ANNUAL HOMES & DESIGN ISSUE
When it comes to creating a room that looks large and light-filled, windows and doors are key. From large windowpanes and tall doorways to tailored trim and finishes, these design choices make all the difference in opening up sightlines and letting in light. Here, suppliers share insights on selections and placements that can maximize how big and bright a room feels.
Phillip Lunsford“Window coverings can make a room feel brighter and bigger by using light-filtering designer roller shades that diffuse the heat from the sun while illuminating the room. Also, floor-to-ceiling drapery installed several inches above the window trim makes the window look taller and the room seem larger, combined with sheers to diffuse the light. There are also cellular or honeycomb shades that can mount inside the window frame. Top-down, bottom-up features that let light in while maintaining privacy are an upgrade, but well worth it. Custom designer plantation shutters are also an excellent choice. Realtors will tell you that custom shutters add value to your home.”
David Crittenden“Large expanses of glass and full glass doors can dramatically transform a home by making spaces feel brighter, more open, and visually connected to the outdoors. Natural light floods into the home, reducing the need for artificial lighting while creating an airy, welcoming atmosphere. Thin window frames and sleek sightlines also play an important role by minimizing visual obstruction and maximizing the view, which helps rooms feel larger than they actually are. Premium window systems like Lincoln Windows and the ‘VUE’ collection from Weather Shield are excellent choices for achieving this modern aesthetic. Their slim profiles and high-efficiency performance make them ideal for expansive window walls without sacrificing energy efficiency. By incorporating these design elements, homeowners can create bright, contemporary spaces that feel both luxurious and seamlessly connected to nature.”
Maddy HowardEast Chattanooga Lumber & Supply Co.
“Mindful placement of doors and windows elevates not only the overall look from the exterior and the function of the home but helps bring the views and light inside. Placing a window in a smaller room helps to brighten up more compact spaces, and maximizing views with large doors or banks of windows in common areas are perfect ways to make spaces feel larger by giving an indoor-outdoor living feel. Gliding doors are a great way to take up long walls and serve as an easy egress without impeding furniture placement inside or outside the home. Window treatments are a wonderful way to add to the overall aesthetic, but you can upgrade your glass in your windows and doors to help combat furniture fading due to sunlight and to improve the overall performance of the window if there are rooms where the view is just too beautiful to cover!”
Eddie Lawson“Doors can play a powerful role in a home’s design by influencing how light moves, how rooms connect, and how spacious an area appears. Tall doors with simple profiles draw the eye upward, creating a sense of height that can make any room feel larger. Meanwhile, doors with glass panes carry in natural light and strengthen the flow between rooms by creating clear sightlines. When paired with clean, light-colored trim and coordinated finishes, these selections can transform even smaller areas into bright and open environments. At Interior Trim & Supply, Inc., we understand that it’s often these thoughtful finishing touches that help define the difference between a house and a home that feels larger, lighter, and more inviting to live in.”
Jason FlahertyRiver Valley Blinds, Shades & Shutters
“A great way to dramatically change how bright and spacious a home feels is the strategic use of window treatments for maximizing light and creating a clean, open appearance. Light-colored fabrics, neutral tones, and properly fitted treatments help direct sunlight throughout the room without making the windows feel heavy or crowded. Hanging treatments higher and wider than the window frame can also make ceilings appear taller and windows larger, giving the illusion of more space. Avoiding overly dark or bulky designs is especially important in smaller rooms. We recommend light-colored drapery panels, roller shades, solar shades, and plantation shutters. Sheer fabrics soften sunlight while still keeping rooms bright and airy. Roller shades provide a sleek, modern look that keeps windows visually uncluttered, while solar shades reduce glare without blocking natural light. Plantation shutters are another excellent option, as they offer both light control and timeless style while maintaining an open feel. Often, we use varieties of these options in tandem to create the perfect balance.”
