Transom windows or wall art?

13 years ago

I need ideas as to what to do with the space between my ceiling and my windows. There's a 3 1/2 feet area between the top of the windows and the beginning of the ceiling. The windows are almost 4 feet wide each. I thought of putting transom windows ($$$) to draw the eye up but it would only give me a view of the patio roof. There are 4 walls with windows (this is a panoramic shot) so wall art could get distracting and I'm stumped. This is a weekend lakehouse. Suggestions?

Featured Answer

decoenthusiaste

13 years ago

I'd do inside mount fabric roman shades or blinds and hang stationary drapery panels at the divisions between windows. Mount the panels on decorative rods about halfway between the window top and the ceiling. Crown molding would help close the gap too and then you'd hang the panels halfway between the window frame and the crown at minimum. You might get away with just framing a group of windows with the panels - like two and two where you have four together. However, the more fabric the softer and more welcoming the space will be. Here are a few ideas for you.

Drapery Panels · More Info

Mediterranean Living Room · More Info

Custom window treatment - stationary panels · More Info

Siddons Design Team · More Info

Kathy Bloodworth · More Info

Traditional Living Room · More Info

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Comments (9)

Kailua Krafts
13 years ago
You could hang interesting ceramic plates, wood carvings or decorative iron or other relatively flat wall decor. Transoms would be very expensive and may not be structurally feasible since the house was not originally framed for these openings. I can hear my architect or carpenter saying something about a "header" and "load".... Good luck
chipsysalsa
Original Author
13 years ago
Good point. Hadn't thought of what might lurk beneath since this is a older home remodel. Thanks for the suggestions.
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PRO
User
13 years ago
Mount a soft fabric valance all the way around the room from the ceiling down to the top of the window. Being that it is a lake home you could use a wide stripe maybe blue and white (very beachy)
Darzy
13 years ago
Here is an interesting window treatment but I'd do from floor to ceiling. And, I think a clean line (no rosette) at the top. Then, no decor needed.
Brunstrom Residence · More Info
PRO
Jonathan Hress Design
13 years ago
I like the idea of decorative iron. If you can find a very good decorative painter, He or she can paint on a design. So many options for designs.
mapeggy
13 years ago
I love the pictures of deco enthusiaste. If drapery panels done, it would look more like the Kathy Bloodworth dining room. All the others have transom windows or tall windows with little header. My feeling is going this way 1. Makes the room feel enclosed and 2. Would cause problems opening/closing doors and panels being caught in the doors or the wind blowing them. Unless this is an "adult only" beach house, I would go with Interior International's suggestion of blue & white stripe fabric above the windows.
PRO
Barbara Griffith Designs
13 years ago
I think part of the problem is also the huge amount of white(ish) walls and ceiling, and then the glaring windows. I would paint the ceiling & walls (same color a grayish-sky-blue, such as Ben Moore 2067-60 Windmill Wings), bring some of the outdoors inside. Then I would use Interiors International, Inc. idea of a blue & white wide stripe, maybe even sunbrella type fabric to do a slight slant indoor awning type valance over just the sections of grouped windows/doors. I see 4 groupings in the picture....Just a thought.
chipsysalsa
Original Author
13 years ago
Wow! You all put a lot of thought in to my dilemma and have given me a lot to consider. Thanks for all the suggestions!