An additional window in an apartment is always an advantage. However, often if not properly designed, an advantage becomes a pronounced disadvantage. What to consider when choosing a design for a room with two windows on different walls?
An interesting design will require a certain amount of imagination and knowledge of the rules for arranging such premises.
Living room features
When decorating a living room, it is important to consider the functionality of this room. This is where family members gather for evening gatherings, receive friends and just have a good time. Often the largest room in an apartment or house is reserved for the living room, so it is distinguished by an abundance of light and free space. It is by the design of the living room that the taste of the owners and their status are judged.
A room with 2 windows always seems lighter, more spacious, lighter and freer.
When choosing design options, you have to carefully consider both the advantages of this room and its disadvantages. You will have to very carefully choose interior items, finishing materials and color palette. By the way, not only the number of windows matters, but also their size and location. Well, in order not to make a mistake, you need to get acquainted with the strengths and weaknesses of such a room.
Since there is a lot of natural light, you can use dark colors in the design.
Advantages of a living room with two windows
First, the good stuff. There are many advantages to such a room:
- Good natural light. Thanks to this feature, you have the opportunity to use the most daring ideas and color schemes in decoration, since the abundance of light guarantees coziness and comfort.
- Thanks to the windows, even a large living room seems even larger. And if you use glossy surfaces (mirrors, suspended ceilings) in the decoration, you can enhance this effect.
- Beautiful view from the windows. This, of course, is not in every case, but there is still a chance of receiving such a bonus. If your windows overlook a well-kept garden plot, a forest or a flowering meadow, then you automatically receive interior decor.
- Windows influence how you will zone the room, so you need to think through everything in advance, and it is better to draw up a detailed plan of the room on paper.
Flaws
You can't do without a fly in the ointment:
- If the room with two window openings is small, then you do not have the opportunity to use any furniture. For example, the installation of walls and massive cabinets is automatically excluded.
- If the view from the window is not a pleasant bonus, it is important to think over the design of the window opening so that, on the one hand, it is as functional as possible and makes it easy to hide from unwanted eyes, and, on the other hand, so that it is not too “heavy” for the interior, and effectively complemented the overall design concept.
- If the windows are of a non-standard shape (and this happens quite often today), the textiles will have to be adjusted by cutting and shaping the curtains.
- Large windows often cause serious heat loss. This fact is especially significant when small children live in the apartment (house). The problem is solved either by installing additional heating devices, or by seriously insulating the windows.
If the living room area in the house is small, then two windows will make it as bright as possible.
Advantages and disadvantages of a bedroom with two windows
Pros of 2 windows in the room:
- always light;
- you can put a lot of flower pots with indoor plants, it will turn out very cozy;
- originality of the situation.
Flaws:
- light can interfere with sleep;
- radiators and pipes can interfere with the placement of furniture;
- Significantly more noise from the street penetrates into the house.
Window location
As noted above, not only the size and shape of window openings matters, but also their location. At the same time, it is the last aspect that influences the creation of the interior in the most serious way.
Most often, windows are located on one wall. In this case, the choice of furniture and its arrangement depends on the distance between the window openings. If this distance is more than one meter, then the TV finds its “shelter” between the windows. It can be installed on a special cabinet (the main thing is that the style is in harmony with the rest of the interior). Or you can attach it to the wall using a bracket. Both solutions have a right to exist.
You can use different tones in the composition without fear of making the room visually smaller.
If, in your opinion, the TV has no place in the living room, and you consider it a relic of the past, use a truly non-trivial way to decorate the space between the windows - install a fireplace. The electric option will ideally “take root” in the apartment. The upper horizontal surface will be effectively complemented by stylish frames with photographs or pots of flowers. By the way, when choosing house plants and pots for them, you yourself determine what will become the “center of attraction”: an unusual pot or an exotic plant.
If the windows are large and the view from them is beautiful, this will enhance the impression of the design and make being in the living room even more pleasant.
Important: both photo frames and pots should be in reasonable quantities. If there are too many of them, it will spoil the impression of the interior as a whole. After all, the area between the windows is an accent area that attracts the attention of anyone entering the living room.
If the windows are small (this is often found in apartments in panel houses), then the best option for using the space around them is two laconic armchairs and a coffee table. If desired, the chairs can be replaced with a pair of comfortable sofas, which need to be installed opposite each other near the walls where there are no windows.
A living room with two windows on one side is easily zoned both visually and physically.
Well, if in your case the windows are located on different walls, you will have to be even more careful when choosing furniture, understanding that two opposite walls are occupied. By the way, in this case, designers unanimously suggest paying special attention to the angle at which the walls and windows meet. A chest of drawers of the “right” size, a small sofa or a TV installed at an angle are the best solutions for this space.
By the way, if there is a TV in the corner, you need to think about seats “in the auditorium”. Place a sofa opposite the TV at an angle, a couple of armchairs on both sides of it, and a coffee table will complement the composition.
Non-standard design allows you to create original compositions.
If you consider yourself to be a fan of non-trivial solutions, then organize a fountain in this space, or install an aquarium. An indoor tree would look good.
One of the simplest ways to design a corner space is to organize a reading area (handicrafts, etc.). To make this area not only stylish, but also functional, consider the location of the lamps and choose a comfortable chair (if desired, there can be two chairs).
If there is another house opposite the windows, care must be taken to ensure that the room does not look like an aquarium.
Two windows on one wall
It is recommended to dress closely located windows with identical curtains. The same in color, fabric, and size.
However, this rule is not immutable. In some cases they go against him.
So, if you plan to place some furniture under one of the windows - for example, a desk, kitchen cabinet or sofa - you can decorate it with a short curtain. And the second one is long. This is acceptable because it is logical.
Is it possible to curtain the opening by decorating both windows with a single drapery under a common cornice? Yes, you can, but usually it's not necessary. Much depends on the size of the room. If it is large, drapery covering the entire wall will not have a negative impact.
For a modest-sized interior, this design method is undesirable. Firstly, it is irrational to leave the partition unused. If it is wide enough, one of the important zones can be arranged near it. Usually it turns out beautifully and harmoniously thanks to emphasized symmetry.
Secondly, a single wide drapery visually makes the room smaller (and if the room is already small, this is not the result that you would like to get). Two separate curtains with a free wall, on the contrary, can visually lengthen the wall. Especially if the fabrics do not contrast with the walls and furnishings.
Window decoration
Two windows in one room will definitely not go unnoticed. The classic design option involves the same finishing of both window openings. If the windows are different in shape and size (and this also happens), then this fact should not be hidden, but, on the contrary, you should try to “play up” and emphasize the uniqueness of each window.
A good option to use the space between the windows is a front fireplace, floor vases, you can decorate the wall with photographs, paintings, clocks.
Identity in this case concerns only the choice of tulle and textiles. And one more point: the texture and color of the window decoration should be combined with furniture upholstery, pillows, tablecloths, so that the result is a single ensemble.
In the case when you do not want to make windows as invisible as possible, the following techniques are used to emphasize their presence:
- Flowers in bright pots are placed on the windowsills;
- Decorate the window with spectacular 3D curtains with a bright print;
- Canvas of different lengths are used for windows.
Finishing
Symmetrical armchairs by the windows look good, unless, of course, they are panoramic; in this case, a sofa with a table is placed along the other wall.
Although a living room with two windows has many “strengths,” it is important to adhere to some rules when decorating it. In particular, this applies to the choice of finishing materials. The main condition: that the color scheme matches the chosen style. The choice of color is also influenced by the degree of illumination and the size of the room. Of course, two windows will give much more natural light, but if the windows face the north side, choose a brighter finish
A budget option for wall decoration is, of course, wallpaper. Decorative plaster and painting are also popular. Finishing with natural stone (or its high-quality imitation), wooden panels and stylish photo wallpaper will cost more. Often in a large living room different finishing materials are used to zone the space.
Variations are also possible for ceiling finishing:
- Drywall;
- Tensile structures;
- Whitewashing and painting;
- Tile.
A fireplace will bring coziness, warmth and attractiveness to the composition; the mantelpiece can be used to display decorative items.
Again, the choice of materials is determined by the size of the room, style and level of light. Glossy surfaces fit perfectly into modern interiors. The matte surface is guaranteed to emphasize status. Well, luxury design solutions cannot do without stucco. A large space can easily cope with multi-level ceilings.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the color scheme of the ceiling. The best option is snow-white, or the lightest shade of the overall color scheme.
A reading place is ideal for the corner between the windows, where you can place sofas, a table, a floor lamp or a lamp.
The range of flooring materials is also quite diverse: linoleum (don’t rush to dismiss it, just give preference to quality options), laminate, parquet, tiles. The choice of material is influenced by the style of the room, your personal preferences and financial capabilities.
Options available: make your choice
A living room of any style should be filled with light, air, warmth and comfort, so that everyone who enters feels relaxed and calm. Window systems provide light penetration into the home. The presence of several windows in the main room gives a special, joyful mood when a person is inside a space filled with sun, and allows you to save a little electricity.
Available layout options:
- one-sided arrangement (standard layout, enfilade passage through adjacent rooms);
- window openings in opposite walls;
- a window and a glazed bay window in the living room of a country cottage;
- window openings in walls perpendicular to each other;
- window structures forming a corner;
- glass walls of the cottage living room.
Each of the above options has its own characteristics, it is worth considering them in more detail and finding the right move to make the living room the best place in the apartment.
Choosing a color scheme
According to professional designers, the best solution for a living room with two window openings is plain wallpaper on the walls. And if the room is small, then it is better if the wallpaper is light. The larger the space of the hall, the more colors you can put together.
Experts use the division of the palette into two types:
- Warm colors. Brown, green, yellow, orange and red, in almost all forms.
- Cold range. White, blue, purple, lilac.
Two windows, regardless of how they are located, should be decorated the same way.
A few universal techniques:
- If your windows face north, choose warm colors and shades for decoration. Then, even in winter, you will have the feeling that the room is warmer than it actually is. With “southern” windows, exactly the opposite rule works. Thanks to the cool shades, the room will be comfortable in the hottest heat.
- The best choice for the east side would be pastel colors. The west side needs bright colors and dramatic contrasts.
- The texture of the surface affects the perception of color: the more matte the surface, the less bright the color looks. This applies to both the brightest shades and their muted counterparts.
- In small living rooms it is preferable to use light shades, but for spacious ones you can choose any color: from dark to bright.
- If you make the ceiling lighter than the walls, you will get the impression that the ceiling is higher than it actually is.
- To make a narrow living room more proportional and comfortable to stay in, decorate the long walls in light, cold colors, and the shorter ones in warm colors.
Designers do not recommend choosing too massive bulky curtains, otherwise they will add heaviness to the interior.
window space
The windows are decorated with curtains in the same style - the same texture, but the shade may be different. The design of window openings may have something in common, such as curtains and holders.
The windows are decorated with Roman blinds, because they are light and give the room a special charm.
Layout features
Two windows in one room make it impossible to arrange large furniture. You will have to forget about massive sofas, chests of drawers and cabinets. The ideal option for a non-standard living room is built-in furniture. In this case, it becomes possible to use not only rationally, but also with a sense of style, every free meter. But before you go to a furniture salon, answer yourself the question: what kind of interior items do you need in your living room, and which ones will you refuse without any visible loss?
Two windows provide more light than one, but if they face north, you need to consider options with a lighter and brighter design.
And again, advice from the pros. Interior items for a living room with two window openings:
- Sofa, armchairs and table. If the room is large, then the sofa and armchairs are placed in the middle of the room, and a table is placed in the space between them.
- The chairs are near the windows, and the sofa is opposite.
- For a small living room, the set remains the same, only transforming models are preferable.
- By correctly arranging the furniture, you automatically implement zoning. This is very convenient and does not require additional, often relatively necessary, interior items.
In a large living room you can make multi-level ceilings.
Decor
A spacious living room provides additional opportunities in interior design, including the choice of decor.
- If the windows are on different walls, mirror them. It turns out to be a very interesting effect.
- Light curtains.
- It is important to choose all textile elements (upholstery, tablecloth, pillows) so as to create a single composition.
- If the windows are located on the same wall, close to each other, they can be combined with a common curtain.
- Feel free to use roller blinds, blinds or Roman sheets.
- In a classic style, window openings should be designed symmetrically.
- Asymmetry “takes root” only in modern design solutions (minimalism, hi-tech, loft).
It is best to decorate the ceiling either in white or in the lightest shade of the selected range.
Speaking about lighting, it should be mentioned that you should not limit yourself to one chandelier in the center. This is not just a bad decision. This move will prevent you from making the living room functional.
All decorative elements must be consistent with the general style. Remember, even a small detail can spoil the impression of the interior.
The choice of design depends on the overall stylistic picture of the room, practicality and taste of the owners.
So, a room with two windows is an unusual room. To make it stylish and functional, you need to think through every detail. Only in this case will you be able to appreciate all the advantages of such a room.