Decorating Guides
The View From Above
7 Spaces With a Stunning Second-Story View
If you have a home with an upstairs area, such as a loft or hallway open to the floor below, consider the view from above. When choosing some of your decor, your view looking down at the space below is a unique opportunity to see objects from a very different perspective.
Consider the difference in how shapes appear from the side vs. the top — or how other pieces of furniture that partially block your view of an object from the side, may be completely out of the way when you look down into the room. Here are seven different views that will inspire you to consider a view from above.
Consider the difference in how shapes appear from the side vs. the top — or how other pieces of furniture that partially block your view of an object from the side, may be completely out of the way when you look down into the room. Here are seven different views that will inspire you to consider a view from above.
The circles inset into this entry floor have a dramatic impact when viewed from the upper balcony. It heightens the effect of the surrounding curves of the staircases. This entry is beautiful when standing on the main floor, (visit the builder's site to see a photo from the ground floor perspective), but seen from up above, it is simply stunning!
This glass dining table, seen from an upper floor, has a uniquely shaped base showing through the glass.
This is the same dining room pictured above. Still beautiful, but the shape of the base is not evident from the side view. That's why this dining table is so uniquely suited to a room that can be seen from above.
This live edge coffee table is attractive from any view...
... But I bet you didn't even notice that it is split in two halfway across the table and has a large hole until you saw it from this angle. It's a pretty lively piece of wood that is more dramatic when seen from above.
This room has always been a favorite of mine. It has a great mid-century modern look and I love the colors. From this perspective it feels relaxed and casual.
This is the same room. The simple, strong lines of the furniture and accessories create a composition that is very pleasing from this view and it has an almost Asian feel to it. When you arrange furniture for any room, you normally stand at the entrance or at different points in the room to see how it looks from every angle. But with an upper open area, remember to look at your arrangement from upstairs too. You may be pleased to find an entirely different and equally beautiful look from that upper floor perspective.
Again here, the composition of the rug, L-shaped sectional, round coffee table and the long, red bowl all form an attractive composition. The combination of circle, rectangles and oval give it more interest than if the coffee table and red bowl were also rectangular.
These sculptural hanging lamps make me feel like I'm above the clouds looking down.
It's not necessary to change your entire space plan or furniture arrangement just to please the view from your upper floor, but it's a great opportunity to design your space with this special perspective in mind.
Do you have a view from an upper floor? What have you added that makes that view extra special? Share your photos!
More Inspiration:
Tall Tales: Ideas for Two Story Great Rooms
Read More Ideabooks
It's not necessary to change your entire space plan or furniture arrangement just to please the view from your upper floor, but it's a great opportunity to design your space with this special perspective in mind.
Do you have a view from an upper floor? What have you added that makes that view extra special? Share your photos!
More Inspiration:
Tall Tales: Ideas for Two Story Great Rooms
Read More Ideabooks