Every room needs a focal point. While most people think of using a piece of furniture as the anchor in design, like a four-poster bed in a bedroom or a banquet table in the dining room, a focal point can be something as simple as what is already in the room—specifically, a window!
Windows naturally command attention as conduits of natural light and "frames" for the beauty of the outdoors. However, by following the simple design tips listed below, you can elevate your windows from elusively elegant to effortlessly eye-catching. Here's how!
Elevate the Appearance of Your Beautiful Windows with These Helpful Interior Design Tips
1. Spruce Up Your Moldings
Do you have any interior window moldings (also known as window trim)? If so, its decorative features can be a great way to draw eyes to your windows! If you don't have moldings, you can consider installing some around any windows you would like to turn into focal points in your home. The kitchen, bedroom, and living room windows are excellent spots to add molding!
If you already have molding, clean it of dirt, dust, and grime, and consider sprucing it up with a fresh coat of paint. White is usually a good choice for molding, but if your walls are already white, choose a bolder color. Additionally, switching the style or profile of molding can also draw more attention to your windows, enhancing its overall visual impact.
2. Hang Some Beautiful Curtains
Curtains are probably the most obvious window additions to create an eye-catching appearance. They can play a significant role in enhancing the visual impact of any window. By extending curtain rods beyond the window frame, you can create the illusion of a larger window, making it a more prominent feature in the room. Additionally, the right choice of curtains can also bring bold colors, patterns, or textures into the space, transforming an otherwise plain window into a true focal point.
Sheer curtains, in particular, are perfect for homeowners who want to preserve the natural light in a room while still framing the window beautifully. They allow sunlight to filter through, creating a soft, airy glow without overwhelming the space with harsh light. When paired with heavier drapes, they offer flexibility, letting you adjust the light and privacy as needed. Curtains can also highlight unique architectural details of windows, adding personality and character to the home, ensuring windows become a stylish, central element of the room's design. However, it is important to note that curtains that are too short, long, small, or large for your windows might look awkward and draw the wrong sort of attention to them.
3. Consider the Furniture Placement
How you position your furniture can either enhance (or detract from) your window's overall appeal. Small, intentional changes to the placement of each furniture piece can go a long way!
For example, create a cozy breakfast nook under the kitchen's bright, beautiful bay window or angle the living room furniture around a panoramic picture window. In the master bedroom, place the bed between the two equally spaced double-hung windows, and in the bathroom, situate the clawfoot bathtub in front of a stylish window with frosted glass.
4. Decorate with Indoor Plants
Indoor house plants are an attractive way to draw attention to your windows by naturally framing them and adding depth to the space. Tall plants or hanging planters can emphasize the height and structure of the window, while grouping plants of varying sizes creates layers of interest. This layering effect draws the eye towards the window, making it a central feature in the room's design. Place potted plants on a large windowsill or fill floating shelves with succulents and houseplants of all shapes and sizes for the perfect arrangement. You can even hang plants from the ceiling to draw attention to your windows
Plants also help highlight the window as a source of natural light, creating a connection between the indoors and outdoors. The greenery softens the hard lines of the window frame, balancing the overall look. Even if the view outside isn't ideal, indoor plants can shift the focus inward, making the window and its surrounding greenery the centerpiece of the room. And aside from the purpose of drawing attention to them, windows are a great place to put plants. They'll receive plenty of natural light, so they'll be able to grow and flourish! As an added bonus, plants can also reduce stress, improve indoor air quality, and bring a touch of the beauty of the outdoors inside.
5. Choose a New Frame Color
Fresh, new frames can significantly impact the noticeability of your windows! This is especially true if your frames are currently the same shade (or similar) as the walls of your home, like white windows with off-white walls. While there is nothing wrong with your windows blending into your home design, if you want them to stand out, consider choosing a pop of contrasting color. For example, dark frames against light-colored walls create a striking contrast, highlighting the window as a design feature rather than just a functional element.
On the other hand, choosing a color that complements the interior décor can tie the window into the room's overall style, creating a cohesive and polished look. A fresh frame color can also enhance the view outside, as it acts like a picture frame, drawing the eye both to the window and what lies beyond it. Whether bold or subtle, changing the window frame color is an easy way to redefine the space and give the window more presence.
Not all windows are meant to be painted, so in order to achieve the best results, read up on best practices for your frame material and brand before getting started. If you're thinking about replacing your windows, be sure to consider the color you want for the frames. Not all window materials are suitable for painting, and some frames may not perform as well with darker colors. Choosing the right color and material can impact both the appearance and durability of your windows.
6. Switch the Window Style
If you feel like curtains, plants, and furniture won't make enough of a statement to draw attention to your windows, installing new windows might be in order. Different window styles have different levels of design appeal and impact, and some are more eye-catching than others.
For example, if your home only has standard-size double-hung windows, replacing a few of them with an alternative style can significantly improve their noticeability.
Picture windows are a stylish option for a living room or master bedroom, offering large, unobstructed views that highlight the beauty of the outdoors. They allow plenty of natural light to fill the space, creating a bright, serene atmosphere that feels both relaxing and inviting.
Bay windows protrude from your home's exterior to create more indoor space, making them a great addition to the kitchen to create a cozy breakfast nook.
Sometimes, smaller windows can still draw attention while also being functional as well. For example, awning windows are often an eye-catching addition above the kitchen sink or in the bathroom to provide refreshing ventilation.
Finally, if you really want to draw attention to your windows, don't forget about non-traditional options. Window backsplashes are becoming popular in kitchen design, and pass-through windows are a fun and functional way to improve your home's indoor-outdoor living experience, making it easy to move food and drinks from the kitchen to the deck or patio.
Get More Inspiration for Styling Your Windows from North Georgia Replacement Windows
Whether you want to draw attention to your windows with new furniture placement, trendy curtains, or a refreshed color or style, getting design ideas from other Georgia homeowners is a great place to start! Take a peek at our photo gallery of past window installation projects to see how other homeowners have styled their beautiful, durable Infinity from Marvin® windows. Contact us today to schedule your free proposal or visit us in our Alpharetta, Georgia showroom.
