Design Dilemma – Decorating Around Sliding Glass Doors

Getting back into work mode after a holiday weekend is so tough isn’t it?!  On the mom front I’m in the homestretch of the school year, and the year-end festivities have been so fun yet also completely exhausting.  This shortened week is just flying by, and I’m trying to pack in as much work as I can before the kiddos are officially on summer break.  Today I’m tackling another installment in the Reader Design Dilemma series.  For the new folks around here, this series was created to help readers jump over design hurdles in their own homes.

Gopi, a long time reader, wrote in asking for help with her living room.  She’s got a fun, colorful style and has already made great strides in this space!

But finishing the room details and really bringing the design of the space all together has been a bit of a struggle.  In particular she’s been unsure what to do with the sliding glass door wall that is opposite the chairs.  And I think that’s the main reason why she feels like the room still looks “unfinished”.

Decorating Around Sliding Glass Doors

This large sliding glass door is a pretty large element in the room.  As you can see she’s got a shade in place to filter the light and provide privacy.  But other than that there’s nothing else really happening on this wall.

Gopi has wondered if she should hang something on either side?  Or above?

Sliding glass doors add functionality and lots of light to a space, but architecturally they can be a bit lacking.  When there are no grids, sliding doors can be pretty plain visually.  The issue of what to do with the space around them can be puzzling.

Treat it Like a Window

When it comes to sliding glass doors, every case is different.  But one thing I think is fairly universal is in the absence of architectural interest textiles tend to fill the void really nicely.

Since this living area is an open floor plan adjacent to an eat-in kitchen, I think flanking the door with any kind of art will look busy.  I think her best bet it to treat this large sliding door as a window and bring in curtain panels.  Hanging them high and wide will keep them from interfering with the functionality but will also add height and presence to the whole space.

Mimicking the color of the chairs opposite this door will bring in some color balance as well.

Design Plan Details

One – These curtain panels will add height, color and texture to this side of the room bringing some nice balance to the space overall.

Two – The art hanging above the sofa is really special.  It’s clear that it was the color inspiration for the space.  But the wooden sculptural piece hanging above the chairs visually competes rather than complements.  In order to allow the art over the sofa to be the star of this room I’d replace that sculptural piece with this large round mirror.  This mirror complements the color of the etageres and adds interest to the wall above the chairs without distracting from the beautiful canvas.

Three – I’d bring in some bolder-hued throw pillows to really drive home the color scheme of the space.  Turquoise, Orange, Yellow-Gold,  Gold Lumbar.

Four – Lamp lighting should be an element in every space.  Bringing in this charcoal and gold lamp base between the chairs will cozy up the room, and compliment the touch of black in the art and rug.

Five – Flanking the art with these candle mirror sconces will both highlight the art and fill that large wall out nicely.

Six – A round gold tray on the ottoman will break up all the straight lines and compliment both the curve of the chairs and the candle sconces.

Seven – Swapping the pouf in the room for this moroccan style will add some great texture.

Eight – Bringing in a tree next to the chair on the right will balance the height of the etageres that flank the sofa while adding some life.  Fresh greenery is always a good idea!  It will also help to visually separate this space from the open kitchen and entry.  This basket used as a planter adds a nice pop of texture, pattern and color.

Thoughts?

So what do you think?  How would you tackle this sliding glass door wall?  Would you do curtain panels on this door?  These teal linen panels I recommended come in a variety of colors and many different lengths.  To customize them you could easily add decorative trim or even tassels would be fun!

If you have a design dilemma you’d like for me to tackle as a part of this series, submit photos and a brief description of your design query to Carmel@ourfifthhouse.com.  I’d love to help you brainstorm ideas!