Window Treatments Part II

 

A few Valley Journal editions ago I focused on the topic of window treatments. I left off with a brief description of fabric window treatments. However, I was only able to give you limited information about the different types of window treatments available. Since this is such a broad category unto itself, I thought that I would continue the topic and devote this issue to a few more styles of fabric window treatments and ways to determine which ones best suit your interior design. I even added some tips to save you money and headaches.

 

When choosing a style for your fabric windows treatments, or for that matter, any style of window treatment, keep in mind that you are framing not only your windows like a piece of art work, but you are also making a statement about your room. Also, it is important to recognize what purpose each window treatment is going to have in your home.

 

Try to take into consideration all of the colors and textures as well as designs that you have already put into the room, and then incorporate that same feeling into the design of your window treatments. For example, if you have a room or entire home that is styled around a beach cottage design, then you would look for more relaxed styles such as drapery panels made from linens and cottons or roman shades made with a cotton canvas fabric. Natural fabrics work well in more casual environments.

 

Hardware choices are also very important as they are like the accessories that complete an outfit. Hardware works to accentuate and complement the overall presentation. Don’t be afraid to be bold with drapery hardware. Just remember that your hardware choices need to work with the overall room design as well as the window treatment. If you have high ceilings and large furniture and are using fabric panels, take advantage of larger rods and rings. They will better fit the scale of the room. If you are working with fabric panels and hang them higher up on the wall it will draw the eye upwards, making the windows seem larger, creating drama. Scale is key to a happy marriage between all components in a room. If you have large furniture pieces and choose to only put a sheer fabric on a skinny rod over your windows, your room will lack the right balance. Look in various home style magazines to see examples of window treatments in different settings. This is the easiest way to visualize a treatment style that best works in your environment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The most popular, easiest to work with and most versatile fabric window treatment is the drapery panel. They are available in a myriad of fabrics and styles that will complement almost any décor. If you can spend a little extra, it is definitely worth the money to have your window treatments custom made. Not only does this allow you to be more creative, but it ensures the correct sizes for your windows. Remember that store bought drapes are made to only fit general sized windows and doors. This may not be your best choice.

 

Before making a choice on a panel style, keep in mind that some panel designs are best used for decoration because they don’t open and close easily.

Tab Top and Rod Pocket are two examples of this. They don’t slide over a rod easily because there is only fabric at the top to pull at. Over time, you may have a problem with your fabric tearing. These styles are best for framing a window on each side, but not covering it. This is a non-functioning drape and is a popular look to use with a roman shade or natural grass or reed style shade underneath to lend added dimension and softness to a room. This is a design that can also be “puddled” meaning made longer as to drape on the ground for a more romantic look. This design looks better on wood or tile floors than on carpet. One bonus of using this design is that you don’t need as much fabric because the treatment doesn’t cover the entire window.

 

The fabric panels that work great for every day opening and closing are made to work with hardware, which allow ease of movement. Rings or grommets applied to panels that hang from rods are a great choice. Depending on the hardware design you choose, you can create looks from classic to contemporary. Of course, you will want to choose fabrics along the same style lines. To add an extra touch to these designs, attach batons or pulls to the panels so you don’t have to touch the fabrics every time you open or close your drapery. This keeps the panels clean and prevents the fabric from being pulled and stretched. The classic Traverse Rod system is making a comeback too with more decorative hardware that doesn’t leave the pulley system exposed when the drapery panels are opened. Some of these new Traverse systems even offer the look of rings on rods and are available in many different materials, including iron.

 

If you choose to go with a Folded Shade style of window treatment, remember that some fabrics and patterns don’t work well with these styles. Also keep in mind that if you are going to install your shade on the inside of your window frame, plan on losing at least eight inches of window when these are open, because the fabric needs room to stack up. The most popular name for these is Roman Shades. You can have them made with very crisp folds for a cleaner more transitional look, or have the folds softened for a more relaxed feel. Once again, the fabric is going to dictate the kind of Roman Shade you choose to use. Another style that is still popular in a more traditional or vintage style room is the balloon and gathered shades. These styles have a more voluminous shape and look lovely with more feminine and romantic designs.

 

The Roman Shade or Folded Shade works in almost any environment and is great for small spaces as well as for layering under other window treatments such as non-functioning panels and valances. Fabrics with patterns that need to be matched up can be difficult to use with a Roman Shade. Try finding fabric that has a random pattern or texture that doesn’t need to be matched at any seams. Be careful using plaids as some patterns may be lost in the folds and end up looking like just a stripe. This type of shade is opened by using a cord and pulley system to pull the shade up. Remember this if you are putting this type of window treatment on hard to reach windows. I also recommend the continuous cord option, if available, because it is easier to maneuver. One last note on Roman Shades, they can be installed either outside or inside the window.

 

 

A Few Helpful Tips You Might Thank Me For Later

 

v     v     If your drapery rings don’t slide easily on the rod, rub a little wax on the inside of the rings. Make sure you don’t use colored wax as it can stain your drapery fabrics.

 

v     v     Never hang your drapery hardware until you have double checked the finished measurements of your draperies. Remember that if you are using rings you have to include the drop measurement of the rings into your overall length. This can save you time and extra holes in your wall at the end.

 

v     v     When buying a rod for your panels, make sure that you allow “stacking” room on both sides of the window for your drapery when it is open, at least 12 inches if not more on either side (before brackets) depending on the thickness of the fabric. This assures that you don’t lose any of your precious view.

 

 

v     v     Please don’t hang your panels just above your windows. It makes everything feel squatty. If you can, hang them at least eight to 10 inches above your finished window, not any less. It will look much better and give your room a larger feeling.

 

v     v     If you are under construction NEVER EVER EVER order window treatments until all of the construction near the windows is complete. This includes cabinets going in next to windows, door openings etc. Things change during the construction process. Don’t get stuck doing everything twice.

 

v     v     If you are installing valances over doorways please remember that most exterior doors open in. I know this may seem like a no brainer but…

 

v     v     Lining your drapes is a great idea not only for insulation, but it also protects fabrics from sun damage and if you line all of your window treatments in the same lining from room to room, it looks more uniform to the outsider looking in.

 

v     v     It is better to choose fabrics with less flamboyant patterns as they will be easier to redecorate your room around when the time comes.

 

v     v     Measure, Measure, Measure, Measure, the top of the window, bottom of the window, middle of the window, across the window, depth of the window and the height of the window.

 

v     v     You can always E-mail or call me at the numbers at the beginning of this article if you have any questions pertaining to this topic or something else on design that you would like me to address in coming articles.

 

Thanks again, and remember to be creative and have fun!

 

- Michelle