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bfgmoney

Help with large window treatments (draperies OR curtains etc.)?

7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago

We purchased a home where they added an outdoor patio to an exterior wall. As you can see the inside window on this former exterior wall is actually an outdoor window that is large and wide and unfortunately has thick window columns inside of it. We use the outdoor patio as sort of a game room but we also like all the light coming in and trees so we didn't really want to cover it.

The window is 7 feet tall by 10 feet wide. It's in a larger living room with high ceilings that is very open to the kitchen and dining room.

We are confused about what to do to soften it a little since it's a large rectangular window that doesn't really go with the room. Should we cover these with possible sheer draperies/curtains that could potentially close across a rod or just have draperies off to the side and leave it open or leave it as is w/ no coverings?

Any recommendations would be very helpful. Thank you



Comments (12)

  • 7 years ago

    I would hang a couple panels on each side, barely covering the window to add some softness/texture/pattern.

  • 7 years ago

    Well, that is certainly odd. I would do the same window treatments you have on every other window. If you do something different, or only specifically on this window, it's going to draw more attention to the oddity of it. Another thing I'll add as to what is helping this window look odd is that there is a couch in front of it. I don't have a problem with putting a piece of furniture in front of a window like a console table or even a pair of accent chairs, but I would not put a couch in front of a window. That is also odd, just as that window is. Couches need to be in the center of rooms. So rethink your furniture configuration in that room, to me that will give you more impact toward fixing that room than curtains will.

  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    I have a couch in front of my living room window and don't find it odd, the difference perhaps being that my couch is slightly lower, but even that is questionable. It's the best place to sit for reading and my cat enjoys sitting there to nap and look outside at the birds and wildlife. You haven't said whether there are other windows in the room, and I'm assuming there aren't. I agree with the idea of nice curtain panels that just barely skim the window so you don't lose any light but which will make a definite difference in softening the look of the room. I would choose cream curtains, with perhaps a self pattern, or a very discreet pattern and soft colors.

    I changed these toile curtains for a more subdued blue and beige patterned curtain later.

    bfgmoney thanked ingrid_vc so. CA zone 9
  • PRO
    7 years ago

    I would change the windows to french doors and then that would make sense and BTW that room is not a patio

  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    the game room doesnt look particularly attractive *compared to* your living room, and having a full view of it isnt floating my boat. a top down/bottom up treatment could screen the temporary nature of the game chairs and table but not block your light.

    Blue & brown living room gets privacy with duofold shades. · More Info

    if you want panels to 'frame and soften' that can happen too.

    in the long run, with different furnishings and a different layout, i'd agree with patricia that french doors would be good. right now i don't think it would move you forward. just an even better view of your 'not ready for prime time' game room set up.

    bfgmoney thanked Judy Mishkin
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    ninegret - that is a good idea w/ the 3 shades. I can ask a store but I'm curious how they would attach since we don't have 3 separate windows, it's one long window. The other issue is the middle window is about 10inches longer than the two outside so would you order one long shade or 3 separate and hang them from the top?

    I also agree french doors would be nice but we don't want to spend thousands to demo and close off that area and create french doors when there is a door to the 'game room' a couple feet to the left of the couch. It's a very large living room that is completely open to our kitchen and dining room on the other 2 sides and a fire place on the 3rd side so there are no other windows/coverings. It's an odd look that is difficult to figure out how to decorate so I appreciate the suggestions and any further comments. The previous owners had a good thought to enclose the back deck and make it a game room but it's created a little confusion on how to decorate the existing 'former' exterior window.

  • 7 years ago

    thats an interesting product. bfgmoney, i'd have a consultation with a window coverings store; bring a long a photo of the window from the other side so they understand the window doesnt have 3 equal parts.

  • 7 years ago

    Does the game room have HVAC? Would you consider just opening the window area so the two rooms adjoin and those wishing to play could walk through? I'm thinking a pool table might be a good addition for a family. Maybe your gamers are all online though.

    bfgmoney thanked decoenthusiaste
  • 7 years ago

    I'd change the window first. Make it more purposeful like these.



  • 7 years ago

    Ninigret - good idea, it's an exterior wall where those windows have been carved in like all exterior windows will so I'm assuming some modifications will have to be made to insert a new window.


    Deceon - Yes, it does have HVAC but the flooring is the exterior deck so it doesn't hold up well in the winter.


    HollyBar - those windows look great and we've looked into new windows but unfortunately that is an exterior wall so they are inset in the frame that is about 6 inches deep so replacing the windows might be difficult w/out some serious modification to the frame but I will check it out.


  • PRO
    7 years ago

    I would remove windows completely and create big nice open family/living/playroom. We did it in our home and are so glad with it.