Bay Windows

As a kid, I'd always wanted a house with a bay window so I could sit on the window seat and read.  They just looked so cute and comfortable, and the perfect size.  Now, we have a house with two bay windows, and I'm trying to figure out what to do with them.  Granted, this is not a top priority on my house to-do list, so it won't happen for a few more years at least.  But my brain is spinning with ideas and I want to get them down before I forget. 

This is what we have to work with.  Please disregard the poor lighting and the clutter.  We are new homeowners. 

This window is a little taller than the other one, so I was thinking, after we properly support the window by revamping the outdoor structure of it, I want to knock in the wall below it (on the inside of the house) and create a bookshelf about a foot deep and as wide as the window.  We are limited as it is on shelf area (we have two very small bookshelves that couldn't hold all of our books anyway), so this would be a GREAT addition.

 The kitchen nook

This window is almost twice as wide as the other window, and it's a great place for the gerbils at the moment. :)  But what is this space really going to be used for?  I can't wrap my head around that one yet. 

Here are a few inspirational pictures I posted to Pinterest. 

Source: google.com via Heather on Pinterest

This one is SO cute!  However, I worry about the amount of heat coming through those windows, so I need some blinds behind it or something.

Source: windowblindscurtain.com via Heather on Pinterest

I really like how these windows are framed out with trim to make it look completed.  Also, those shades would be perfect because they are adjustable and easily complemented with those long drapes on the sides. 

Source: baywindowtreatmentsguide.com via Heather on Pinterest

I like this one because of the panel up on top of the blinds, so it covers all the hardware and hooks and stuff.  I don't think we have that much room on our windows, but something to this effect would be good. 

Anyway, what do you think?  Any suggestions?