Meet the Author and Your Future Designer: Julio Arco is a passionate architect with years of experience in architecture, interior design, urban design, and housing. He studied at prestigious universities across North America and Europe.
If you’re looking to Balance an Off-Center Window, hire me or my colleagues to help you. Our collaboration will be a seamless online process, from idea boards to detailed layouts, renderings, and a curated shopping list. Click here to learn more and work with me with 25% off! Learn more About Me, or visit my Portfolio.
Windows Decor Ideas – Introduction Video
It’s very common to have a window that isn’t completely centered, so don’t feel bad if yours isn’t, either. There are a lot of homeowners that experience this, but it’s not hard to solve the issue.
Windows that aren’t quite symmetrical might throw off the overall aesthetic of a space. The optical effect the window may provide might make the room seem unbalanced. However, the apparent weight of your window may be adjusted by following professional interior design advice (such as designers at Havenly), which would produce a beautiful, asymmetrical look in your home.
There are several ways to fix this issue; you can add or subtract accessories around the window until you reach a pleasing arrangement. You could also move pieces of furniture around until you find a layout you like better. Sometimes all it takes is for you to get creative and view your space with a fresh perspective!
This article will demonstrate several easy methods for bringing symmetry to a window that isn’t quite in the center. Keep reading to learn more!
Why do I Have an Off-Centered Window?
It’s not uncommon to see a window that’s not perfectly centered on a wall. There are a few reasons why this might be the case. It could be due to the layout of the room, or it might be intentional on the part of the builder or owner.
The off-center placement allows for more flexibility in the arrangement of furniture and other decorative elements. In some cases, the window might be positioned to avoid a potential problem with drainage from the roof. Regardless of the reason, an off-centered window is nothing to worry about.
Can Windows be Disguised?
Yes, creating a balanced look in a bedroom with an off-centered window can be challenging. Still, it is possible with a little creativity. There are several ways to restore harmony to the room by using a few strategic pieces of hardware and decorative accents. With a little effort, it is possible to create a cozy and inviting space, despite an asymmetrical layout.
Steps to Balance an Off-Center Window
There are a few steps to take before deciding on the method to camouflage the off-centered window, and they are as follows:
Measure the window to determine how far it is from being centered.
Before you decide what type of window treatment to choose, it’s important to measure the window to determine how far it is from being centered. Pay close attention to the wall with the asymmetrical window.
Get a tape measure and measure the whole wall from corner to corner, as well as the distance from the border of the window to the wall. If you decide to hang curtains, this will show you how much of an off-center hang they need.
Place the curtain rods midway for symmetrical drapery at the wall’s exact center. Choose an extended curtain rod that will reach the entire width of your window and leave at least a foot on each side.
Consider how the window is used
Consider how the window is used and how much natural light it brings into the room. If the window is in a place where it gets a lot of sun, you might want to consider using sheers or lightweight curtains that will filter the light but won’t block it entirely.
If the window isn’t used very often, you might want to go with a heavier fabric that will provide more privacy. You could also use window film to frost the glass and provide privacy without blocking the natural light.
Another option is to install shutters on the inside of the window. This will allow you to adjust the amount of light that comes into the room and provide privacy when needed.
Decide on a budget for the project
Once you’ve considered how the window is used and how much light it gets, you can start narrowing down your treatment options. Setting a budget for the project is important so that you don’t overspend on materials or labor.
If you’re handy, you might be able to make the adjustments yourself which will save you money. If you need to hire someone to do the work, be sure to get multiple estimates before making a decision.
Choose a style that compliments the overall design
When choosing a style, you’ll want to select something that compliments the room’s overall design. If the room has a more traditional feel, you might want to go with classic curtains. If the room has a more modern vibe, then you might want to consider choosing a blind or furniture in the same style.
Work on a Master Plan to Hide the Imbalance
The best part about this is that you can use your imagination to create the exact feel that you want in the space. What kind of mood do you want to set? How do you want people to feel when they enter the room?
Use these questions as a guide to picking out colors, materials, textures, and furniture. For example, if you want the space to feel bright and airy, you might opt for light colors and large pieces of furniture.
On the other hand, if you want the space to feel cozy and inviting, you might choose darker colors and smaller pieces of furniture. The type of curtains and how much light you let in will also play a role in how you perceive the space.
Choose one of Several of the Following Methods to Center Window Designs
Hide the Off-Center Portion of the Window with Curtains
One way to center window designs is by hiding the off-center portion of the window with curtains. To do this, first, find out how much space there is between the wall and the window on both sides. Then, hang a curtain rod in the wall’s middle.
Use the same amount of wall-measuring information to determine the length of the curtain rod. Finally, close the drapes or curtains to totally hide the asymmetrical window. This method is cheap and easy, and it can make a big difference in the overall look of a room.
Use Wall Art to Balance out the Design
Wall art can help add visual weight to a wall with an off-center window, creating the illusion of balance. To do this, simply measure the size of your window and the distance from the closest adjoining wall.
Then, select a large piece of framed art, painted canvas, or grouping of similar framed prints or photographs that are similar in size to the window. Use the window measurements to determine a coordinating location on the opposite end of the wall to hang your artwork. In no time at all, you’ll have a cohesive and stylish look that feels balanced and put together!
Use furniture to add symmetry, such as a Bed or Bookshelf
An off-center window may be balanced by placing a piece of furniture against the wall. Find out how high the window is from the ground, and get the width of the window as well. Find a bookshelf, storage cabinet, or chest of drawers that goes with the room’s design and color scheme.
Choose an item of furniture that is around the same height and breadth as your previous measurements. Place the pieces of furniture on the wall opposite the window at equal distances from both walls. This will create a sense of symmetry in the room and make the off-center window appear more deliberate.
Display Decorative Light Fixtures
Another way to center an off-center window is by displaying a series of decorative light fixtures on either side. You can use floor lamps, table lamps, sconces, or a combination of all three. Line them up on either side of the window at equal distances from the center.
This will create a feeling of balance and make the window appear more intentional. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to add some extra light to the room!
Add a Mirror of a Similar Size to your Window
If you want to add a bit of extra light and make the room feel more spacious, consider hanging a mirror similar to your window. This will reflect light and make the room feel brighter and more open.
To get the best results, choose a mirror that has a frame that complements the style of the room. Hang it on the wall opposite the window, at the same distance from the adjoining walls. This will create a sense of symmetry and make the off-center window appear more deliberate.
Combinations
Try combining mismatched pieces if you’re looking for a unique, asymmetrical look. To provide optical balance to an off-center window, try hanging a painting, metal sculpture, or other wall hanging over a short piece of furniture, such as a corner chair or loveseat.
Another option for enhancing the room’s aesthetics is to put a huge buffet in the middle of a wall under the window. Over the other end of the buffet, you can mount a mirror of about the same dimensions as your window.
Between the window and the mirror, you can put a tall vase of flowers or a collection of candlesticks on top of the buffet. The buffet and ornaments contribute to a visually appealing and balanced wall.
Are there any benefits of off-center windows?
While they may not be the most popular choice, there are actually a few benefits of off-center windows. For one, they can add character to a room and make it feel more unique.
Off-center windows can also be used to create interesting focal points in a room. When placed correctly, they can act as an accent to a piece of furniture or artwork.
Finally, off-center windows can be used to create more balanced and symmetrical looks in a room. By using the tips above, you can make an off-center window work in your favor!
FAQ
How can I hang curtains on an off-centered window?
If your window is not centered on the wall, don’t worry! You can do a few things to make sure your curtains look great.
First, take a step back and assess the overall look of the window. If it’s not too far off-center, you can probably get away with just hanging the curtains as you would normally. But if the window is significantly off-center, you’ll want to make some adjustments.
One option is to hang the curtains on a rod that is mounted closer to the center of the window. This will give the illusion that the window is centered, even though it’s not.
Another option is to use two separate rods on each side of the window. This can be a good solution if you want to hang curtains that are of different sizes or styles.
How can I balance an off-center window behind a bed?
If you have an off-center window behind a bed, you can use furniture or wall art to create symmetry. Place a piece of furniture against the wall next to the window, or hang a piece of wall art over the bed that is similar in size to the window.
How can I balance an off-center exterior window?
There are a few ways that you can go about balancing an off-center exterior window. You can use trees or tall plants to balance out the window or a decorative piece of art. Whatever you choose, make sure that it is something you like and will complement the rest of your home’s exterior design.
How do I know how much space to leave on each side of an off-center window when hanging curtains?
Measure the width and height of your window. Add 6 inches (15 cm) to the total width and height measurements. This is how much space you will need to leave on each side of the window when hanging curtains.
How do I balance an off-center window behind a sofa?
Off-center windows are a bit more tricky to deal with than centered windows, but there are a few ways that you can balance them out. One way is to hang curtains or drapes on either side of the window, making sure that they are evenly spaced. Another way is to use furniture to balance out the space.
Hire an Online Interior Designer at Havenly
There are several online interior design websites, but Havenly is your best option to hire from a robust list of interior designers that will help you in decorating and creating the perfect dog-friendly home.
When you sign up for Havenly, you will take a short quiz about your design style and what you are looking for in a designer. Havenly will then match you with a designer who will help you select paint colors, furniture, and accessories that are both stylish and safe for your furry friend.
In addition, your Havenly designer will be able to provide tips on how to create a space that is both comfortable for your dog and inviting for guests. With Havenly, creating a beautiful and functional home that your dog will love is easy and stress-free.
Click here if you want to learn more about Havenly or book an interior designer and get 25% off your design package if you click here!
