Software
Houzz Logo Print
tracysinc

Need suggestions for window treatments - have gorgeous woodwork!

12 years ago
Hi- Thanks in advance for ideas! I have gorgeous windows in the front of my condo (living/dining/kitchen combo) and on the side. I'm trying to figure out what to do for window treatments on the front windows. The two on the sides have one half of the window that opens like a french door (so something like plantation shutters wouldn't work)....however, I don't have them open that often. The middle is fixed and doesn't open. I don't need privacy (I've lived here for seven years and haven't had window treatments) but there is a time in the morning when it would be nice to shade the direct sun and I would probably close some of them in the evening if I had them. I have simple/clean/traditional modern taste (furniture is Room & Board and Restoration Hardware). I LOVE my windows and don't want to cover them up too much but I think window treatments could also highlight them even more. I'm also struggling with color. Some people have suggested white, but I feel like gray or navy (even a bold stripe?) would contrast with the woodwork better. My walls are Benjamin Moore Museum Piece and the furniture is gray and navy with orange, navy and white accents.

Comments (18)

  • 12 years ago
    Plantation shutters would work if you want that look. They build a frame around the glass and the shutter fits in that. I have 3 1/2 in plantation shutters on my French doors. They look nice and don't block my view.
  • 12 years ago
    BTW- Your woodwork is absolutely beautiful!
    Tracy Sinclair thanked sarahpost
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    While I like plantation shutters on windows, I don't like them on doors. The cutouts they have to do around the door hardware is particularly unattractive.
    Plantation Shutters · More Info
  • 12 years ago
    Thanks for the comments so far. It's true I've gone this long without, but that's also because I knew I was going to be redecorating (bought new furniture a year ago)....and I also didn't live in my place for a year because of work.

    Now that I'm settled back in, I feel like having something on the windows would make it seem more finished. I'm wondering whether something simple like a roman shade, interior mount, just to cover glass part, hung below the semi circle window, might work. I would do the same thing on the other windows. They have an ugly view (brick wall) so doing something there would be nice to block that view a bit.

    http://www.roomandboard.com/catalog/window-treatments/roman-shades/roman-shades-aventura
  • 12 years ago
    And I agree about the plantation shutters. I love them, but not in this instance.
  • 12 years ago
    I would suggest a Roman shade over the window, just as you thought, but I'd leave the semi-round arch on top bare.
  • 12 years ago
    I don't think I would do them here either, especially since you have no need for privacy. I only brought up that you could do them if you wanted since in your comment it sounded like you may have been interested but didn't think it would be an option for the doors. Doing plantation shutters on doors does not always require the ugly cutout. I don't have that on mine. I think it is only needed if you have lever handles. I have egg shaped handles, so the frame is even all the way around.
  • 12 years ago
    Personally, I'd leave them naked. So beautiful!
  • 12 years ago
    HI -- On your big main front windows , I think the window wall should be the same white as the windows so you don't have that color contrast between the sets of windows . That wall would look bigger and better without the vertical stripes of color . As for the other windows you could have very thin small fitted sun shades that pull down w/chain pulls . Other wise they look fine and seem to be working for you as is . Another option for you .... wallpaperforwindows.com
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    Stained Glass is better then looking at a wall for those exposed to it , You can purchase rolls of it at Home depot or get them professionally done .
    Magnolia Stained Glass Window Film · More Info
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    I could see a roman shade on your small windows, but not on the set of 3 arched top windows.
  • 12 years ago
    I personally couldn't look at the neighbor's wall right outside my window, and the one shot shows a window that could be used to look directly into your home if someone was so inclined. I would put a woven Roman blind on each of the small windows without a view and leave the French doors bare.
  • 12 years ago
    It is actually the neighbors stairwell so unless they stop in it they wouldn't see in. And it's just my kitchen sink so I don't really care.
  • 12 years ago
    such a beautiful view also!
    Tracy Sinclair thanked djhixson
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Leave the view but get some protection for your floors and furnishings with window film. You can also get some of the glare and heat control you want without covering the windows. A decorative film on the "brick" window will allow in light and give you a nicer view.
  • 11 years ago
    I like the roller shade idea. That is what I am thinking about for mine. It's simple in style (maybe too) and takes nothing away from your beautiful window frame.
  • 11 years ago
    I would use professionally made roman shades in a soft light gray fabric. You could choose an inset trim to bring more emphasis to your beautiful windows. The right window treatment can bring a refreshing "finished" look to a room.