5 Key Points To Consider When Deciding

I remember having this discussion with my mother years ago. Can furniture go in front of windows? As I recall, she did not like that idea much. Growing up my mother even placed her bed, angled, between the two adjacent windows in the bedroom to avoid the window. I think she was afraid of falling out of the 2nd story window or something, not sure. As I’ve progressed in my profession I have come up against this very question a number of times and I’ve switched up my own thinking about it. I used to think, “you can’t put furniture in front of windows! We’re you raised in a cave?!” But I’ve learned, sometimes the best place for furniture is in front of a window.  And I think that this might be even more imperative when you have floor to ceiling windows, especially if they go around the space.  To help you decide, here are 5 key points to consider when deciding, “Should I put furniture in front of floor to ceiling windows?

Should I Put Furniture In Front Of Floor To Ceiling Windows, Key Point #1: Consider the View

If you’re lucky enough to have a spectacular penthouse view like this one, and you have floor to ceiling windows all around the space, you’re going to have to place a piece or two in front of the windows. Try as you may to avoid this but, sooner or later function will win. Now I’m all for a floating floor plan but, when you have windows all around, (not a bad problem to have), you’re going to have to make a “window wall” into a “wall” to get the room to function right.  

• So for key point number 1, consider the view and place your furniture intentionally. If there is a particular vantage point you’d like to enjoy, place your furniture strategically so that whatever is on the outside is framed in a pleasing way.
  

Should I Put Furniture In Front Of Floor To Ceiling Windows, Key Point #2:  Is The Piece Finished On The Back?
 

There’s nothing worse than seeing an unfinished plywood back propped up in a floor to ceiling window for all the world to see. (I have been known to let out tiny shrieks of horror when I behold such things.) These dining étagères are finished all the way around.  (Take my word for it even though you can’t see it..) The shelving is also open which gives the piece an almost transparent look and feel which is really helpful when positioning them in front of windows. The openness makes it feel less obtrusive but still provides functionality. 
 

Should I Put Furniture In Front Of Floor To Ceiling Windows, Key Point #3:  Capitalize On Space And Keep Things Neutral.

Just because you have a decent sized room with huge floor to ceiling windows you don’t have to crowd the space up with lot’s of furniture. A few good pieces, with stylish tailoring, can really enhance the backdrop of a spectacular view. Take this setting for example. The use of color is kept to a minimum which elevates and enhances the city view, and there is still a very inviting and functional amount of seating. The white sofa almost disappears in front of the window.
 

Should I Put Furniture In Front Of Floor To Ceiling Windows, Key Point #4:  Consider Secondary Seating.
 

Think about using the space in front of large windows as secondary seating if you aren’t thrilled with obstructing the view. Sometimes all you need is a stylish and functional vignette to add a little punch to the space. This green chaise, which compliments the blue sky, is tucked in the corner and it’s just calling for a quiet evening of flipping through Architectural Digest while sipping a martini. (Or make it a Cosmopolitan, hence the view…) The chaise is quite open without a heavy base or skirt. It adds function but doesn’t obstruct the view. By choosing a light fixture with the same coloring as the window grids, it almost disappears but still provides the functionality. The table is just a fun piece that also blends in with the dark window grids without contrasting the neutral palate. 
 

Should I Put Furniture In Front Of Floor To Ceiling Windows, Key Point #5:  Think About The Profile Of Your Furniture.

My last tip is consider the profile of your furniture. This bed is lower to the floor which really emphasizes the height of the windows. By keeping the profile low, the platform bed doesn’t compromise the view. Just as in tip number 3, the white bed, like the white sofa, practically disappears. The room is not loaded with dressers and chests which also adds the openness. (Let’s just imagine that the lucky homeowner has a spectacular walk-in closet that has more than enough storage for all her amazing cloths, handbags and accessories.) One simple fiddle leaf fig adds a bit of life to the corner and the lamps are matching and symmetrical, with a smoked – clear glass body, which also disappears. The hint of brass at the base gives the lamps substance and a foundation. It’s just a detail and it doesn’t compete with the natural focal point, that spectacular view!  

Well there you have it, 5 key points for putting furniture in front of floor to ceiling windows. If you enjoyed this post, I’d love to hear from you, leave a comment in the comment section below, share it out to your friends and give it a like! 

If you’d like more great decorating tips and tricks and a slew of other helpful information AND beautiful diy décor that you’d actually be thrilled to show off to your friends, sign up for my newsletter and each month I’ll send you an e-copy that’s jam packed with everything I’m up to including behind the scenes design projects that only my subscribers get to see. To sign up, just enter your name and email by clicking the news letter graphic. Thanks so much for reading. I really do enjoy meeting up with you here every Thursday and don’t forget to check back this Sunday for the latest diy Sunday project! Until next time, stay fabulous! 
 

Michael is Principal designer and blogger at Michael Helwig Interiors in beautiful Buffalo, New York. Since 2011, he’s a space planning expert, offering online interior e-design services for folks living in small homes, or for those with awkward and tricky layouts. He’s a frequent expert contributor to many National media publications and news outlets on topics related to decorating, interior design, diy projects, and more. Michael happily shares his experience to help folks avoid expensive mistakes and decorating disappointments. You can follow him on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook @interiorsmh.