Please help with window treatments!

11 years ago

last modified: 11 years ago

I have a new , open plan, home but have hesitated to decorate the windows. I am afraid of the hardwood and furniture fading as one side with the doors face east and the other wall faces south. Should I have blinds as well as drapes? The ceiling height is 10 feet so at what height would we hang the drapes. I'd appreciate any help!

Featured Answer

PRO

Gail Barley Interiors, LLC

11 years ago

I understand why you are having difficulty. It appears as if you have 3 different sizes of windows. Drapes would work everywhere except over the sink. The trick is to hang them all at the same height, halfway between the trim and the ceiling is usually good, and make them all the same length. Drapes could be drawn at night to avoid that 'black hole' feeling you can get in the evening or closed when the sun is brightest if you are worried about fading. You could add blinds for a layered look if you like that and have the budget for it. You could do many things over the sink. A simple valance in the same fabric as the draperies would be nice and you could hang a blind underneath it if light control is a problem. You do have lovely windows. I think it would be a shame to cover them up with plantation shutters.
It looks like right now you have a very neutral color scheme. Drapery would be a great opportunity to introduce color and add softness.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

PRO
Dezign Studio Inc
11 years ago
If you post pictures, you could get more help as the height you need to hang would vary on different factors. Without the pictures, I would say hang the drapes at 10' and have a blackout lining to block the sun when the drapes are drawn. For blinds , you could have something similar to the Nantucket window shadings from Hunter Douglas that block harmful UV rays.
PRO
Blinds Max
11 years ago
You could have blinds, shades, drapes, shutters or a combination of those. If you love wood and want to invest in your homes value for the long haul, go with plantation shutters or wood blinds (they look fabulous on their own). If you don't love wood and want a softer look definitely go with cellular shades, they insulate and can go from light filtering to room blackout. You can get great features like Top-Down Bottom-Up to control light and privacy, cordless if you have children, even motorized if your windows are really tall. See photo examples.
Related Professionals
Centerville Interior Designers & Decorators · Clinton Township Interior Designers & Decorators · Daly City Architects & Building Designers · West Virginia Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Boston Furniture & Accessories · Memphis Furniture & Accessories · Fountainebleau Furniture & Accessories · Irmo Furniture & Accessories · Salem General Contractors · Centereach General Contractors · Channelview General Contractors · Galveston General Contractors · Mineral Wells General Contractors · Modesto General Contractors · Port Huron General Contractors
redlum
Original Author
11 years ago
I tried to add the pictures before. Did it work this time?
redlum
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks for the advice. I really like the layered idea of the blinds and drapes and you've given me some clarity for the kitchen window. What treatment then, if any, do I use for the terrace door?
PRO
Gail Barley Interiors, LLC
11 years ago
You don't have to put anything on them at all if you feel like they would be in the way. If the doors open out, it would be easy to hang drapes and even a blind if you wanted. If they open in, a blind wouldn't really work but you could still hang drapes if you just made sure they were out of the way when the door was opened. (My best advice, hire a designer in your area to help you. Window treatments can get expensive and you want to be happy with the end results.) Happy decorating!
PRO
JMittman Designs
11 years ago
I would hang woven wood shades with a blackout liner, inside mount, on all the windows--including the doors--put individual shades mounted directly onto the doors. Hang stationary side panels--you won't want to have to draw panels daily to keep the sun/heat out.--Curtain rings on rods don't always slide easily and will look nicer as stationary decorative panels. The shades would also allow you choices as to how much light you may want to come in by fully closing, half closing etc.
I'd take the curtain rods all the way to the ceiling also.
PRO
Blinds Direct Canada
11 years ago
Shutters would look great in all those windows and it will keep the space uniform throughout .

http://www.blindsdirectcanada.com/shutters-toronto/pvc-polysatin-shutters.html