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dyhgarden

The 2 1/2x to 3x window width rule for treatments

9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago

I want to hang drapes, floor to ceiling, for my new master bedroom windows. Since the two windows are tall and flank each side of the bed, I want to pull each to the side with the adjoining wall. Most readymade drapes that I like are 50" in width. Will a 100 inch wide panel on each window be better than a 50 inch width? The drapes I like are linen with a cotton lining. I'll use a 108" length to go floor to ceiling. I'll use a pewter holdback on each side.

Here's the room, under construction. There will soon be wood grillles/muntins in the wood sashes. The walls are SW Natural Linen and the trim is SW Glass of Milk.

Here's the inspiration photo, but this looks like a single width, around 50" to me, judging from the number of pleats.

J. Hirsch Interior Design Portfolio · More Info

On Ballard Designs website, I found a double-width panel:

Comments (67)

  • 9 years ago

    I bought a drill and now I'm dangerous! :-)

    I installed one of the two natural fiber roller shades for my bedroom. I'm still looking for drapes to go over these, but will wait until my son and his friend move my furniture this week.

  • 9 years ago

    Nice!

    DYH thanked jewelisfabulous
  • 9 years ago

    I'd love information on the natural fiber roller shade you're using. I still need to replace the (don't tell anyone) miniblind in our bedroom. :)

    DYH thanked bac717
  • 9 years ago

    It's a Pacific cane roller shade from Country Curtains, sourced by Green Mountain Vista in Vermont. Easy to install, but the screws were too short to secure the brackets to my window trim, so I bought 1.5" and 2" wood screw to use when I ran into issues. I installed the other shade today.

    Light is filtered, but it looks fairly private. I don't know if I'll switch these out later to room darkening shades and move these to my upstairs craft room.

  • 9 years ago

    Thank you SO much, dyhgarden. I just looked at the Country Curtains website and see there are 4 options in colors AND it's available 72" wide which is exactly what I need AND there is a 20% off shades and valances promotion right now. You probably just helped me find my replacement for the miniblind!! Thank you!

    BTW, which color do you have?

    DYH thanked bac717
  • 9 years ago

    Mine are natural. It is on the gold/yellow side of natural. Very warm color.

  • 9 years ago

    Thanks, again. I'm fortunate to have a Country Curtains store not too far from me, so I'm going to be heading there tomorrow!

    DYH thanked bac717
  • 9 years ago

    Did you inside mount these? (Looks really nice, I think).

    DYH thanked BirchPoint
  • 9 years ago

    The depth of the window wouldn't allow inside mount. These are mounted at the edge of the trim on the top and the sides. I used a 38" x 72" shade. The windows are 72" tall inside. As with all shades that are outside mounted, there is some "daylight" that shows when viewed from the side due to the projection of the mounting brackets.

  • 9 years ago

    Im so glad you went & got yourself a drill--Go girl!!

    I'm watching your thread as I need window treatments in my bedroom, too.

    I really like the shades you installed.


    DYH thanked Peppapoodle
  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    One of the shades had a chain to raise/lower that was off the clutch device. I called Green Mountain Vista, per their instruction sheet. They called today and are shipping a free part in 3 days. Very good customer service considering I ordered these from Country Curtains at the end of November, thinking my bedroom would be finished by Christmas.

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Furniture is now placed. Sorry about the glare from the east--the morning sun is why I wanted light filtering shades.

    I usually have my pillows stacked. I tried standing them up--I prefer stacked!

  • 9 years ago

    The 2 1/2x to 3x window width rule for treatments ...

    That has to do with the width of the FABRIC you make the panels from, not the finished panel's width.

    A 1x width would be a flat panel the width of the hanging rod.
    A 2x width would be drapery pleated or gathered from fabric twice the width of the rod

    DYH thanked User
  • 9 years ago

    It is looking nice! I like the shadow patterns created by your light fixture.

    DYH thanked sunfeather
  • 9 years ago

    Lovely room!! Love your bedding.

    DYH thanked wwbungalow
  • 9 years ago

    Clean & serene! Very nice!

    DYH thanked BirchPoint
  • 9 years ago

    I bought sheer linen panels and pewter rods today. I decided to keep it light. The room has such a good feeling about it. It's a soothing beige (SW Natural Linen) and the master bath is cool and serene. Like sand and water.

  • 9 years ago

    You didn't happen to get the sheer linen panels from Country Curtains, did you? I still have to get to CC to look at the roller shades I asked you about the other day. I was there a few weeks ago and purchased sheer linen panels for our bedroom, but the color I choose did not work out. I'm hoping I can find a color that will work because I love the drape and the texture of their sheer linen panels. I'm looking forward to seeing the rods and panels at your windows. The room is SO beautiful!

    DYH thanked bac717
  • 9 years ago

    No, I need 108" long linen panels. I bought from PB during the friends sale at 20% off.

    But, I do have a pair of the Country Curtains linen panels to use in my vestibule. Lovely material, but haven't hung them to really see how they do. There were some reviewers (I think it was this item) who had issues with ordering the same length, but the panels being off a bit.

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I did the same arrangement in my MBR..... I used Pine Cone Hill panels in natural linen, unlined. I also ordered white, and still have them....one was too skimpy, so used two, but have to arrange them to cover the gap when I pull them back, so they do not get pulled back much...mine are clipped on dark rings.

    If you use the natural with any sun exposure, you may want to consider lining them. Mine have faded to the point of looking "ombré"! I had them cleaned, and most of the color came out of the window area.

    Now, I am considering over-dying them....

    DYH thanked Springroz
  • 9 years ago

    I'm using ivory. I hope the shades will help prevent damage. I had similar fabric at my previous home with morning sun, but used the Country Curtains blackout shade instead of these woven shades. Here, I want to keep the shades down a lot, so wanted light-filtering.

    I'm in the city now, not the country! If my shades are up and my neighbors on that side are out, they'd have a view directly into my MB.

    Thanks for the tips. I may have to go with lined. I'm trying to keep costs down for this year after a year of renovation. I bought this 1939 house in February last year and have spent only 3 nights in my new master suite!


  • 9 years ago

    It is such a gorgeous room, too!

    I think those shades are a brilliant idea! Could you please reveal your source?

    DYH thanked Springroz
  • 9 years ago

    DD2 purchased the Emery Linen in ivory, but lined, for her MBR redo during the sale. You will love them up, they are beautiful. One thing I didn't notice in the online description before she purchased is they come with ready-made reinforced places to hang with hooks (if using). She is using them on rods. Had rings last time and wanted a change. Years ago, my house full of RH Belgian linen panels were a PITA to hang since I had to guess and/or measure where to place the drapery hooks. Anyway, only one of her six panels was a bit short. It's hidden behind nightstand so not a big deal.

    Love the shades. Off to see what Country Curtains has now.

    DYH thanked User
  • 9 years ago

    springroz - the shades came from Country Curtains. Old habits are difficult to break. I think I first started buying from them in the 1970s!

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    After moving the chest and then spending 2 hours on a step ladder by myself, one window is finished for feedback before I do the other!

    • One sheer linen panel looked skimpy.
    • Two sheer linen panels (same) was boring.
    • I mixed one sheer linen with one heavier linen to create tonal colors (got the idea from my lampshade).
    • There wasn't enough room against the wall to add the end cap finial.
    • If I raise the shade completely, it is nearly invisible.

    Thoughts?

    Thanks!

    PS - This may be a case of "good enough" but not perfect. I'm not striving for perfect.

  • 9 years ago

    I think it looks lovely!

    DYH thanked Errant_gw
  • 9 years ago

    I would prefer the panels to be the same. To me it looks too much with a shade and two different colors of panels. Your art and accessories will keep it from being boring. Nice room!

    DYH thanked Kitch4me
  • 9 years ago

    I think it looks wonderful with the two colors of neutral panels.

    I have those shades in the 5 windows in my office in the wicker color and love them, They show no signs of wear after several years.

    DYH thanked My3dogs ME zone 5A
  • 9 years ago

    I would do both panels in the same color. I' m not sure which one though as I like them both. Your room is lovely!

    DYH thanked Holly- Kay
  • 9 years ago

    Only you can tell what those colors look like IRL. Based on what they look like over the computer, I would want both panels to be the same and I THINK I like the darker of the two panels. However, I can't really know how the color of them really relates to the shade (again, I think only you really know that). If the color of the darker panel mimics the color of the shade, I would chose that, if, however, the darker panel was not the same as the shade, I would explore the lighter fabric for the panels. If you go with the darker panel, it relates to the field of the headboard; if you go with the lighter panel, it relates to the trim of the headboard. But, all of that depends on how things look IRL...just my amateur observation.

    DYH thanked BirchPoint
  • 9 years ago

    I prefer both panels be the same color, but can't tell from the picture which one looks best in the room.

    DYH thanked lizbeth-gardener
  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    The lighter is closest to the shade color. It's interesting at night because there's little contrast without the daylight shining behind. My daughter-in-law's mother was here and she thought is was one ombré panel.

    I'm leaning toward buying two more lighter (ivory) panels tomorrow. I'd planned to use the darker linen in another room.

    I hope the tieback is in the right place. Too low and it would be hidden by the chest.

    Also, hanging straight down doesn't work. Since I can't do a "stack back" on the wall side, then the panels cover too much of the window. That's why I didn't extend the rod 4" beyond the window trim on the left side.


  • 9 years ago

    I also favor having both panels be the same, but you're the only one who can see them in real life, and it's also a matter of individual taste. The nightstand underneath is gorgeous and unusual. Interesting touch to have one lamp clear glass and the other a white opaque. This will be a very refined room.

    DYH thanked ingrid_vc so. CA zone 9
  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    The chest is painted in patterns, so I put the clear glass base on that table to let the design show through the lamp.

    The other chest is mahogany and it needed something more substantial. That's the biggest table lamp I own. I'm still debating that chest and lamp for my bedroom. I've moved that lamp over to the left and added a pottery vase. I didn't like the lamp centered on the mahogany.

  • 9 years ago

    I, too, think I would prefer the two panels to be the same. You mentioned a sheer linen and a heavier linen. Is the ivory panel the sheer linen or the heavier linen?

    DYH thanked bac717
  • 9 years ago

    The ivory is sheer. The heavier is unlined linen.

  • 9 years ago

    Taking another look at the picture, I think I prefer the ivory (which you said you are leaning toward anyway) because the darker panel seems to be closer the color of the quilt on the bed and I'd rather there be some color difference between the two.

    BTW, I have the same shade from Country Curtains I hoping to use in our bedroom. I am also considering a sheer linen panel from CC as well, but am also thinking about using the Emery linen/cotton drape from Pottery Barn. I wish my project was progressing as well as yours!

    DYH thanked bac717
  • 9 years ago

    Two Pottery Barn ivory linen sheers 50 x 108" with the CC shade all the way up. I'm off to buy two more. I had purchased two panels on sale and the store assistant thought one per window was enough, but each window needs two.

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I finally climbed the ladder today to install the other rod. I also played around with the left side table and different lamps. Thoughts?

    The base of the lamp on the left is a deep merlot. It was an expensive lamp from years ago, purchased at a lighting store. The old table is mahogany, but pretty worn. Both the lamp base and the table could be painted or replaced. Thoughts?

    The base of the lamp on the painted chest is a bronze with a seeded glass orb. Is this better than the modern clear base?

    Pardon the poorly made bed. The dog and I were both crawling over it during this decor dilemma.

  • 9 years ago

    It is looking beautiful. I can't see the lamps clearly enough to give you advice on which one looks better.

    DYH thanked Holly- Kay
  • 9 years ago

    One place I like matched lamps is at bedside tables, so I prefer your first pair, with one opaque and one clear. It's also a clean, modern look that goes with your bedding and general ambiance.

    DYH thanked ingrid_vc so. CA zone 9
  • 9 years ago

    I agree that I prefer the other lamps and IDEALLY (not that big of a deal, IOW) I would like the small round table to get replaced by a similarly sized piece as the painted chest. Your room is lovely and the drapes look great!

    DYH thanked BirchPoint
  • 9 years ago

    Those original lamps are now split between the kitchen lounge and the living room. I think these old lamps are passé now! I had a similar-sized chest on that side and since I had to pull it out to get the ladder in place, I tried this small table.

    I'd like to find a matching pair of lamps for my master since I like those others in so many places!

    What about these since they're the same color as my overhead fixture and rods. Modern drum shade? I'm concerned that they're too tall at 31" with shade.

    These are metallic in color on the base and 27" high:

    More bookmarked lamps to come...my web has slowed down

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Crinkle glass above

    Clear glass below and 24" high.

    Column shape would give me more tabletop space.

  • 9 years ago

    What is the height of the lamps you currently have in there? I think it looks like you could go taller than what you have now or had before. I really like all the lamps you have posted but size would be a relevant factor, imho.

    DYH thanked BirchPoint
  • 9 years ago

    The one on the left, with the finial, is 31". The one on the right is 28" with the finial. The modern ones were 26-28".



  • 9 years ago

    I like the first lamps you posted most, I think. They are 31" too and I think you need that height at least.

    DYH thanked BirchPoint
  • 9 years ago

    The first lamps were 26-28".


  • 9 years ago

    No, I mean the ones that match your light fixture and rods


    with modern drum shades, aren't they 31"?