When designing or arranging a bedroom, one of the key decisions is where to place the bed in relation to the windows. Some people prefer to have the head of their bed facing the window, while others argue it’s better for the side or foot of the bed to be aligned with the window instead. There are pros and cons to each setup, so let’s take a look at the different options and factors to consider when deciding if a bed should face a window.
Pros of Having the Bed Face the Window
Here are some potential benefits of having the head of the bed facing the window:
- Allows you to look outside – Having the head of the bed facing the window gives you a nice view outside, which can be relaxing and enjoyable. It connects you to the outdoors.
- Lets in morning light – Facing the window means sunlight will stream onto the bed in the morning, which can be invigorating and help you wake up.
- Increases airflow – With the head of the bed near the window, you’ll get better cross ventilation and airflow.
- Makes room feel bigger – Aligning the bed with the window can make a room feel more open and spacious.
- Easy access to views – You don’t have to get out of bed to enjoy the outdoor views that the window provides.
So if you like gazing at outdoor scenery, waking up to natural light, and having good ventilation, pointing the head of the bed at the window could be ideal.
Cons of Having the Bed Face the Window
However, there are also some downsides to consider with this orientation:
- Light and noise disruption – Sunlight and outdoor noises coming through the window could disrupt sleep. Light and sounds may wake you up earlier than desired.
- Lack of privacy – With the head of your bed facing the window, neighbors or passersby may be able to see into your bedroom, reducing privacy.
- Glare and shadows – Bright sun shining into the room could cause glare or shadows that make the space uncomfortable during the day.
- Limits furniture layout – The bed facing the window may restrict where you can place other furniture like nightstands and dressers.
- Allergies and drafts – Pollen, dust, and cold drafts could come in from the window and aggravate allergies.
People who are sensitive to light, noise, allergens, or lack of privacy may prefer not to have the head of their bed directly facing the window.
Pros of Having the Side of the Bed Face the Window
Turning the bed so one side faces the window but the head is on an adjacent wall provides some alternative benefits:
- Allows for views from bed – You can still see the window and outside from the bed on the side facing it.
- Reduced light and noise – The window is not directly visible when lying down, cutting down on light and noise transfer.
- Increased privacy – Passersby can’t see directly into or onto the bed as easily with this orientation.
- Better furniture layout – More flexibility for nightstand and furniture placement on either side of the bed.
- Balanced light – Natural light is spread through the room more evenly this way.
Side window placement provides a compromise that gives you some of the pros of facing the window while minimizing the downsides.
Cons of Having the Side of the Bed Face the Window
However, the side orientation also has some disadvantages such as:
- Limited view from bed – You can only see a narrow sliver of the window or view unless sitting up in bed.
- Light only on one side – The natural light will be biased towards one side of the bed and room.
- Restricted airflow – Air circulation is improved but not maximized without the head facing the window.
- No morning light motivation – Waking up is harder without direct morning sunlight shining onto the pillows and head of the bed.
While better for some factors like privacy and noise, side window placement does reduce some of the lighting, ventilation, and viewing benefits compared to directly facing the head of the bed towards the window.
Pros of Having the Foot of the Bed Face the Window
As another option, you could position the bed so the foot faces the window while the head is on the wall furthest from the window. Pros of foot-facing window placement include:
- No direct light in eyes – Sunlight won’t shine straight into your face in the mornings.
- Privacy – It’s harder to see onto the bed from outside with this orientation.
- Flexibility in headboard choice – You have more options for headboards since windows won’t block placement.
- Consistent light distribution – Natural lighting will be well-dispersed across the room.
- Noise reduction – More distance from the window reduces noise transfer.
Foot-facing window positioning eliminates issues like glare and backlighting while still allowing soft, indirect light from the window to fill the bedroom.
Cons of Having the Foot of the Bed Face the Window
The foot facing the window does have some disadvantages too:
- Limited view from bed – You can only see a narrow portion of the window or outside when reclining in bed.
- Decreased airflow – Air circulation is improved but not maximized with the foot at the window instead of the head.
- Light bias to foot of bed – The natural lighting will concentrate more around the foot rather than head of the bed.
- No awakening light – The sunrise won’t shine on your face to naturally wake you up in the mornings.
- Awkward furniture layout – Foot-facing windows can make it tricky to place nightstands and other furniture.
While the foot-facing orientation has some benefits, it also significantly reduces being able to view and enjoy the outdoors from bed while providing less waking sunshine.
Other Factors to Consider
In addition to the pros and cons of each orientation, there are some other considerations that may influence which way you choose to face the bed relative to the window:
- Room size and dimensions – The size and layout of the room can restrict options for bed placement.
- Window type – Large picture windows create different conditions than smaller, higher windows.
- Climate – Controlling light and temperature are more crucial in some climates than others.
- Window coverings – Options like blackout curtains can mediate unwanted light or visibility.
- Personal preferences – Think about your own priorities like views, privacy, light, and ventilation.
- Bedroom activities – Focus on creating space for your needed activities like reading nooks.
- Feng shui principles – Some prefer window alignment that suits feng shui layout guidelines.
Consider your own bedroom situation and needs when weighing these other factors that can influence the ideal bed placement relative to the windows.
Bed Facing Window Configuration Examples
Looking at example bedroom layouts with the bed facing the window different ways can help visualize the options:
Head of Bed Facing Window
This is a classic configuration that takes advantage of views, light, and airflow but sacrifices some privacy:
Side of Bed Facing Window
Here the compromised side orientation balances lighting, visibility, and privacy concerns:
Foot of Bed Facing Window
With the foot facing the window, neither glare nor direct visibility are issues:
As you can see, each orientation has visual and spatial pros and cons to weigh given your needs and room specifics.
Guidelines Based on Bedroom Activity
One helpful way to decide is to think about your main bedroom activities and arrange the bed optimally for those uses:
| Main Bedroom Activity | Recommended Bed Orientation |
|---|---|
| Reading in bed | Head facing window for natural light on books |
| TV watching | Side facing window to avoid glare on TV screen |
| Meditating | Foot facing window for indirect light and minimal visual distractions |
| Displaying art/decor | Side or foot facing window to utilize wall space for artwork |
| Using a work desk | Head facing window to illuminate work surface |
Focus on enhancing the experience of your most common bedroom activities through strategic bed and window alignment.
General Guidelines
As a summary, here are some general guidelines to consider when deciding whether to face a bed towards a window:
- Face the head of the bed towards the window if you prioritize views, daylight, and airflow.
- Put a side of the bed towards the window if you want a balance of light, visibility, and darkness for sleeping.
- Face the foot of the bed towards the window if glare and noise disruption are your main concerns.
- Avoid facing the head directly towards a large, unobstructed window if light sensitivity or privacy are issues.
- Use heavier window curtains if facing the head or side of the bed towards the window to allow darkness for sleeping.
- Account for room size and dimensions when considering bed placement options relative to windows.
Think about your own needs, habits, and bedroom characteristics to decide what priority should determine whether the head, side, or foot of your bed should ideally face the window.
Conclusion
Determining the optimal bed position in relation to a bedroom window involves weighing several pros and cons. Facing the head of the bed towards the window provides the most scenic views, light, and airflow but could disrupt sleep and privacy. Turning the side of the bed towards the window balances visibility and darkness. And facing the foot of the bed towards the window offers the most darkness and privacy but reduced views and airflow.
Consider your own priorities, bedroom layout constraints, window attributes, and sleeping habits when deciding if the head, side or foot of your bed should face the window. Set up your bed to window orientation in a way that makes your sleep space as functional and comfortable as possible for your needs and preferences.
