Nicole Kidman's modern twist on the traditional window seat makes this quaint feature possible in almost every home

Window seats just became accessible – and it involves a furniture technique seen in the actress's home

Nicole Kidman
(Image credit: Cindy Ord/MG23 via Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue)

There is nothing quite so quaint as a bay window seat – a traditionally aristocratic design feature with roots in the English Renaissance and Victorian eras. While we have long admired the window seat aesthetic, we had almost made peace with the fact that this feature just isn't feasible in many modern homes, but Nicole Kidman may have changed our minds.

The Big Little Lies actress may not have the conventional bay window that is so synonymous with this seat, but her twist on the conventional just made the feature accessible in every type of home. Instead of exhibiting a bespoke, built-in seat, Kidman opted for a wooden bench that (almost perfectly) fits the window area.

Unlike the traditional window seat, Kidman's furnishing is easily transportable and changeable, meaning she has the flexibility to change up the area more easily than if she had a built-in alternative. It's the perfect spot to enjoy the sun in the same way we would with a classic window seat, only it's much simpler to create, and we can't believe we've not thought of doing it sooner.

A post shared by Nicole Kidman

A photo posted by nicolekidman on

In placing her bench in front of the window, Kidman has given her room a more regent aesthetic, but there's more to this spot than its good looks. It is perhaps unsurprising that time basking in the sun can improve our mood and, consequently, our wellbeing, and even if we need to spend our days inside, we can still enjoy its benefits with thoughtful furniture placement.

Debbie Leigh, the design manager at ILIV, encourages us to follow Kidman's lead by strategically placing our seating to maximize the light that comes through our windows. Naturally, the most impactful way to accentuate sunlight is through a window seat (even if it's with a twist like Kidman's), but we can also do so on a smaller scale with something as humble as a simple chair.

'For a dose of comfort, consider crafting a beautifully dressed window seat, complete with plush throw pillows, where you can relax and soak in the scenic views outside. These simple additions help to create a serene and inviting atmosphere that celebrates the beauty of natural light and the splendor of the outdoors,' Leigh comments.

window seat nook with striped upholstery

(Image credit: Peter Dunham / Photography Sam Frost)

'Watch the way the sunshine moves around your home and position your furniture to make the most of every last ray. Creating sunny vistas can transform your space into a haven of tranquility; a simple chair and side table in a light-filled spot offer the perfect place to unwind.'


Following Kidman's lead begins with the right furnishing. We love this similar bench, which, when dressed with a contrasting cream cushion, will look perfect alongside a window.

Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.