Asked on Sep 14, 2015

I need ideas for long skinny dormer space in bedrooms

Cr180
by Cr180
Ok, I know y'all are gonna come through for me!! We have two upstairs bedrooms that each have a long skinny dormer space that I have never figured out what to do with, other than line pictures along the walls. This is the only window in each of the bedrooms so blocking it off is not an option. And there is a large walk-in closet on each side so we don't need more closet space. The space is approximately 3' X 9'. I'm redecorating the bedrooms and getting ready to paint so now is the time to make an improvement. These are guest rooms, so not used regularly. Thanks in advance for the help I'm certain is forthcoming!!
  11 answers
  • Kathy Meador Wells Kathy Meador Wells on Sep 14, 2015
    If you have large walkin closets on both sides, turn one of them into more space for the bedroom. You could easily use the extra space for a reading area in each of the bedrooms.
  • Z Z on Sep 14, 2015
    @Susan Sease, just shared two similar dormers that she redid beautifully. I'm sure you'll want to check them out. Even if you don't need the extra storage, you could add more square foot to each room where she used it clothing rods. http://www.hometalk.com/diy/bathroom/a-tale-of-two-dormer-windows-9979623
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Sep 14, 2015
    If at all possible I would extend the guest rooms.
  • Becky Becky on Sep 14, 2015
    You could turn the into cozy relaxing/reading nooks if you don't want to knock out walls.
  • Nola Nola on Sep 15, 2015
    Cut cubby holes into the Sheetrock on each side for storage of shoes, toys, books, etc. Nola, tulsa, ok.
  • LD LD on Sep 15, 2015
    Having had a home with former Windows in it, I can relate to the lighting issue in the room. I would remove the smaller of the two walk in closets, and create a space for sitting and relaxing with drawer storage, since usually these bedrooms tend to be on the small size. This will give you more an open feel, which will make the room feel more light and airy. As far as window treatments, they have some great remote controlled window treatments out there, just remember to keep the window treatments light weight, so they don't cut down on your natural daylight and make the room feel small. Since these bedrooms are for your guest, why not decorate them as though they are in a B&B.
  • Nancy Nancy on Sep 21, 2015
    A suggestion for if you have children or grandchildren: By using tension curtain rods, I made a hiding a hiding place for the grandkids. On the girls side, I used sheer curtain scarves from the back and covered the front all the way down to the floor. On the boys side, I used camo material such as hunters use on hunting blinds. For the girls, I found a light fixture at Lowe's that looked like a flower blossom hanging down. Of course, later I found directions on Pinterest for making one similar from plastic spoons. They love it!
  • Tara @ Lehman Lane Tara @ Lehman Lane on Jan 07, 2016
    Add a window seat or built in desk. you can cut into the wall of one or both of the closets and add a built in recessed bookcase to make a perfect little reading spot:). I would also add a light centered over the window. ikea makes cheap hanging ones you can plug in if you don't want to run electric
  • MN Mom MN Mom on Jan 07, 2016
    My in-laws bedrooms have this same design. They have a reading chair and floor lamp in one dormer and a small writing desk in the other. These are treasured spots for the grandchildren when they visit as each area is also large enough to accommodate a twin size air mattress. They create their own sleeping nook and the mattresses are then stored away until the next visit.
  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Feb 17, 2023

    If this were my house, I would take down at least 1 closet and have a small room. I am not 1 for having furniture in front of windows, so that way you'd have more room than a corridor.