Modernize Any Living Room with These Window Treatments for Large Windows
Large, tall windows can pose a decorating challenge in living rooms. While ample natural light is usually desired, floor-to-ceiling windows or wide panoramic views can make controlling privacy, glare, and heat gain difficult. Fortunately, the right window treatments can transform those problematic large windows into stylish focal points that enhance the design of your living room.
From adjustable plantation shutters to contemporary roller shades, we've got inspiring ideas to help make the most of all that natural light while adding function, style, and privacy.
Measurements Are Crucial for Proper Fit and Function
With oversized windows, precision is key. Having accurate window measurements taken by a professional ensures your window treatments will have a custom fit, operate smoothly, and avoid any sagging or functioning issues.
Proper mounting at the correct height is especially important for large windows to prevent treatments from drooping over time. The installer will need to account for the window's depth as well to determine if an inside mount or outside mount is best. Measurements should also factor in any window hardware or obstructions to avoid.
Plantation Shutters Offer Timeless Style and Adjustable Privacy
Plantation shutters are a popular choice for good reason - their classic elegance complements any living room's decor. Interior shutters feature adjustable horizontal louvers that tilt to control light and privacy. Made from materials like wood, composite, or polyresin, the louvered design also provides insulation.
The pros of plantation shutters include the ability to match any architectural style, provide customized privacy and light control, and insulate windows to potentially reduce energy costs. Considerations are the higher cost than some other treatments, the durability of the material, and potential noise from slats moving.
Different Shutters Styles to Suit Your Window Layout
Several plantation shutter styles are available to suit your specific window size and configuration:
- Full height shutters cover the window opening entirely.
- Tiered or cafe style shutters with a bottom panel and smaller upper sections.
- Specialty shapes like arcs, circles, and hexagons.
- Bi-fold, bypass, or sliding systems to stack out of the way.
Popular Shutter Materials Have Pros and Cons
Wood is the most traditional shutter material, with options like basswood and poplar providing a classic look. But engineered woods like polystyrene or MDF offer added stability and resist warping or expanding/contracting.
For wider windows, lighter materials like polyresin, vinyl, or composites like Lumisty may be better to avoid sagging and make opening/closing easier. Consider each material's weight, ability to insulate, potential for expansion, and available color options.
Shades Offer an Affordable and Easy-to-Use Option
Roller & Solar Shades Provide Simplicity
A popular choice, roller shades are fabric window coverings rolled up and down on a tube or rod. They provide a clean, streamlined look for any living room. Added benefits of solar roller shades include blocking harmful UV rays and reducing energy costs.
As a budget-friendly option requiring minimal operation, roller shades offer simplicity and versatility. But they lack the insulation properties or aesthetic detail of shutters. Over time, solar shades may also lose their light blocking effectiveness and fabrics can be prone to damage.
Sheer & Light-Filtering Shades Maintain Views
Sheer shades made from translucent fabrics diffuse sunlight and softly filter views. Vanes can provide adjustable privacy while maintaining visibility. Layering shear and light-filtering shades creates customizable levels of shading and blackout capabilities.
Aluminum and Faux Wood Blinds
Both real wood and faux wood blinds feature horizontal slats that adjust to control light and privacy. Faux wood is more affordable while real wood offers added durability and long-term value.
Made from materials like vinyl, plastic, or PVC, faux wood blinds mimic the look of real wood with less maintenance. Considerations for any slat blinds are potential noise when moving the slats and the ability to withstand moisture and sun exposure over time.
Skyline & Panel Track Blinds for Modern Style
Skyline panel track blinds provide a sleek, contemporary style perfectly suited for large expanses of glass. Individual panels smoothly glide side-to-side, making them a great option for extra wide windows or patio doors.
The minimal framework maximizes the view when open. When privacy or light control is needed, the panels can be adjusted incrementally or shifted completely closed. Panel tracks lend a modern, high-end look to floor-to-ceiling windows.
Layering Treatments Adds Depth and Customization
An effective technique for large windows is layering multiple varied treatments. Combining the right window treatments creates a luxe, custom look while optimizing functionality.
Sheer curtains maintain outside views while providing privacy. Shades layered underneath block light as needed for daytime or nighttime. Shutters or blinds added enable fresh airflow when open but privacy when closed. Having different textures and overlapping colors and patterns adds appealing visual depth.
Motorization Enables Effortless Remote Operation
Manually operating window treatments on hard-to-reach large windows can be challenging. Motorizing the shades or blinds provides convenient remote control options.
Motorized roller shades simply require the push of a button to go up and down. Cordless lift systems on blinds ensure smooth raising and lowering minus cords. Options to consider are battery versus electrical, wireless connectivity needs, and smart home automation capabilities.
Professional Installation Limits Hassles and Headaches
Proper installation is key to ensuring large window treatments hang straight, function as intended, and provide long-lasting performance. Hiring a professional takes the guesswork and hassles out of installation.
Experts can identify the ideal treatments and combinations for your goals. They have the skills to provide precise mounting and adjustments. For custom options like plantation shutters, they can expertly measure and facilitate ordering and manufacturing.
The right window treatments can take outsized, problematic living room windows from a decorating headache to an incredible design asset. Options like adjustable plantation shutters, roller shades, panel track blinds, and layered sheers allow you to control light and privacy while adding beauty.