Sculpt Your Window Look With Ornamental Lambrequins
Emphasize style, architecture or a beautiful view with these highly decorative window treatments
Houzz Contributor. Shane Inman is president and senior principal interior designer of The Inman Company. After earning a B.A. in interior design from Michigan State University, he started his career specializing in custom kitchen and bath design. He is a certified interior designer by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), a certified kitchen designer by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) and also holds the highest-ranking memberships with the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).
Houzz Contributor. Shane Inman is president and senior principal interior... More »
Lambrequins, once used in drafty castles to conserve heat, are today usually reserved for traditional interiors. These highly ornamental versions of cornice boards decorate not only the top portion of a window but the sides as well. However, like cornice boards, these stylish window treatments can be used in combination with draperies, wooden blinds or cellular shades for a layered look.
Take a glimpse at these eight great examples of lambrequins to see if this traditional look will fit into your home's style.
Take a glimpse at these eight great examples of lambrequins to see if this traditional look will fit into your home's style.
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| Full-length scalloped. Perfectly symmetrical in design, these floor-length lambrequins dress up and soften this very traditional bedroom. The soft top and the side scalloping distract the eye from all the hard edges of the bedroom furniture. The wooden blinds with tapes are the perfect backdrop. Style tip: Coordinate the fabric of your lambrequins to your wall color so your furniture remains the focal point. Let the scalloping of the lembrequins become the texture in the room. |
| High design. Perfectly designed, the lambrequins shown here lie just over the traditional draperies, adding a layer of contemporary flair on top of traditional design for a stunning look. Style tip: Use the symmetry of a pair of lambrequins to flank any picture window. Sometimes more is better than less. |
by Maureen Rivard
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Uniquely rustic. This very creative homeowner used a salvaged doorframe to create lambrequins. The frame was cut in two to create a pair that flanks the focal window.
Style tip: Adding the rustic worn wood of the lambrequins alongside the sleek lines of the sofa was a risk, but it pays off. Don't be afraid to follow a new idea when it comes to your window treatments.
Style tip: Adding the rustic worn wood of the lambrequins alongside the sleek lines of the sofa was a risk, but it pays off. Don't be afraid to follow a new idea when it comes to your window treatments.
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| Stepped-inside corners. This matching set of box-style lambrequins covers the complete sides of the windows and places an emphasis on the inside corners with a stepped design. Style tip: Consider using self-welting (fabric-covered cording) to line the leading edge of the lambrequin for added detail. Try matching the fabric of your lambrequin to your bedspread for a cohesive space. |
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Half scalloped. This elegant lambrequin travels only halfway down the window, acting as a crown to the paired, one-sided drapery. The ornamental tieback lends to the overall sophistication.
Style tip: Add fringe to the top of your lambrequin for extra texture and detailing.
Style tip: Add fringe to the top of your lambrequin for extra texture and detailing.
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| Wood. A sculpted wood lambrequin is a spectacular way to add character to a traditional-style room that may be missing its own architectural elements. Instead of having your lambrequin covered in fabric, consider painting it. Add your own crown molding to the top for a truly finished look. Style tip: Paint your wooden lambrequin the same color as your walls for heightened drama. Bring more fabric into your room by installing your draperies on the outside of the lambrequin rather than inside. |
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| Traditional. This very formal great room uses a very traditional-style lambrequin made from a tapestry. Heavy layering is the key to achieve this look — first the lambrequin, then a drapery and then sheers. Style tip: By adding a lambrequin and several layers of drapes, you can make the window appear larger. |
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| Highly sculpted. These highly stylized half-length lambrequins make a decorative statement in this dining room by giving a swag-type design and feel over the floor-length sheers. The paisley print is a good choice here. Style tip: A great way to tie any window treatment into your space is by matching your fabric with pillows. Small bolsters with accent fringe in a dining room are always unexpected and visually appealing. |
Ideabook published on Aug. 20, 2012.
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Antique furnishings are being updated all the time with fabric choices. Can we update these kinds of window treatments with fabric and function? Can we use them and maintain an open feel to spaces? Can we make them easier to manage? and clean? Can we design them to add function for light and privacy control as well? Should we tout their abilities to insulate cold window areas?
I am not just talking about Lambrequins, but also about the many wiindow dressings that can be used with them and other treatments in this category.