The Complete Guide to Styling, Furnishing & Decorating Large Living Room Windows

Large, expansive windows can entirely transform the aesthetic and functionality of a living room. When properly styled and dressed, oversized windows become a focal point and provide the room with ample natural light. However, decorating and furnishing around substantial windows also presents unique challenges and considerations. This comprehensive guide will explore creative window treatment solutions, decor ideas, and smart furnishing strategies to help you accentuate large living room windows.

Choosing Window Treatments for Light & Privacy

The first major consideration for large living room windows is choosing the right window treatments. The treatments you select need to address factors like how much natural light enters the room, visibility from outside, and your overall decor style. Here are some of the most popular options for large windows:

• Sheer curtains in lightweight fabrics like linen and voile allow abundant daylight while obscuring views into the room.
• Blackout curtains in dense fabrics like velvet block sunlight completely when desired for movie watching or sleeping in.
• Dual roller shades offer the ability to control privacy and light separately by adjusting two different sheer and blackout shades.
• Smart motorized blinds can be scheduled or controlled remotely to automate privacy and light management.

When it comes to privacy, be sure to assess sight lines from outside your home to determine how much coverage your window treatments need to provide. For north-facing rooms, sheer curtains may suffice, while south-facing spaces may require room-darkening window coverings.

Special Considerations for Unique Window Shapes

If your large living room windows feature unique shapes like geometric angles, circular frames, or bay windows, this will impact your window treatment options. Bay windows in particular present challenges, as you'll need to determine how to dress multiple window sections cohesively. Some creative solutions include:

• Installing a continuous valance that spans the entire bay window area.
• Using one wide curtain panel stretched across the entire bay window opening.
• Layering multiple curtains across the bay window sections.

For irregular angular windows, look for adjustable shades or shutters that can conform to the angles. If opting for curtains, calculate the unique dimensions to ensure full coverage.

Window Treatment Styles to Complement Your Decor

In addition to function, window treatments need to work with your overall interior design aesthetic. Here are some attractive styles tailored to different decor approaches:

Traditional Elegance

For traditional living rooms, try floor-to-ceiling drapery in luxe fabrics like velvet or damask. Layer the drapes over lace sheers for added elegance. Classic pelmet valances and decorative tiebacks complete the timeless look.

Casual Sophistication

For transitional spaces, unlined Roman shades create a tailored but relaxed vibe. Combine with simple flat valances or shapely swagged valances. Pull the look together with iron curtain rods and ring or clip drapery hardware.

Contemporary Style

To complement modern decor, opt for clean-lined plantation shutters or woven wood shades. Mount them inside the window frames for a streamlined effect. Bold graphic print curtains also look sharp in contemporary living rooms.

When selecting your treatments, hold samples up in the room and view fabrics, colors, and patterns in different light conditions at various times of day. This helps ensure your drapery complements your space in any lighting.

Furniture & Window Dressings for Function

The way you furnish and decorate around large living room windows impacts their form and function. Carefully consider furniture placement so you don't block abundant natural light. Window seats, built-in benches, and conversation areas create cozy spaces to enjoy the views. Here are some more tips for functionally dressing large windows:

• Add window sill decor like trays, candles, and greenery to visually widen the windows.
• Flank windows with vertical sidelights or picture lights to spotlight architectural details.
• Frame the window with trim and molding to create an intentional built-in look.

Don't overlook the wall space surrounding a large window. Create functional vignettes like reading nooks or home office areas. Built-in bookshelves and cabinetry maximize unused space near windows in clever ways.

Maximize Window Seats

Bay windows and cushioned window seats seamlessly blend form and function. Incorporate storage space into the design of window benches for added usefulness. Drawers, lift-top compartments, and cubbies keep books, blankets, and media items organized yet close at hand.

With a bit of creativity, large living room windows can be both beautiful and highly utilitarian elements.

Art, Mirrors, and Lighting to Spotlight Large Windows

Using decorative accents and illumination, you can draw even more attention to sizable living room windows. Here are some ideas:

• Hang large-scale artwork like macrame wall hangings or abstract oil paintings nearby to complement the windows.
• Flank the window with tall floor lamps or sconces to bathe the architectural feature in warm ambient light.
• Install picture lights above the window and shine light directly on the frame to highlight its beauty.

Placing mirrors across from or adjacent to the living room windows visually expands the space. The reflective surfaces also amplify sunlight. For optimal ambiance, integrate dimmable lighting fixtures to create a flexible setting for both daytime and evening activities.

Design Considerations for Small & Large Living Rooms

The scale of your living room impacts certain design choices related to large windows. For example:

• In small living rooms, opt for streamlined treatments like Roman shades. Visually widen windows with long horizontal drapery rods and sill decor.
• In spacious living rooms, go bold with huge floor-to-ceiling curtains, cavernous window seats, and giant wall mirrors.

When dealing with multiple large windows in an open-concept living room, make the windows cohesive through identical window treatments and coordinated furniture groupings. Repeat colors from the window dressings throughout the space for continuity.

With proper design consideration and strategic furnishings, large living room windows flood the space with light. Sheer curtains, smart shades, and motorized blinds allow you to fine-tune lighting and privacy. Embrace your large windows by complementing them with lush layered drapes, sprawling window seats, clean-lined shutter treatments, and warm ambient lighting. Use the architectural elements as anchors to build your living room layout around. By following the tips and ideas in this guide, you can stylishly decorate large living room windows to elevate your space.