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linda_foley49

Drapes or no drapes?

5 years ago

Hi, We have been slowly redoing our living room and have just changed some furniture, put in new floors and touched up the fireplace. We replaced the old oak baseboard with taller, white boards but chose to keep the oak trim for now. Now I am wondering,... would drapes be the final necessary "jewelry" on the room or are they un-needed. I wonder if the right drapes would pull the room together- though we have privacy outside the windows and no real need for them. The photo without windows would give an example of color in the room. Thanks for any advice!!




Comments (22)

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    Your room doesn't really allow for drapes on most of the windows without blocking them partially or blocking the light switches. I think it looks lovely without any kind of drapes.

    Linda Foley thanked kayozzy
  • 5 years ago

    I agree!

    Linda Foley thanked Cecilia
  • PRO
    5 years ago

    I think panels that don't need to move would soften the room.


    Linda Foley thanked BeverlyFLADeziner
  • 5 years ago

    Lovely as is❣️Stunning room.

    Linda Foley thanked kculbers
  • 5 years ago

    I think adding a little color ( perhaps an accent wall) would add more to the room than curtains

    Linda Foley thanked btydrvn
  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    if you don't need drapes, then don't do them. your living room is beautiful as is.

    Linda Foley thanked User
  • PRO
    5 years ago

    I always think of window treatments as the jewelry in a room. If the windows are bare imo, it looks unfinished (unless you have gorgeous millwork). I agree with Beverly that non functioning panels will finish your room. I'd also paint the trim unless you can get it the color of the floor.

    Linda Foley thanked Design Girl
  • 5 years ago

    The room looks fine without the curtains.

    You should be aware though, that all that sun after a while can fade upholstery and artwork and photographs.

    Also, if you are out, if there is someone (who doesn't belong) on your property it would be obvious that no one is home.

    Linda Foley thanked loobab
  • 5 years ago

    I would add Roman shades on the windows and side panels on the doors. I would also scootch the sofas closer together around the cocktail table.

    Linda Foley thanked Kate
  • 5 years ago

    Thank you so much for the ideas! Do you mean put the loveseat across from the sofa? Or move sofa off the wall a bit farther? I have a little problem if I put loveseat across from sofa because the lamp cord would be exposed...

  • 5 years ago

    Should the color of panels that don't move be bluish-grey? Do you think ivory would work? I can't tell you all how much I appreciate your help!!!

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    Ivory panels will totally work.

    Linda Foley thanked Design Girl
  • 5 years ago

    Lovely space! If you get panels, get a really good texture for some added visual interest, if they are lined they will be substantial and not seem like an afterthought.

    How old is that spectacular Christmas cactus? It’s wonderful!

    Would you consider reframing the art over the dresser? It’s hard for me to tell in the photos, but if the frames and matting match they will look more intentional. I also prefer a group of 3 verses 4, but those pieces may be a set, so do what looks best to you.

    Linda Foley thanked Sarah
  • 5 years ago

    Thank you for giving so much thought to my project! The Christmas cactus is probably 10 years old... I got it from my sister as a small piece in a pot. The artwork over the buffet is 4 treasured original watercolor paintings by my mother. I know it's not the usual way, but I kind of like how the frames are less uniform and a bit more eclectic. The photo makes them look less prominent than they actually are... There is a large acrylic painting over the couch on other side of room and also by landing going downstairs so I kind of wanted a separate kind of grouping for the watercolors. The vases on the mantle are all ceramic. They are also personal treasures of mine.. by artist friends and from art studios. That's what my thinking was... I really appreciate the help!!!



  • 5 years ago

    The rest of the story always helps fill in the rest of the picture. So wonderful you have treasured pieces that are truly significant. And a beautiful home to showcase them!

    Linda Foley thanked L.D. Johnson
  • 5 years ago

    Thank you so much! This has all been so helpful!

  • 5 years ago

    Your room is beautiful and you've done a great job. The only tiny thing I can add is if you circle back to Beverly's posting you'll note that she inserted art over your mirror on the fireplace. You may want to think about doing that down the road as the mirror is just reflecting the ceiling so it doesn't have much impact visually.

    Linda Foley thanked tedbixby1981
  • 5 years ago

    Thanks so much! The artwork Beverly added over the fireplace did look beautiful. I used to have a painting there (actually the one on the landing of stairs). Then when we tried the mirror, though it did not add anything interesting visually, we noticed it added quite a bit of light to the room by reflecting the skylights. I found it difficult to decorate that fireplace and mantle because it's so big. Candle sticks and smaller items just look silly. I really appreciate your help and suggestion!

  • 5 years ago

    I see no reason for adding drapes, but I don’t care for them. I prefer my windows unadorned whenever possible. As for “fading” issues, I have mine treated with an clear UV blocking film. No fading issues even in my Palm Springs house with walls of glass ( I do have solar shades that I lower during the hot summer months).

    Linda Foley thanked K Laurence
  • 5 years ago

    K Laurence- great idea!

    Linda Foley thanked loobab
  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    No drapes. I’d suggest painting window trim to modernize the room. The current trim makes room look outdated.

    Linda Foley thanked andreadoluisio