STS Boulder Foothills | Framing the Rockies: How to Decorate Around Big Windows and Views
If you own a home in the Colorado foothills, chances are you bought it for one major reason: the view. Whether you are looking out over the iconic Flatirons in Boulder, the sweeping valleys of Evergreen, or the city lights from a perch in Golden or Longmont, your windows are the most valuable feature of your home.
However, as experienced home decorators in Boulder, CO, we know that decorating around large windows can present a unique set of challenges. How do you arrange furniture without blocking the scenery? How do you handle the intense afternoon sun?
At STS Home Staging Boulder Foothills, we believe your interior should frame the Rockies, not compete with them. Here are our top living room layout ideas and design tips for maximizing mountain views in your home.
1. The Art of the Open Layout
The most common mistake homeowners make is pushing all their furniture against the walls—which often means putting a large sofa right in front of a spectacular window.
- Float Your Furniture: Pull your seating arrangements away from the walls and windows to create a cozy conversational area in the center of the room. This creates natural walkways behind the furniture, allowing people to walk up to the glass without tripping over a coffee table.
- Low-Profile Pieces: Opt for sofas and chairs with lower backs. This ensures that even when furniture is placed in the center of the room, it doesn’t obstruct the sightlines to the outdoors.
- The Open “U” Shape: Arrange your seating in a U-shape that opens toward the windows. This naturally directs the eye outward and makes the view the undisputed focal point of the room.
2. Window Treatments: Less is More
When your home boasts incredible views, heavy drapes and fussy valances are your worst enemy. The goal is to soften the edges of the room without obstructing the glass.
- Go Bare (If You Can): If privacy isn’t an issue, consider leaving the windows entirely bare. This is a staple of the modern foothills aesthetic.
- Solar Shades: The Colorado sun is notoriously intense, and UV rays can fade your furniture. Sleek, motorized solar shades are a fantastic investment. They cut the glare and protect your interiors while still allowing you to see the mountains through the fabric.
- High and Wide: If you want the softness of curtains, mount the curtain rod close to the ceiling and extend it well past the window frame. This way, when the curtains are open, the fabric rests entirely on the wall, leaving 100% of the window exposed.
3. Managing Glare and Evening Lighting
Decorating around large windows isn’t just about daytime views; it is also about managing light.
During the day, avoid placing televisions or glossy, reflective art directly opposite a large, unshaded window, as the glare will render them unviewable. Instead, use matte finishes on your walls and decor to absorb some of that bright natural light.
At night, large bare windows can turn into large black mirrors. To combat this cold, void-like feeling, use layered ambient lighting. Strategically placed floor lamps, table lamps, and warm overhead lighting reflect gently against the glass, bringing warmth back into the room after the sun goes down.
STS Staging Spotlight: The Transformation
We recently staged a beautiful property in Westminster where the homeowners had inadvertently hidden their best asset. They were not highlighting the gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows, cutting off the room and blocking the stunning view. We opted for a streamlined sofa and two low-profile chairs, and married the colors of the moulding to the room with accessories. Suddenly, the room felt intentional and curated, and the view became the star of the show.
Does Your Home’s Layout Maximize Its Value?
When it comes to selling a foothills property, buyers aren’t just buying square footage; they are buying the Colorado lifestyle. If your furniture layout is fighting against your home’s natural architecture and views, you could be leaving money on the table.
Whether you need a fresh perspective for your own enjoyment or you are preparing to wow potential buyers, STS Home Staging Boulder Foothills is here to help.
Click here to visit our Contact Us page and let’s discuss how we can highlight your home’s best features.
Missed Part 1 of our series? Catch up here: [Bringing the Outside In: Mastering “Mountain Modern” Decor]
