Redesigns by Ava: If Windows Could Talk

 

“Windows play a critical role in the three most important aspects of home design.  First, the appearance……windows are the most significant factor influencing how the house looks to the outside world.  Second, windows capture views and the natural world beyond. Last, they let in light and air and protect against extreme weather.”  ~ Duo Dickinson

If windows could talk, they would probably say, “Put some thought into how you choose to dress me.”

How windows are dressed on the inside of your home plays a critical role in your décor.  Window treatments can set a mood and help make a room feel cozy and inviting.  They can also serve a purpose:  keep light out and provide privacy.

Where do you start?

In planning window treatments for a room, consider the function of your room.  Is privacy needed?  How much natural light do you want to allow into the room?  Will the window treatments need to be functional or just decorative? Once that’s determined, it’s time to decide on style, fabrics or materials, and hardware for your window treatment.

Window toppers, drapes, blinds, shades, shutters….what shall you do?

If you need ideas, they are limitless on HTGV.com, Houzz.com, and Pinterest.com

What fabric or color?

Let you wall color and upholstered pieces help you decide. If your upholstered pieces or bedding are a bold pattern, then use a small print or solid.  If they are a solid color, a large patterned fabric for your drapes will look nice. Matching the fabric to the wall color or going a few shades darker is a safe choice.

What style?

Drapes with pleats can be formal or, depending on the fabric used and the style of the pleat, can be casual.

  • Tab -top heading is more casual.
  • Tie-top is feminine or romantic.
  • Sheared on the rod is casual and not good if you want to open and close drape because of the difficulty in sliding the drape.
  • Grommets give a clean, modern, and sometimes masculine feel.
  • Roman shades, woven woods, shades, and plantation shutters are simple and more informal.

A combination of blinds, shades, or shutters with fabric drapery panels can be a beautiful look.

What length do the drapes need to be?

Drapes should just skim the floor.  I subtract ½” from the measurement (from where the drape will attach to the rod to floor).

What width?

I usually add 4 to 6”on both sides of the window for drapery panels in order to allow extra light to stream into the room when the curtains are open.  Measure the window (add the 4 to 6” on each side) and multiply by 2 to 2 ½ times the width of the window to figure out how many panels (approximately 50 to 55” wide) are needed for the window.  Usually at least 2 panels are needed for a single window.

Where does the rod need to be mounted?

To elongate the windows and trick the eye to raise the ceiling, hang rod higher than the window molding. My rule of thumb (these rules are just guidelines):  measure from the bottom of the ceiling molding to the top of the window molding and divide that measurement into 1/3s. Hang in the top or bottom 1/3.  If you have a cathedral ceiling, then measure from an imaginary 9’ ceiling to the top of window molding.

What style of rod do you purchase?

The rod should complement your style of décor. My rule of thumb is:  if fabric is plain, then a more decorative finial may be used; if fabric has a large or bold pattern, then use a simple finial.

What are your windows saying?

The way you dress your windows makes a big difference in the way a room looks and feels.  The decision can be challenging and is a major investment.  Schedule a consultation with ReDESIGNS by Ava for ideas.

 

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