A window behind bed design is common in Indian flats, because builders often put the only good window on the one wall long enough for a bed. It can look lovely, with morning light over the pillows, but every window bed design needs a lower headboard and a plan for curtains, heat and rain.
Here are nine bed back window designs: low boards that sit under the sill, wall frames that turn the window into a feature, and layouts where the bed sits beside the window instead. If you are free to choose, compare with a solid wall plan in our bed back wall design gallery.
Low Headboards for a Window Behind Bed Design
The headboard should stay below the window sill so light comes in and the window can still open. These boards are 30 to 38 inches tall.
- SizeDouble 48 x 75 in
- BuildTeak, cane, natural PU
- StorageLift-up box
A low cane board stops just under the sill, so the window opens freely and air moves over the bed. Nice in a hot city.
Tell your carpenterKeep the headboard top at least 2 inches below the sill so the window shutters clear it.
- SizeQueen 60 x 78 in
- BuildPly, beige fabric
- StorageHydraulic lift
A slim padded strip gives a soft back rest while roller blinds above control light. Clean look for a modern flat.
Tell your carpenterFix the padded strip to the bed frame, not under the window, to avoid drilling near the sill.
- SizeQueen 60 x 75 in
- BuildOak, matte PU
- StorageNone, platform
A low floor bed with a short oak board keeps the whole window clear. Good for a room with a full length window.
Tell your carpenterKeep mattress top about 12 inches high so the board can stay under a low sill.
Bed Back Wall Design With Window: Frames and Curtains
These treat the window as part of the bed wall. Panels, curtain pelmets and side shelves wrap around it so the bed and window look planned together.
- SizeKing 72 x 78 in
- BuildPly, walnut laminate
- StorageHydraulic lift
A wooden pelmet runs the full width of the wall, and curtains drop to the floor on both sides. The window becomes a soft backdrop.
Tell your carpenterRun the pelmet the full wall width and hang curtains on a ceiling track, 6 inches past each side.
- SizeDouble 48 x 78 in
- BuildPly, white laminate
- StorageLift-up box
Tall shelves on both sides of the window frame it like a picture and hold books, lamps and plants.
Tell your carpenterKeep shelves 10 inches deep so they do not crowd the bed or block light.
- SizeQueen 60 x 78 in
- BuildPly, fluted glass, black
- Storage2 drawers
A fluted glass panel in a slim frame lets light through while hiding the window grille. It works where privacy matters.
Tell your carpenterUse toughened fluted glass, at least 6 mm, in a framed panel bolted to the bed.
Window Side Bed Design and Bed Side Window Layouts
Sometimes the best spot is beside the window, not under it. A window side bed design keeps the head against a solid wall and light from one side. Window side bed design latest layouts also use the sill as a shelf.
- SizeDouble 48 x 75 in
- BuildSheesham, walnut PU
- StorageLift-up box
The bed sits beside the window and a wide wooden ledge along the sill becomes a bedside shelf. Good for readers.
Tell your carpenterMake the sill ledge 10 inches deep and match its height to the mattress top.
- SizeSingle 36 x 72 in
- BuildPly, oak laminate
- Storage3 drawers
A single bed fits into a bay window with drawers below. Cosy day bed for guests or a study room.
Tell your carpenterMeasure the bay at the floor and at sill height; bays are often narrower than they look.
- SizeQueen 60 x 75 in
- BuildRubberwood, grey PU
- StorageHydraulic lift
In a corner room with two windows, the bed goes under the smaller one and a tall board is skipped. Light comes from two sides.
Tell your carpenterPlace the bed under the narrower window and keep the larger one free for cross breeze.
Headboard Height for Your Window Sill
Measure the sill height from the floor first. Then pick the board from this table. Mattress top here is taken at about 22 inches.
| Sill height from floor | Headboard top | Board above mattress | Best type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 30 in | No board or 26 in | Almost none | Low platform or floor bed |
| 30 to 36 in | 28 to 34 in | 6 to 12 in | Slim padded strip or low wood rail |
| 36 to 42 in | 34 to 40 in | 12 to 18 in | Low cane, slat or padded board |
| Over 42 in | Up to 2 in below sill | 18 in plus | Most standard headboards |
For more low boards, see the headboard heights guide or the low height bed gallery.
Window Behind Bed Interior Design Problems and Fixes
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Afternoon sun heats the pillows | Blackout lining behind curtains, or a sun film on the glass |
| Rain splash and damp on the headboard | Check window seals before monsoon; keep a 3 inch gap between board and wall |
| Draught on the head in winter | Full length curtains and a padded board with side wings |
| Dust from the grille settles on bedding | Fine mesh on the window and a washable bed cover in the day |
| Cannot reach to open the window | Sliding windows or a long handle; keep 6 inches between bed and wall |
Safety and Comfort Tips
- Avoid heavy shelves or frames above the bed under a window; nothing should be able to fall on the pillow.
- Curtain cords and blind chains should be tied up high.
- Keep the AC on a side wall, not over the bed, so cold air does not blow on your head.
- If the window faces a busy road, a padded headboard and thick curtains cut noise at night.
To see how the headboard and wall come together in other rooms, browse bed back design ideas.
Questions people ask
Is it okay to put the bed under a window?
Yes, many homes have no other choice and it can look good. Keep the headboard under the sill, use proper curtains and check the window does not leak in the rains.
Which headboard suits a window behind the bed?
A low board, 30 to 38 inches tall, in cane, slats or a thin padded strip. Avoid tall wingbacks that block light and the window handle.
What bedroom design window behind bed suits a small room?
Use a low bed, light curtains on a ceiling track and narrow shelves either side of the window. Keep colours light so the room stays bright.
Should the bed be under the window or beside it?
Beside is often more comfortable, with the head on a solid wall and light from the side. Under the window works when that wall is the only one wide enough.
Can I use glass in a bed window design?
Yes, a fluted or frosted toughened glass panel lets light in and hides grilles. Always use toughened glass in a frame fixed to the bed.