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Curtains on a large window

5 years ago

We are redesigning our living room and I am trying to get rid of the blinds on the windows. The room is north-facing, looking out onto a covered patio so pretty dark and the blinds are making it worse. The room is about 14.5 feet wide. From my calculations, I need two 100’ x 104’ curtain panels.
I was hoping to get some advice on how practical it is to have such large curtain panels? We’d need to open and close them fully every day. Or is it better to have narrow curtains for decoration only and use roman blinds for example for privacy? Thank you!

Comments (16)

  • 5 years ago

    I would frame the window with the rod just below the half circle. Stacks to the left and right. Closing curtains nightly is no more work than closing blinds. Roman shades would work but you have to open and shut three or four of those so not seeing how that makes life simpler. I am surprised you think they NEED to be closed ever. Your back yard through the patio looks pretty private. We are in the woods and just never bother closing our curtains--unless we have visitors. At night the window will be a large black hole sucking light out, closing curtains does keep light in it seems. Curtains add color/movement and finish a room IMHO.

  • PRO
    5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    There isn’t enough space on either side of window to stack back a large amount of fabric.





  • 5 years ago

    Agree with arcy. There’s no reason to hang drapes to cover the half-circle, especially on a north facing window.

  • 5 years ago

    Thank you for your feedback! Yes, the backyard is private, but I still feel weird when there is a huge black window there at night. And yes I was going to put the rod just below the half-circle window (still over 96’ to the floor).
    It’s a good point about having enough space to stack the curtain. I’ll have to test that somehow as I’d really love for the curtains to be operational.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    So what is the width, edge of trim (if any) to trim or window to window? I can calculate for you how much stackback you need to clear the window, but I agree with JudyG that there doesn't look like enough space.

  • 5 years ago

    I would do Roman shades and no curtains.

  • 5 years ago

    As your view out these windows is private, you might want to consider sheer curtains or linen panels which would stack back with a lot less volume that lined drapes...and less costly too.

  • 5 years ago

    @shadylady2u thank you! The wall is 14’ 1’’, the window is 10’8’’.

    And yes, I was thinking about something lightweight (because of the size), but hopefully not completely see through.
    Thanks so much for all your comments! Very helpful.

  • 5 years ago

    Another idea is to put some dim lighting out on your patio so it is not a “black hole” at night when you are using the room.

  • 5 years ago

    I'm more concerned about the imbalance with TV in the corner, but have you considered top down/bottom up fabric shades?You could add a slim stationary curtain at each end if you still want more softness. The shades can be remote and come in blackout versions if that appeals to you.


  • 5 years ago

    We’ll have to try leaving the blinds open.. we do have pretty nice lighting on the patio.
    And yes, the TV is really awkward, but I’m at a loss where else to put it. Above the fireplace is an option, but it’s too high (it’s mostly kids who watch TV and they are usually on the floor), and right next to the hallway leading to bedrooms and a bathroom. So really limits the seating options. (Shelf over the fireplace is stained black now). No other walls available unfortunately. There is one partial wall and the rest is open plan..

  • 5 years ago

    Thanks for the suggestions! I’ll check out fabric shades.

  • 5 years ago

    Since it is doubtful kids will be left to watch TV while the fireplace is burning, consider a drop down TV mount that lowers it in front of the fireplace for watching.

  • 5 years ago

    You'll probably have enough space if you go wall to wall and cover up a few inches of the windows, each side.

    Ideally, the rod should be 169", which is exactly what the wall measures. You would need about 20" each side for stackback, so it'll be close and would go into the window a few inches. Not bad, or you could just do shades.

    Even if you use shades and stationary curtains, you wouldn't want to go too narrow or it ends up looking skimpy, and would look nicer with just shades.

  • 5 years ago

    Thank you @shadylady2u!

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    Drapery panels on one rod should work just fine.