Need help with window dressing for new media area

13 years ago

turning formal living room into media room, need help with window dressing ideas. Windows open from side to side. Will only be covered at night and if watching movie during day. Love the openness of it, not thrilled with blinds, however, feel that is really only option. Maybe covered with some drapes?

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David Kaplan Interior Design LLC

13 years ago

last modified: 13 years ago

This room reminds me of one of my earlier projects which I worked on twice. I had roman shades installed on all the lower windows and sun filter film installed on all including the upper window and skylights. If you are seeking a simple tailored style you can consider solar shades behind the blackout romans. They come in varying openness factors to allow more or less light through. Or for a more rustic feel wood blinds might be appropriate. But, for complete room darkening you would be best to go with a combination solar/blackout type shade system including the angled upper window, and motorized would be ideal.
The white sloped ceiling and trim in your room seem too jarring next to the deep terra cotta walls. My first inclination would be for you to also paint the ceiling the same color as the walls to create a larger continuous volume spatial envelope or if you are concerned about it becoming too dark and empty toward the top add pendant lighting or ceiling fan(s), being careful not to obstruct the media viewing. Otherwise I suggest painting it along with the trim a warm gray to soften the effect. In the room I designed please note the waxed pine planks on the sloped ceiling.

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Comments (22)

PRO
Roots and Rafters
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
You could certainly do drapes, though that wouldn't quite work for the window in the top right of the first picture.

Have you considered motorized blinds? They completely retract when not in use, which will preserve the look you have now. They're also convenient for movie rooms because you can control them all to go down at the same time.

Here are a few inspiration pictures.

Large glass area focuses view to lagoon. · More Info

http://www.houzz.com/photos/1453344/Desert-Transitional-contemporary-living-room-los-angeles
http://www.houzz.com/photos/1453138/Desert-Transitional-contemporary-living-room-los-angeles
judithjudi
13 years ago
I would use a filter blind, we have it but never feel the need to use it and we are south facing. The TV is off to the side. I like the openness. See pictures
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houssaon
13 years ago
I think blinds will do the trick. Another suggestion I have is to paint the ceiling a soft yellow beige:
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PRO
Red Rock Design-Build and Red Rock Pools and Spas
13 years ago
If you are planning to use a projector system for movies, you will want both black our blinds and drapes to cut off the light creeping in from the edges. Using Drapes and Valence to Hide the blinds would actually add a lot of character to the room, and still be ale to look open and airy
PRO
Stanton Designs-online design services
13 years ago
You could do a few things. One would be panel drapes...so they are opened during the day and you could just close them at night. You could go with a roman shade...that will add a little color and pattern to your space.
rashjeh
13 years ago
It is a gorgeous space. Wooden blinds like in the photo would be perfect , bringing warmth and coziness, as well as cutting out the light when you need to for movie viewing.
Window Treatments design by Other Metros Window Coverings Artic Store
rashjeh
13 years ago
Mediterranean Dining Room design by San Francisco Interior Designer Tucker & Marks
serryjw
13 years ago
I wouldn't put anything on the, They are gorgeous just like they are. If you are concerned with privacy, put film on them. You can see out but no one can see in.
Lynn Oxenford
13 years ago
This is a website with lots of roll up shades. They are making a big come back today, and the choices are limitless as to the style , color, and materials that are avable now. I hope this helps with your project. http://www.blindsgalore.com
Margaret Kottelenberg
13 years ago
Your option for window coverings are limitless although I would personally prefer blinds. I would not do light filtering blinds as you still get some glare from those. One comment I would like to make is that your white trim is completely out of place, especially with your dark window frames. I would paint your window trim and baseboard to match your window frames. This will make the space much more contemporary and will make the window treatment the feature, not the stark white trim.
mrswolf
13 years ago
Roman blinds will give you privacy, help with sound for the media and the option of pattern in the room while still looking beautiful pulled up out of the way.
Rachel Marak
13 years ago
That room is incredible. It evokes exactly the emotion it was designed for. In my mind I'm already curling up with my best friend, a cafe creama, and chatting it up.
tishb
13 years ago
I agree with the trim not matching the window frames. And also think that something is really needed on that glaring white ceiling. Once you did the trim that would have to be something else too.
sojack03
Original Author
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
So many great ideas! It seems that everyone is in agreement on changing the ceiling color (which does not make my husband happy, considering he recently painted it the color it is!)
This room is immediately off to right from entrance into home. We painted the entryway the same color, except for one wall (see new pic, that wall is stainless steel). Ceiling there is also white, question is would you change ceiling color there as well? Maybe use the "stainless steel" color ? Is that color soft enough? We feel that it pairs well with the tile we will be laying in the entryway floor.
David, the room you did is beautiful, it really does remind me of our room. Did the windows in that room open like a slider? Looks like they do, was this not an issue with roman shades (my concern is dirt from breezes blowing in).
Pictures are of front door to show how all connects, also stair leading up.
PRO
User
13 years ago
If you wanted the best of both worlds, you can start with a honeycomb insulating shade then add drapes for decoration. They stack compactly so you can enjoy the beautiful view when you want to, without blinds/fabric being in the way! Features like top down bottom up will let you block some light but still enjoy the sky and trees while cutting glare. I can imagine you have a "black hole" effect at night when it is dark outside (see photo of our colleague's home). The colors for light filtering shades are many and you can get free samples before spending money! http://cellularwindowshades.com/samples.html The bonus with your trapezoid window is that Comfortex makes specialty shapes shades in the same materials as the rectangular shades. http://www.comfortex.com/cellular/symphonyspecialty/options.html Just a thought. I love the look of layering.
PRO
David Kaplan Interior Design LLC
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
Hi,
Yes the windows are sliding. The client was not in a position to replace their windows. Although, when we revisited this room for a re-styling I also helped them with a large expansion to the kitchen and butler's pantry, relocating the laundry room (adjacent to the family/media room). The home is in northern Westchester County, NY. It is elevated from the ground and is quite private. The length of windows faces the backyard and the fireplace wall faces the side beyond the garage/driveway area. Fortunately, not too much dirt there. I am not sure I am able to properly gauge the true colors in your home but my first impression is that the contrast in your current color scheme is a bit too severe. I am sorry to have to tell you this after the fact but I probably would not have used the same color in the entrance foyer as the media room. I would prefer to see something more neutral or compatible and lighter. But, since you were apparently drawn to the color, why not live with it for a while and you can always change that down the road. The good thing about paint is that it is relatively easy to revise.
David
artcarved
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
I would certainly consider what designer David Kaplan advised. Roman shades can be had in many materials and be made to work on a motorized system. There are fabrics that filter light; some that you can see out but no one can see in, or use a blackout material. They come is several qualities and in white or off white. You can have the folds as deep or shallow as meets your needs. Look and see what Hunter Douglas and Levolor have to offer. Take you time because you will have to live with your choice a long time.
lionnessone
13 years ago
You need to install solar/blackout shades that have a pattern on the fabric, with a motorized system on all windows. Install two ceiling fans, looks like your room is long enough for the pair. Does your ceiling have recessed lighting? If not consider installing them. Paint out the ceiling the same colour as your walls. Your deep terra-cotta walls are beautiful you should wrap that colour around the rest of the room. On the other wall install a floor to ceiling built-in media unit in white oak (just a suggestion). The opposite wall from the fire place between the two windows turn that area into a wet bar. I love your room.
[houzz=
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]
Christine W
13 years ago
Consider those sleek roller blinds. You can put them on an automatic switch so when watching they can all close and when open you get that great view. The nice thing about them is when they are rolled up they look clean and tucked away.
Darzy
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
A simple and cost effective solution is black out drapery with grommot tops. Mostly, the drapes will be open and framing the window, but when it's movie time simply slide the grommot drapes closed for room darkening.
Guerrina
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
I think Roman shades with a blackout lining could be stunning depending on your choice of material / pattern. I'm not a fan of slat-type blinds because I find they collect too much dust and I hate cleaning them!