even in your new bathroom. I think it will be perfect for videos, until you’re ready for a bathroom makeover. 🤍
Now I'm curious where the previous owners had their bed! I agree with others that in these photos the bay window doesn't look big enough to fit a bed and nightstands, but having a headboard on an entry wall never feels right which would leave the sitting room wall but it does leave the conundrum of where to put a tv!
Love the style of #7
The Ella bed is gorgeous! I do think it needs to be on the new closed up wall. Your tv can go on the opposite wall of the bed next to the bathroom door and just have your art on the tv with nothing below it. I like the idea someone else had of your makeup vanity going in front of the bay window!
Can't wait to see what you choose!
You picked the cleanest contractor I’ve ever seen in my life! I’m always blown away by how neat the demo pictures are!
Can’t wait to see what you decide!
What do you do about the AC vent in the floor? Won't blocking it with a skirted bed affect the airflow in the room? We have that issue in my son's room, and covering the floor vent, even with a bed with legs, made it too hot in the room. :-(
Julia - May your health improve soon; you're too busy remodeling and moving to be feeling bad! Our bedroom has the same orientation that your new one would have if you locate the bed on the newly closed up wall (bed facing the bathroom). The big windows and the flood of light is what you notice first in our bedroom, which I love! The foot of the bed is still oriented toward the room's entrance, and that feels right to us. I'm interested in whether you could locate a TV on the bathroom entrance wall and easily watch it from the bed on the opposite wall if the bed is centered.
I just cannot get over the bed in the first bay window inspired picture! It is so beautiful and seems just up your alley. Is there any way you could find one similar with a slightly lower headboard and a base that goes down? It also seems as though it would fit in so well with the style you’re going with the house. I’m always in love with whatever you do, so I’m sure it’ll be great:)
inspo* whoops!
These all sound like great options and you'll make it work and look amazing regardless!
Curious as to the dreamy bed-in-window bay option shown in these inspo photos -- what is the measurement of your bay window? Would a king frame take up the majority of the bay? I think that would be the decision factor for me -- if the bay is large enough to comfortably fit the width of a king and side table, you're golden! Otherwise I would make it a cozy reading nook. I'm also very intrigued by one reader's suggestion to try the bed in the middle of the room! I don't think smack dab in the middle would be great, but near to the bay but with a nook in the bay itself could be fun.
Can't wait to see!!! And can give an MVP shout out to your amazing contractors?!? Looks like they are absolutely killing it so far :)
I went with the Broderick Slipcover Bed recently because our bed is under eaves from our roofline and it was one of the only skirted beds I could find that was short enough. I love it! I was worried it might feel too small/insignificant, but that is not the case at all. We have a cool mantis sconce above
I’m with you, I hate not seeing the foot of the bed whenever you walk into the bedroom. With that being said, I would choose in front of the bay windows or on the new wall (the entrance that’s getting walled-in right now). Right now we don’t have an option to see the foot of the bed in our home due to the space needed for our dressers, but you see the whole side of it as you walk in (which I think is much better than having the headboard on a side in which you can’t even see the headboard unless you walk in the room and turn around).
Hi!! Do these bed frames work for your sleep number mattress? Curious if the sleep number adjustable flexfit base fits within the frame? Thank you!
We haven't had issues with it fitting in either of our last two king size bed frames. It's the exact size of a king sized mattress so USUALLY it just fits inside
Hi Julia! Thank you so much! Appreciate the response. Can’t wait to see what you do 😁
Hmmm... this is a tough choice! It will look amazing wherever you decide and love the bed style you're going for! So many pretty choices! If you decide to place it in front of the windows, can you move the vent?
Can we just talk about how clean and tidy they are, Goals!
Cannot wait to see this project progress. Thank you for sharing with us!
I think the bay windows will frame the bed beautifully. Bed number 3 and 7 have a more sculpted look which I feel you need. The bed should have a beautiful silhouette because that will be the true focus when the sunlight is pouring in.
I had a very low profile bed frame against one of three entirely windowed walls. This is my great grandmothers house and a queen bed was always in a strange corner before. As Julia states it is right to walk in the room and see the bed toward the entrance. In my case there was no other way IMO. The low profile bed frame is also key. Also TV placement 💯
Have you considered floating your bed in the center of the room? I know its more commonly done in contemporary bedrooms but it could be interesting to see how it would work in a more traditional setting. The window could be used as a reading nook and/or a plant alcove. TV mounted on an arm on one of the walls.
I like the bed to be the first thing you see, too. With this room, if the bed were on the same wall as the windows, it feels like it might be too many focal points on that one wall, while the rest of the room is relatively blank. The great news is it’s just furniture and you can play around with it once you’re there! You’ll figure it out and it will be lovely.
I really like the inspiration photos, but those look like the beds fit *inside* the bay, while I think your bay window would be too small for a king bed and nightstands. I would put it to the right, against the wall with the door you’re patching. You’ll still walk in and get a nice view of the bed!
I totally agree with you. That wall looks like the perfect position. That bay-window is just so lovely for a seating area, looking out of the window. That would get lost if you place the bed there. Can't wait to see what Julia is coming up with.
I’m with you gals. Also, there’s an HVAC vent in the window alcove. Would hot/cold air either blow on you in bed or be blocked by the bedskirt if the bed were in front of the window? Cheers!
Agree with EP and Ellen!!! The bed on the newly patched wall does the job of seeing the foot of the bed when you walk in but also leaves a nice reading nook or chaise long or even antique round table and 2 armchairs in front of the windows bay. I also prefer the bathroom entrance being south of the bed with kinda equal distance from where both partners sleep as opposed to on one side of the bed. The TV can be on arm from the wall of entrance or maybe on wall next to bathroom? At the end of the day, wherever Julia puts the bed is going to be beyond beautiful and inspiring so cannot wait to find out! :))
Exciting to see progress and the tray ceiling gone! Are you planning on keeping the shutters? If yes, will you be able to access them easily with the bed in the window? And are you planning to keep them in other rooms? I guess they may be suited to the climate and sunshine in NC?
Whatever you decide, it will be beautiful- especially looking out onto the perfect landscaping around the house.
I would normal say no, do a little sitting space in that gorgeous bay window but those two inspo photos have me convinced! I hope you'll try it! Love those skirted beds!
You can try all of the placement ideas once you are there. I'd put folded hand towels under all the furniture legs so you can push it all around and play musical furniture until you get it right. Why are there long cut out drywall sections by the windows?
I love the idea and look of beds in front of pretty windows but I did notice I would have terrible nightmares when my bed was next to a mirror or when it was in front of windows. And, when it was in front if windows I never felt safe. Come to find out it is very bad Feng Shui.
First of, I love the house and the garden is magical....
I like looking outside while laying in bed. So I would place the bed against the newly made wall. It’s also nice to be able to look in the bathroom being in bed. If the tv is to far you can opt for a bed with built in screen. You can custom make it and use the the same fabric as the bed. I would go for bed nr 9 with the headboard of nr 6 in a warm dark blue soft fabric
Looking forward to your result ☺️
I also had a bed in front of the only window in my last house with an upholstered headboard and white drapes on either side of the window. With the headboard coming up past the midpoint of the windows and the curtains on the sides, covering a few inches of the window as well, the whole thing blocked 75% of the natural light coming in the room and it always looked dark. Just something to keep in mind. My vote is put the bed on the wall you are closing the doorway and face it towards the bathroom. You’ll have the most wonderful view of the window when you walk in the room!
Can I just say HOW much I appreciate that your product roundups are always in price order? Just, wow. Thank you. 😂🙌🏼
Excited beyond belief for you all. North Carolina is so beautiful — all of Appalachia is — and this home is going to be incredible!
Definitely would be charming with the bed in front of the window. You’ll make it beautiful!
We have bay windows and a fireplace in our bedroom (Victorian London flat!). We tried putting the bed in the window for a couple weeks, but the noise and sunshine bothered me too much and I felt a bit vulnerable so close to the outside on the ground floor. We moved the bed to the wall next to the window, eg. the wall where you all are closing the door, and are much happier with the placement. It faces the fireplace, so it still feels logical/symmetrical in the space, and we put a pretty dresser in the bay so everything feels balanced and pleasing to my eyes! I'm sure you will love whatever you decide feels right in your space :)
We have our bed in front of windows so that the bed is immediately visible and you're standing near it's foot when you enter--I totally agree, other orientations tend to feel off to me. I'm also a TV in the bedroom person, and this allowed us to create a wall of built ins we use as our wardrobe, with TV niche in the center. Wit the right bed, it can definitely work! You're an early riser, but I will say, it gets bright in the AM. I sleep in a mask so it's okay for me, but you'll want to consider your window treatments carefully if you want to be able to sleep in from time to time. Good luck! So excited to follow along :)
What IF....you put the bed on the wall where you are closing up the second entrance (so TV can go on the opposite wall) and leave the bay window open for a vanity like you have in your closet now? All that gorgeous light would be great to sit in front of for applying makeup, etc. Or if you have plans for a vanity area already in your new ensuite, you could make a built-in window seat or put a cozy chair. Just some ideas! I know you will make it perfect whatever you do.
Love this idea, Katy! This is what I might try as well. I especially love the idea of a reading chair in the little alcove.
Having the bed in the window area sounds beautiful as well, but would you be able to fit bedside tables?
I know it will all look beautiful when finished, can’t wait to see what you decide on!
I vote for this :) our bed is in front of the window and I'm not crazy about it because the other walls feel bare by comparison (so much furniture: bed, nightstands, PLUS curtains on one wall) and I felt limited in the headboard style so as not to block light. We went with metal. But you can certainly play around and if I had other options I'd probably move my bed every 6 months 😂 it's a hobby!
Oh yes this gets my vote too! We also had our bed by window for a time, and I have to admit I think it disrupted my sleep - even with black our windows. A window seat just sounds so dreamy too.
That's the best idea... in terms of good energy flow... blackout curtains are a must in the bedroom to sleep well and to wake refreshed... I can't wait to see all the transformations.
All the heart eyes for No. 7 on that list!!
I have no opinion, just wanted to say it's so fun to see you planning new spaces!
Same, swooning over that bed!
We have a similar layout in our bedroom and I, years ago, put the bed in the window alcove. At the time I thought it was such a wonderful idea however I have since moved it against the wall where it really rightfully belongs. Thinking back on it now and how it looked, it just realistically wasn’t the space for the bed and night stands. The chaise that I have there now is a much better fit and look. Whatever you decide will be right for you though. I look forward to your posts and wish you good health.