Coordinate curtains, drapes, blinds and accessories with the overall decor and proportions of a room. Choose window fabrics and decorative elements only after you have decided on the look you want to achieve.
Window coverings have to be functional as well as attractive. They protect a home from drafts, extremes of temperature and bright light, as well as from prying eyes.
There are several different kinds of window dressings, each with certain advantages.
• Voile or sheer curtains should limit the view outside as little as possible but, at the same time, they offer occupants their privacy.
• Heavier curtains can keep out blinding light and act as a privacy screen.
• Blinds are often a better alternative to sheer curtains in contemporary homes.
• For a classic contemporary look, use distinct shapes, geometrical patterns and bright colors.
• To create a luxurious effect, combine light sheer curtains with drapes of silk, cotton or damask.
• Heavy valences of tufted cord, brocade or velvet look sumptuous. They can be combined with curtains of tulle and gauze. But this striking combination requires a room with a high ceiling or it can look stifling.
• Pleated pull-up sheers or curtains made from light fabrics with flowery patterns set a romantic and playful theme.
• Use decorative tie-backs to add interest and maximize light levels in a room.
BLINDS are ADJUSTABLE AND infinitely variable.
• Short curtains look rustic and suit short and square or wide, low windows. They stop just above the windowsill or a little below it.
• Arched sheer curtains are a good choice for windows with flowerpots or windowboxes, because the floral contents remain in full view.
• Floor-length curtains enhance the high, narrow windows often found in older apartments and houses. They should reach to about 2 inches (5 cm) above the floor so that you can vacuum underneath easily.
• Choose floor-length curtains to make a room’s windows look longer and the ceiling look higher.
• Install the curtain rod a little higher than the frame to make the window look taller.
• Use wide curtains to make a narrow, high window look broader.
• Create uniformity between windows of differing heights by hanging all curtains at the same height.
These days, many windows are covered by venetian or other kinds of roll-up blinds, but the good old curtain and rod still have their place in many homes. Of course, hanging curtains isn’t quite as simple as hanging the blinds that cover so many windows but, if done correctly, they can bring a comfortable, old-world allure to any room. Here are a few things to consider.
• Display window treatments to their best advantage by installing curtain rods not less than 6 inches (15 cm) above the window frame, extending at least the same distance beyond the sides of the window.
• If a windowsill sticks out a lot further than the wall, it is a good idea to install wood molding on the wall around the window first. Then, mount the brackets for the curtain rod on the molding.
• Install the rod so that it is almost touching the ceiling, or is attached to it, if you want the ceilings to appear higher.
Curtain rod finials come in many shapes and materials.
Blinds and curtains aren’t the only way to dress up a window. With a little creativity, you can use all sorts of items to add visual interest.
• Install stained glass windows to give a room an individual appearance and shield you from prying eyes outside, too.
• Use the windowsill as a ready-made shelf for flowering or green plants. Or, add accessories such as pretty stones, elegant vases, ornaments or artistic flower arrangements.
• Install a glass shelf across the center of the window, then place small plants on the shelf. This is especially good for bringing a touch of green to the kitchen or any area that doesn’t require the same level of privacy as, say, the bedroom. Just make sure that the plants are not too heavy.
WINDOW TREATMENTS GIVE free rein to YOUR CREATIVITY.
