Help with window coverings

8 years ago

Help! I have been looking and looking, trying to decide what is best for function and for form.

We have recently replaced our windows and the new ones look great. Since they were uncovered, I realize just how dissatisfied I am with the old window coverings. But now what?

The living room windows and the dining room windows are all on the south side. There is an angled wall between the two rooms (and between the windows) that has a piano on it, so there is some division between the dining and living room windows. It is the living room window coverings I am most concerned with. I would be willing to change the dining room window covering as well even though I am content with their look.

The living room windows are 72” x 72”. There is only 12” each side of window to the end walls and 21” between them. Outside is an extended soffit which provides some shade. Above them is an inside soffit with lighting above and a vaulted ceiling. There is no window trim.

I like a tailored and light-filled look. I really don’t like bulky drapes that hide a lot of the window (when open) and that flare out at the bottom rather than hang straight down. I am considering replacing the current sheers with sheer shadings with a 2 or 3” horizontal vein Mounted inside the window. Am I on the right track for the rest of my décor? Should I add decorative or functional drapery panels? What kind of hanging style (hooks, grommets??) How high to hang? Fabric? Colour? Other thoughts?

I look forward to your ideas.

Featured Answer

PRO

Fairway Style Living

8 years ago

Hi, Cori--

I think you've got the basics here dialed in. You've avoided going over the top in terms of decor and filling every corner with something - your rooms have a great sense of proportion and balance. Art is hung correctly and the palette is neutral and relaxing, but avoids going bland. Overall, it looks like these spaces function really well for you - and the windows themselves look great. There are only a handful of tweaks I'd recommend when it comes to exploring a slightly different window covering option.

-As far as the finish goes, I'd edge away from ORB (oil-rubbed bronze) for drapery hardware, since it stands out in strong contrast to a neutral wall and robs focus from your drapery choice. Instead, I'd coordinate with your DR overhead lighting hardware and do a BN (brushed nickel) that will draw the eye less.

-I also normally avoid recommending grommeted drapes, since with details like your delicate overhead lighting and quatrefoil patterned rug, I typically like a classic rod-and-ring set to pull that detail up. With the same panel length, you'll edge your hardware up on the wall just a bit higher, too - a conventional bonus to achieving the 'high and wide' hanging rule. But as far as width goes, you've got it right today - fully off the window so your drapes 'stack off' and don't interrupt your view through.

Overall, these are little adjustments. Great space, nice work. You'll enjoy for years to come!

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Comments (9)

decoenthusiaste
8 years ago
Since you are satisfied with the DR drapes and they look so nice, why not just duplicate that look in the LR? Can you still get those drapes? I you need privacy, the sheer shadings will work with them. I like your furnishings, but some of the decor pieces look a little too much big box store, IMO. Can you shop resale and antique for some original items to hang on walls and set on tables? I particularly detest the BBS oversized clocks. What a waste of space above your mantel when there is so much beautiful art out there by real artists.
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Cori Dawn
Original Author
8 years ago
I cant find more of the DR drapes, but could probably find something similar. . I tried artwork horizontally, vertically and square format. I used a large big box wreath over the mantel last Christmas. lol. I thought the round shape was the best, so found the clock. I like spare décor so I am not very good at decorating the mantel. Maybe you have some specific ideas. IMHO I am a real artist. There is a lot of original work throughout my home.
decoenthusiaste
8 years ago
Put your own art on display then.
Cori Dawn thanked decoenthusiaste
Cori Dawn
Original Author
8 years ago
It is everywhere but above the fireplace. E.g.
Cori Dawn
Original Author
8 years ago
Sometimes more art in an area can become overdone.
redoredone
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I think your home is charming and the clock over your mantel is a nice choice. Your dining room curtains fit your prefered "taylored and light filled" style, so something similar would look good in your living room. It doesn't have to be exactly the same, just very close in style and color.
melinda1977
8 years ago
I know that grommeted drapery panels in the dining room are often advised against because they can read too casual. However, like you, I also like a tailored, clean look and chose that style over pleated or panels hung with rings in my dining room. Mine look very much like yours. I actually purchased extra long, tab-style drapery panels from Ikea (very nice fabric and very well priced) and added my own grommets (bought them at joann's fabrics). Since I had plenty of length, I also made a deeper hem at the bottom so they hung nicely. Maybe that would be an option for you in your LR if you can't find any to coordinate with your DR.
Cori Dawn thanked melinda1977
PRO
Nandina Home & Design
8 years ago
We agree with deco. If you can, try doing the same look with the window treatments in the living room. If you can't find the same ones, similar ones should work.
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Cori Dawn thanked Nandina Home & Design