I need help with my design!

Kimberly Gunter

14 years ago

Had a hard time finding window treatments.

Featured Answer

timbarbdew

14 years ago

Lots of good ideas. I will just add no-cost, work with what you have suggestions. Ready made panels no matter what the cost will never have a custom look without "setting the pleats". Fabric has memory, on the downside it "remembers" the folds and creases from packaging, but on the upside it will "remember" how to hang beautifully if you train it correctly.
First steam or press the curtains following manufactures directions removing all creases and wrinkles. Now hang the drapes and with your fingers form perfect pleats from top to bottom, pushing the fabric together until both panels are pleated. You will have to hold them together to keep the pleats in place. Now "set the pleats" by tying or pinning 3 wide (6-8") strips of fabric around the drapes,near the top, middle, and bottom to hold them together but not squishing the front of the pleats into creases, you want soft folds. Leave them like this for 3-5 days. When you remove the fabric strips you will be amazed at how good your panels will look.
Drapery weight tape (sometimes called sausage bead because it is beads of lead encased in cotton tubing) threaded inside the bottom hem can do wonders for the look of your drapes if your fabric is very light. It just lays inside the bottom hem, no sewing needed. For the style of your room I would raise your curtain rod so the drapes will be about 1/4" off the floor, puddling drapes look best with heavy fabric in formal rooms. I also would draw the drapes to one side, away from the fireplace, they will look fuller and allow more light in the room.

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Comments (40)

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Mona Ives
14 years ago
I would suggest a woven wood shade. Like one these perhaps.Perhaps get them unlined if you dn't need as much privacy. You can layer drapery panels over if you want, but don't have to.
PRO
karen paul interiors
14 years ago
So you found your draperies and you are wanting to do...?
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sthor
14 years ago
These are all the rage now but oh so expensive. Anyone know a good place to get reasonable wood blinds or bamboo shade?
lefty47
14 years ago
HI -- I am not understanding the direction of your question ?What do you want to know exactly. The drapes showing in your picture are not enough, you need to add two more panels and widen the rod a little more past the sides of the window.And put the rod up as high as it can go on the wall . Add some wood blinds under for a more complete look.
sthor
14 years ago
Just commenting on the window treatment of bamboo blinds. Went to look at them for a family room and bedroom and ay too expensive. Love them and my taste does not match my budget.
Bond Girl
14 years ago
I agree that some additional information would be helpful. And I agree with Mona's suggestions for wood blinds. (Don't be scared off, they can be found at every price point.) From the picture, my gut reaction is that your space looks great. Your window treatments are great,... but,... I think the rod isn't wide enough. I'd like to see those panels stack to the side of the window, not blocking any of the light, which they currently seem to do. Beautiful room! Good luck! (PS -- low baskets on the bottom shelf to house the magazines would be a nice touch, keeping in line with your clean, modern look!)
PRO
karen paul interiors
14 years ago
Lefty, don't think she can widen the rod as it appears she is right up against the wall on the right side?
littlemissk
14 years ago
last modified: 14 years ago
Not understanding exactly what it is you consider to be the issue ... but I'm assuming it's how cramped that window looks. I'd install a heavy rod that extends toward the fireplace and slide the left panel more to the left to allow more light to flow in. It will also make the window look larger. If you need to fill it in a bit more, add another panel. With the color on the adjacent wall, I think it would support the asymmetry. If that switch on the wall is for the light, put the light on a timer so you don't have to diddle with it. Don't see any comments from "angelnme" as yet, but it appears looking at your Idea Book you like a more luxurious "feel" and what you've achieved so far is lovely. While I can certainly understand the recommendations for woven shades and shutters, and respect the opinions of others, it doesn't appear this is the look you might be trying to achieve; but then, we really can't see the rest of your room to more fully understand the overall look and feel. Once again, I would strongly recommend simply extending the rod toward the fireplace and moving the panel so that it "slightly" overflows the window frame before you try anything else. Adding an additional panel on that side would certainly make it look more luxurious, it would eliminate the "gap" and make the window look much larger.
carfranks
14 years ago
Silly as it sounds people through wooden blinds away and replace them all of the time. They are very easy to cut to size and paint. If you cant afford them make your own. A ball of twine will weave them together for a nice finished look. Or Home Depot has a cheaper look alike for around 10.00 to 20.00 per window anyone cant find 20.00. The panels look to wide to me and are hung to low. If you cut them down a bit and hang them higher they will look straighter and fit the rooms personality a little better. Give some of these ideas a try.
PRO
Dytecture
14 years ago
I agree the existing drapery there seems a bit unfinished. Wood blinds or plantation shutter would be nice.

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lefty47
14 years ago
HI -- Yes, Karen Paul - I saw that - and I know the rod can still be widened to the other direction and the finial should be removed from the wall side . I didn't think I needed to state or explain the obvious. Sorry
PRO
Mona Ives
14 years ago
I was going to say Home Depot offers some pre-fab woven wood blinds that are cheaper because they are not custom cut. If your window is a standard size you might have luck with that for the look on a budget. Also if you only have a few windows, that shade would be in the $150-200 range. Don't know if that's still too pricey. Also, if you don't do lining, top down bottom up, or continuous cord loop operation, you will save money on the shade.
inabunker
14 years ago
I love your room. I agree with Dytecture, plantation shutters would crisp up and brighten the room - in white. They'd look fabulous and they would take up space.
pcmom1
14 years ago
One small thing: when there are candles in the room, always be sure to burn them for a few seconds. Brings in the "lived in" look and gets rid of the "staged look".
thickskin
14 years ago
beautiful room. you need to add more panels to your drapes. they seem a little skimpy. also put your magazines in one stack, not scattered on your table.
PRO
Sally Phillips Custom Window Treatments
14 years ago
Ok, on the drapes, fix the sides so light doesn't come through. This may involve cutting the stitching at the outer edges of the panels and putting the drapes over the bracket, Make it stay there with either velcro, 1 side on drapery bracket and i side on inside of drapery, or use glue. Do this on both sides after you raise the rod as high as possible, there is too much puddling at the bottom anyway, so this will work well. Then if you feel you need shades get them cheap at home depot, you can get the cheapest matchstick blinds and stain them a darker color, or even pain them black, which would look awesome in that room. Move the chair forward a bit, and get a side table that has dark/black wood with some glass on it. This could also be made from wood products from home depot, then put some glass on top. Paint the mantle more the color of the carpet, or chair, and cover that lampshade with the same color. You might even consider repainting the red wall to the same as the other wall color and painting the mantle that red color, to bring the focus back to the fireplace instead of the tv wall. Good luck
teringitup
14 years ago
If you don't need a custom width/length, amazon has quite a few reasonably priced blinds, too.
sthor
14 years ago
Thanks. Need custom sizes. For example one window is 58 and 1/2 " H and width is 70 and 3/4. May do two on that one. So will keep looking for a bargain, if not will just purchase a few at a time. Going to remeasure also. It is a whole house window treatment so will be expensive no matter what.
sthor
14 years ago
Shouldn't the drapes be shorter in length?
j0dy
14 years ago
I like your room! The suggestions above about bringing some kind of shutters in would look nice too. If you hang the curtain rod higher, closer to the ceiling it would make the window look larger. Also it would break up the gap at the top between the orange wall and the creme wall. There might be a little extra fabric from the curtains but I think in your space it would look nice to have a little extra 'puddle' of fabric on the floor. In some spaces it makes the room cozier, like your space is :)
sthor
14 years ago
Shutters would be perfect.
judie
14 years ago
Agree with moving the chair forward a tad and bringing the lamp forward also. I particularly love the idea of the black woven shades (oriental upscale look), or maybe just shears hung under the draperies. I have never liked draperies pulled to one side, they always seem unfinished and "didn't know what else to do with them". Add some greenery too.
Cheryl Spry
14 years ago
I agree about opening up curtains wider, but the repeat of the leaf shape, was to much, the plant, the picture, and the metal sculpture, the lamp even has a simular shape. For me it was too many.
pcmom1
14 years ago
last modified: 14 years ago
Maybe the problem you are having with the room is that, I am guessing, it was "done" all at the same time. It is too planned, doesn't have the "collected over time" look. As the above poster mentioned: the repeat of the leaf.

Perhaps you should head over to the antique and consignment stores and look for a replacement for the coffee table. It can still have very clean lines, but if it were wood and had an aged patina, would add another feel to the room.

If that is too difficult to find, a table in a similar wood to your floor lamp would work.

The fireplace surround is so white and very traditional compared with your furnishings. Perhaps some of the real designers out there could provide some examples and their thoughts on changing it up.
PRO
Springs Window Fashions
14 years ago
Graber makes a nice custom wood blind at a reasonable price. My I also suggest a textured roller shade, less expensive than woven woods and a nice clean look.
sthor
14 years ago
Oh, thanks, I will check into Graber and the textured shades. See it pays to ask.
wem58
14 years ago
Perhaps you can move the chair and give the floor lamp some space. Change the curtains with curtains coloured in line with the wall, not the red wall.
Kimberly Gunter
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks to everyone for offering their suggestions! Actually I do like the woven shade I have that in my kitchen but was afraid to try it in the family room. The one I got is from Home Depot the price is very reasonable and they also cut to fit your window. When I put up my window treatments I realized something was a bit off. There isn’t much room on the side closer to the wall so I was unable to widen the rod to make the window appear larger or add more panels. I like the idea of putting the wood blinds or shutters under the window treatments maybe that’s what’s missing. I think the rod sticks out too much away from the window making the light come through on the sides. I also like the idea of shutters (white or brown) is the question and can I find them at a reasonable price. I will be looking for some baskets for the shelf on my coffee table..that was a great idea! The wall you see is actually an orange color. The picture is a few months old so I’ve added a tan/yellow color to the wall with the window treatments. I would love to add a more contemporary surround to the fireplace. I plan on doing that in the future. I will add more pics today. I appreciate the feedback..more comments are welcomed.
lefty47
14 years ago
HI -- To add a more updated look to the fireplace surround until you change it ,- paint it black in a satin scheen . It will give the room a pop ! As for the window drape panel problem -- the drapes don't have to be centered over the windows . Because the windows are against the wall on the one side , you kind of have to fake it a bit. Designers do it all the time . Drapes don't have to be the exact size of the window. Going bigger or wider makes the window seem bigger and it will fill in the void wall area. Getting the same blinds you have in the other is good ,- bringing an element from the other room makes for a balanced interior.
PRO
Design Sorce
14 years ago
If you are looking for a "designer look", you do not have it with your window treatment. You have everything else in the room pulled together nicely. However, your window treatment (panels) have a ready-made/home-made look. Your window treatment do not fit the window right, with light seeping in on the sides. And the panels themself need dressing.
Forget the design on a dime. Invest into custom make panels and special order rod that you can't find at HomeDepot or Lowes. To have custom made window treatments, are not as expensive as you may think. The right window treatment can give you that wow factor in your room. My other suggestion is to move the chair forward in our room, so it is not touching your window treatment. I would also move the floor lamp away from the wall, so it is not touching the wall. From the photo, they look too pushed into the corner.
PRO
karen paul interiors
14 years ago
Lucia is correct. You have an absolutely lovely room. There are some places you can "cheat" in a room, but windows is not one of them. It's the equivalent to wearing designer clothing, wonderful jewelry and buying your hand bag and shoes from a bargain basement. When you walk into a living area you will notice the windows and how they are dressed, the fireplace, the sofa and the carpet. The rest of it you can cheat on price until your behind is on fire IF you make certain your eye is trained to have something that looks expensive even though it is not. If you were to do nothing more than put up some wovens (good ones) and leave it at that for now until you can work new draperies into your budget, then that would be my recommendation. It doesn't matter what you do as long as you do it well.
PRO
Sally Phillips Custom Window Treatments
14 years ago
Thank you, of course I too believe that custom window treatments make a room, as that is my business...:)
Pat
14 years ago
You don't need custom blinds. The big box stores like Home Depot and Lowes have attractive ready made blinds. If they are not exactly the right size you can cut them down yourself with a heavy pair of shears. I did five large floor to ceiling windows for around $200.
Kimberly Gunter
Original Author
14 years ago
I would love to have custom window treatments and have been looking into but wanted something temporary but nice for now. patatcc I agree, I already had that done for my kitchen window.
Kimberly Gunter
Original Author
14 years ago
Here is a full view of the family room. It was difficult to find a color to blend with all the colors I have. I found these drapes from Horchow for a reasonable price. I think the way the builder made the windows is the problem.
sthor
14 years ago
The drapes are lovely but not for that room. I would do wood blinds,or have you seen something called Tri-lites by Lindeen Tree? Plantation shutters but I think are so over priced. There are wood blinds too.
Kimberly Gunter
Original Author
14 years ago
No I've never heard of tri-lies. I think I'm leaning towards wood blinds or the bamboo woven shades
sthor
14 years ago
I meant Tri-lites. Sorry. they were at JC Penny's. Think they are Linden Tree, maybe made by Hunter Douglas?
pcmom1
14 years ago
Seeing the room from this angle I think, "Don't stop at just redoing the fireplace surround. Make that fireplace larger!" Think it should have some treatment that goes up to the ceiling, wider, more modern and more "Wow!"