One of the quickest ways you can update a room is with window treatments. New drapes, blinds or shades will give your living space new life and enhance the view to the outdoors.
I went to the experts at The Shade Store for advice about window treatments for the artist studio, kitchen and front parlor at Moss Mountain Farm.
- Window treatments to consider: drapes, shutters, shades, blinds.
- Use the room’s architecture, décor, and the size of the windows to determine what type of treatments you want to use. Some to consider:
- Drapes – Add visual warmth, create height
- Roman Shades – Nice for smaller windows and casement windows; wide variety of patterns, colors and textures; clean lines
- Wood Blinds – Suited for both modern and traditional décor
- Roller Shades – Sleek look, great for casement windows, personalize with unique pulls or embellished bottom bar
- Hang drapery rods at least 6 inches above the window to draw the eye up and make rooms more spacious.
- Small windows will appear larger if you choose a curtain rod that is wider than the window frame. Go about 18 inches wider on each side. This has the added benefit of being able to push the drapery panels to either side of the window to allow in more light.
- A slight break at the bottom of the drape will add fullness. Tack on an additional 1 to 3 inches to the length. Longer if the drapes will be tied back most of the time.
- Roman shades are a great way to add pattern or color to your room. You can use any material you want – patterned, rough texture, smooth.
- When measuring windows for treatments that will fit inside the window frame, measure at 3 locations. For width measure at the top, middle and bottom. The smallest of the 3 measurements in your width. For height measure the left, center and right. The largest of the 3 measurements is your height.
- To create continuity coordinate window hardware with drawer pulls, door knobs, etc. in the room.
- Choosing a natural material like linen will allow the light to come through while affording some privacy. To protect the fabric from sun bleaching, get it lined.
- Vertical stacking panels on a sliding track are ideal for sliding glass doors in both function and form.
Drapery Pleat Styles
Pinch Pleat
photo courtesy of The Shade Store
Ripple Fold
photo courtesy of The Shade Store
Tailored Pleat
photo courtesy of The Shade Store
Grommet Drape
photo courtesy of The Shade Store
Inverted Pleat
photo courtesy of The Shade Store
Rod Pocket Drape
photo courtesy of The Shade Store
Some Great Options from The Shade Store
I chose drapes and Roman shades for the kitchen in my home, but The Shade Store also offers roller shades, wood blinds, woven blinds and pleated shades, and vertical blinds and panels. The Shade Store’s shades and drapes are custom made, which means they can outfit any window size.
Be sure to take advantage of their free samples and many of their window treatments ship for free. You have to love free shipping.
Shop their store online at www.TheShadeStore.com.
photo courtesy of The Shade Store