Tips for Windows

Sometimes it is difficult to know what to do with the windows in today's homes.  The windows in the first illustration are all the same size.  The placement of draperies or curtains can make a huge difference in the appearance of your window.  Placing the rods at the top corners of the window casing as in the middle window, will make the window appear smaller because the window will be partially covered.  About 25 per cent of the window will be lost behind the fabric. Note: if you double click on the pictures, it will enlarge them.  

By placing the rod at the ceiling or just under the crown molding and mounting the rod about 10-20 inches beyond each side of the window casing, the fabric will stack back on the wall rather than covering the window.  That is illustrated in the window above on the right.  This makes the window look larger. It also makes the ceiling appear higher. How far the rod extends beyond the upper corners of the window depends on the fullness of the drapery panel and how much wall space is on each side of the window.

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For many windows on one wall, treat it as one large window.  If you wish you can add a valance.  Just make sure that they just cover the top of the window casing so it is not visible.  The depth of the valance should be proportionate with the scale of the window.  The windows in the second illustration below are the same size as the bare windows.

You can see how the curtains stack back on the wall, covering very little of the window and making it  appear larger..

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The next illustration shows three windows the same size.  The first has no shutters.  The second shows open shutters and the third has the shutters closed.

The last  picture illustrates what the room would look like with all the shutters closed.  I only recommend shutters if there is an unsightly view.  They have a tendency to close in a room and darken it considerably, even with the louvers open.

Hopefully, these ideas will help you with your next window project.

Please feel free to contact me with comments and questions. 

A note of thanks to 3Dream.net .  I use their program to illustrate all my design projects.  It is a wonderful tool to help clients visualize what their finished project will look like. LOVE IT!