Suggestions Please!

13 years ago

I am completely stumped about these windows. In my heart I think a dramatic drape near the ceiling to the floor with bold decorator rods is the thing to do. However the lighted shelf above the fireplace makes this very awkward. I have put up white blinds temporarily to block the very bright sun that flows through. The furnishings are black and cream leather and a bit contemporary. Do not want something frilly.
I am trying my best to keep cost down. Please help.

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Linda Clayton Interiors

13 years ago

As an expert in window treatments I will tell you that it would not work mounting the rod above the upper window . You would have a skinny panel that would just hang between the wall and the mantle. I am going to suggest something that you will probably hate to hear. I would take out that large mantle. I don't know why they put it there any way. It looks awkward and cuts the height of the room in half. I am sure it is just drywall so It should not be too difficult. I would then put a new mantle just over the tiled area of the fireplace. You could then install a nice pole about 6" over the top window
( do not go to ceiling) and tieback the panels to the side of both sides of the fireplace. You can then do the same thing on the two walls that are adjacent to the fireplace wall. Have those panels tied to the side so they meet the other panels in the corner.

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Comments (11)

Sean
13 years ago
Two story drapes will be pricey. You could try motorized solar shades. They come in a lot of different fabrics and colors. Many are somewhat see through.
User
13 years ago
I have a similar dilema and put up off white faux wood plantation blinds (2" slats) with a long rod that I can adjust the blinds open or closed without a ladder. The blinds are Levalor and custom sized from Lowe's. Sheers on the lower windows would be pretty.
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lyn's home
13 years ago
Rebecca Robeson of Robeson Design is an amazing decorator. I remember that she addressed a similar issue. Here's the link. Hope it helps. https://www.houzz.com/discussions/can-you-help-me-with-a-similar-window-treatment-issue-dsvw-vd~172971
bagaroo
13 years ago
That is a great living area! A few couches and white curtains would be Shute to work, not to dramatic though. Maybe a elegant white theme with small pops of cream, black and maybe purple would do just fine
elcieg
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
You have up-liighting over your fireplace, so put one dramatic piece there. Lower windows need something...shutters. Build on the black and cream. Make sure you have stunning pieces.

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nancy34
13 years ago
White faux woods 2" in all windows will give the best control of light, the best look for the best price.
They have ready made panels 120" in length, do a small rod with 2 finals on each window. If you want
more fullness seam two panels together, the drape will cover the top of the fireplace. To remove
the mantel, repair and paint is a 2 day job and it will cost you with a carpenter. Good Luck
anitajoyce
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
I would not use the two story drapery. Drapery on the bottom windows would be nice. You could use blinds on the upper wintdows.
snicholas
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you ALL for your suggestions. Very helpful. Still not sure what I will do. Leaning toward removal of the lighted mantle. It really does limit my decorating on the focal wall. Hate the added expense and work.
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nancy34
13 years ago
Maybe removing only each side of the mantel, keeping the center will help with you not needing to replace a mantel???? It would clear your path for tall dramatic panels which will take the focus off the
fireplace and mantel somewhat!!!!
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Roots and Rafters
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
I entirely agree with Linda that removing the mantel would be the best course of action. The first thing I thought of when I saw this living room was that the mantel is at an awkward height, and is too large -- even against that massive wall.

Then, if you wanted to leave the top windows as-is (which would look more contemporary than plantation shutters or big drapes) you could install UV film on the windows, which is a relatively inexpensive solution that would cut down the glare while letting light in. On the bottom windows you could install whatever you fancied.