So, here are the options we turn to first when we recommend window treatments.
Draperies
This is my favorite. Drapes are capable of whatever you perceive them to be. They can give you color, personality and interest or just the opposite by blending in, unnoticeable, functional and subtle. They can add height to your room and width to your window. They can completely transform a room!
Drapes should mount near the ceiling to give your room height, however there are exceptions. If you have super tall ceilings (12-14 feet), we usually only go about a foot above your window. This still compliments the height of your room without shortening your windows. Go too high above them, and your windows will appear squatty.
As you can see in this room, we used white drapes that blended into the white trim, but they are far from boring!
Custom drapes are a wonderful option. Select a fabric that best suits your personality and room. Fickle/creative and change your room often? Select a fabric that compliments your wall color, which you are less likely to change with the seasons.
These drapes matched the wall color perfectly. Also notice, we only did the first section of windows.
Looking for something bold? Select a pattern that makes a statement! These can be fun in the right room, but choose something you can be happy with for a while. There is nothing worse than spending money on something, only to be tired of it next year.
Drapery hardware... There are two options when it comes to drapes, rings or grommets. Both go on a steel rod. Please don't buy the collapsable ones from the store and extend it to the furthest length... these often give out before your drapes do. If you must get it from a store, select one where the length you need will be on the "low" end, keeping the rod strong. Rings and grommets are both nice, just give very different looks. These are the same drape, just shown with either rings or grommets.
The Peyton Drape & The Peyton Grommet Drape, Pottery Barn
Shutters
Shutters are a wonderful option for someone who doesn't like the look of drapes or prefers the look of a trimmed out window. We especially like the look of large louvers and no central spine. This gives you more view through your window and a less choppy feel. Painted to match your trim or stained, shutters can make a beautiful statement in any home. And, they can transcend from very traditional to sleek contemporary.
With different options to choose from, these aren't your mothers shutters! Different frames and lover sizes allow you to create the perfect look for your home. There is even a water resistant product out now, allowing you to have these directly in a shower for those inconveniently placed windows!
Shades
We like to use shades in the spaces where drapes won't fit, but you still want the softness that only fabric can give. Great locations include bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and even doors. There are a variety of styles and just as many fabric options as there are for drapes. We have placed these in various spaces... a french country kitchen and a man cave!
These are also great when you just won't to add a touch of fabric to a window. Almost like a new version of the valance, we have placed these as non-functioning pieces to simply finish out a window.
I hope this has given you some insight to just a few of your window dressing options. With about a million fabrics, colors and styles, there is something out there that suits your home and personality best!
Sorry I wasn't able to provide more photos... we definitely aren't photographers, and windows are difficult to photograph! All of these photos (with the exception of the to from Pottery Barn) are custom products we have done for our clients. Thank you to those clients for letting us photograph your wonderful homes.
Until next week!
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