Can you place your bed in front of a window?

Answering a very popular reader question today.
Whether it’s OK to put the head of your bed in front of a window.
head of bed placed in front of a window
A beautiful example of a bed placed in front of a window via Alice Lane Home.

Can you place your bed in front of a window?

Over the past weekend, I had a lovely email exchange with the talented and gorgeous interior designer, Jamie Herzlinger.

Jamie was kind enough to share some “before” and “after” images of a project she is currently working on.

before photo of bedroom
Caron Street: Master Bedroom “Before”
after photo of bedroom
Caron Street: Master Bedroom “After”
There is so much I love about this “after” photo!
The soothing color palette, the amazing chandelier, the abundance of nail head trim – just to name a few!
However, I think the best thing for me is the improved placement of the bed here.
I love that the bed now faces the entrance of the room…a real pet peeve for me.
Many people shy away from placing their beds in front of a window, just like the home owners in the before photo here.
But, you have to admit – the new placement looks SO much better.

Sometimes, putting your bed in front of a window is the best option.

The side tables really help to balance out and fill this space.
I also love the way Jamie handled the window treatments here as well.
Incorporating the drapery and shades into the crown molding was brilliant, since it really draws the eyes up.
The new drapery also really works so well with the window frames here.
I also love the way Jamie handled the window treatments here.
Incorporating the drapery and shades into the crown molding was brilliant, since it really draws the eyes up.
This provides another great focal point in this room.
Here’s another great example of a bed placed in front of the window.
I love how the minimal bed frame allows the natural light to still pore into this room!
If the windows were a bit taller here, you could opt for a more solid headboard as well.
Beds place this way not only look better, but it’s also considered to be better feng shui – to have your bed face the entrance or the middle of the room.
Many people swear by good feng shui for a good nights sleep.

bed placed under a window

So, don’t be afraid to put your bed under the window.

Thanks so much for sharing these images Jamie!

Let me know if this answers all of your bed placement questions.
Top Image via:  MarkPeterman.com
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Leave a Comment

59 Comments

  1. Love this before and afters. Love the unstuffy study. Thanks for sharing.

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  2. Wow! both transformations looks amazing. I love the colours in the second one. Hope you had a relaxing weekend,sweetie
    Kisses

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  3. shopgirl wrote:

    Totally cool transformations. I love how she turned stuffy and boring into something fun and stylish!

    Hope you had a great weekend sweetie!

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  4. Amazing work. Will go and scheck out her site. Thank you for sharing!

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  5. OH I love that study! So fun! Wall paper is fabulous. That bedroom looks like a cloud to sink into. Beautiful!

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  6. LOVE that master bedroom!!

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  7. Really thoughtful design work. She takes problems and finds interesting solutions…a mark of a great designer. I enjoyed seeing the befores and afters!

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  8. Julie wrote:

    Love this post. Jamie did a great job in both of these spaces.

    More posts like this please.

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  9. Wow. That bedroom is amazing! Thanks for sharing. I love learning about new designers and checking their portfolio. Happy Monday! abby

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  10. People often argue if things are black and white, when there is so much gray area for just about everything. I just love B & E's because there is no denying that it's black and white. It's there, it's decided, it's done and seeing is believing! THESE-R-FANTASTIC, thanks for highlighting! I can't wait to head over and see more of her brilliance 🙂

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  11. Wow, what a transformation! I love how the drapes and chandelier add a more airy feel to the room and the study looks much more cheerful! I can imagine getting more work done that way!

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  12. Stephanie wrote:

    the bedroom is my favorite – what a beautiful transformation!

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  13. Amazing transformation! Such a beautiful room. I agree that a bed should face the entrance!
    Have a nice day.
    Teresa

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  14. Wow! These are two huge transformations! I think the office is my favourite because of that fantastic wallpaper on the wall!

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  15. David Toms wrote:

    They really are such amazing before and afters! You would not think that they were the same rooms! Love the bedroom!

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  16. I love the neutrals she used in the bedroom! But that study is certainly the wow transformation… that wall is just simply… wow!

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  17. That bedroom transformation is just stunning! I love how the window treatments change the entire function of that space.

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  18. Deb wrote:

    Oh my gosh, I LOVE before and after shots! I watch those DIY shows and could just go for the last 5 minutes where they show the before and afters! xo

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  19. Nikki wrote:

    Wow, looks amazing. The bedroom is so bright and spacious now. Love it!

    xx
    Nikki

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  20. Staley Mc wrote:

    What an amazing transformation! These rooms look great!

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  21. So fun to see transformations! Have a great day.

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  22. Geez! I wouldn't be able to choose between the calm or the vibrant spaces!!!

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  23. Totally loving that bedroom action….I admire when layered neutrals feel super-luxe. Hm, that throw on the bed is calling my name.
    It's also great fun to see spaces that haven't been splashed across every national pub — great job, Zhush!

    Cheers, Alcira

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  24. Me again…Incidentally…just noticed, it took some major balls to convince the homeowners to rip out all those built-ins in the study. It also appears they removed the ceiling beams.
    That's an incredible feat of mindf*&$%ery for a designer, seeing as so many people are convinced that these details add value. Moreover, the men of the house tend to go for those heavy, dark paneled spaces.
    She must've given him a voucher to go play golf at some secluded Scottish resort, while she and the wifey worked their magic!

    thenerochronicles.blogspot.com

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  25. What great before and afters!

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  26. Talent……………….in spades. Brillant solutions in the bedroom and great style in the study. Thanks for sharing and that is a great cover pic too. XO

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  27. Katie wrote:

    You are so funny … Believe it or not, my friend Maya did actually decide to try one — Her face was priceless! There are lots of good things in peanut butter dog treats, but they're missing some crucial elements that would make them tasty to humans (sugar, for instance). Still, they look pretty yummy!

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  28. style'n wrote:

    I LOVE her work…she is super talented and I want to re create that bedroom!!!

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  29. This is incredible! She is a genius for sure!

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  30. Amy R. wrote:

    Amazing! Really gorgeous work! Thanks for sharing.
    Amy R.

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  31. The before and afters are amazing. Love that bedroom – I could curl up in that bed right now!

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  32. Jen wrote:

    Oh my gosh, these transformations are amazing! I had to go back and forth and really see how she did these!! What a talent.

    Happy Monday Dear! xo

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  33. yes, that room is so soothing! and i love the wallpaper in the office.

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  34. Wow! What a fabulous job on both rooms but i am lovin the bedroom…….Plush…..Maryanne xo

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  35. I adore Jamie!!!

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  36. Small world. Jamie is my neighbor!! She lives about a 1/2 block down the street from me. We do not know each other but I drive or walk by her house almost every day, it's beautiful – the details are perfect (I am only speaking about the outside of course).

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  37. THese are some great makeovers, Jamie is a real talent 🙂
    *kisses* HH

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  38. Dobbygirl wrote:

    Just beautiful, that study is a dream come true!

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  39. Ohhhh yummyyummyyummy inspiration!! Thanks for sharing!

    xo

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  40. Sue this is just gorgeous. Her before and afters are so dramatic I love it. The bedroom is really a remarkable transformation and the wallpaper (is that wallpaper?) in the study is beautiful – I would never think to put it with the rug on the floor, but it is amazing.

    xoxo,
    Carrie

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  41. Oh my she is a very talented lady. That master bedroom after photo is dreamy

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  42. Sarah wrote:

    I am a sucker for a good before/after.. These are beautiful rooms. It's obvious that Jamie Herzlinger is a seriously talented designer!

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  43. CDS wrote:

    What great transformations!!!!

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  44. Those Before & Afters are nuts! The lighting alone makes these rooms look like completely different spaces.

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  45. that bedroom is beyond good…

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  46. Wow! unbelievable! Such a difference!
    Thanks for sharing these beautiful rooms!

    Published on 10.18.10 · Reply
  47. Oh wow, I wish I had her talent!

    Published on 10.19.10 · Reply
  48. Oh my, the "afters" are stunning!! Adore the master bedroom…fresh and fabulous –

    Published on 10.19.10 · Reply
  49. She has got the right stuff, a real winner.
    Being so beautiful is also a plus. Great taste.

    yvonne

    Published on 10.19.10 · Reply
  50. Oooh, both makeovers are gorgeous!! The bedroom is so elegant and feminine. I love how the window treatments make it look as though the windows go right along both walls. Genius!!

    And the wall treatment in the study is fresh and fun. It really gives the room a lighthearted & whimsical feel 🙂

    Kelly

    Published on 10.19.10 · Reply
  51. This is so cool! I love the study too, so cheerful and upbeat, very creative! XX!

    Published on 10.19.10 · Reply
  52. Stacey wrote:

    I'm with you on the placement of the bed pet peeve, and i think it's bad feng shui too. Great transformations! XX

    Published on 10.19.10 · Reply
  53. I love these rooms! That bedroom is incredible, I also just love how the rooms have been styled for photographs {the books lying on the floor etc). Quite stunning.
    Nancy

    Published on 10.19.10 · Reply
  54. What a beautiful transformation. I adore that bedroom.

    xo

    Published on 10.19.10 · Reply
  55. That bedroom is swoon worthy.

    Published on 10.19.10 · Reply
  56. Kristin wrote:

    I can't get over what a difference those window treatments make. Gorgeous!

    Published on 10.19.10 · Reply
  57. Oh my! That bedroom is now a serious and stunning retreat. Hard to believe it is even the same room. Talented she is, Ms.Jamie. And not predictable, which I love!

    Thank you for sharing.

    ox, Mon

    P.S. Sue, hope all is well with you. I recently applied for a fantastic job in the corporate world. I did not get it — but I was so close! I am still licking my wounds…. My energy is slowly coming back.

    Published on 10.19.10 · Reply
  58. The bedroom transformation is lovely but the study photo took my breath away, it's gorgeous!! I can't even fathom having that kind of talent for decor. She is amazing!

    Published on 10.19.10 · Reply
  59. Signe wrote:

    Love love love the bedroom 🙂

    Published on 10.19.10 · Reply