Dressing windows

Dressing windows can set the style and use of a room!

This is a huge part of successful interior design.

It may look gorgeous having diaphonous voile draping in cascades around the window but if you can't see the television picture from your home cinema equipment because of the light then it will be a complete waste of time and money! Read on for design tips, and loads of links>>>>>>>>>

So, don't let your heart rule your head when it comes to dressing windows - be practical and aesthetic - in equal balance!

Practicalities:

• Decide on the use of the room i.e tv/ sleeping/ workroom.
• Decide on what time of day you will be using the room for this purpose. i.e. working during the afternoon.
• Check on the aspect of the room i.e. west facing would have low sun in the afternoon.
• Is the window in a damp zone i.e. bathroom?
• Measure the window, including frame, cill height etc.,
• Put all the information in an easy to carry around format.
• Check whether there is a radiator underneath the window.
• Remember that curtains can often be adapted if moving home but blinds are usually one-off.
• Check out Luxaflex website for loads of ideas and possibilities.

Style:

Start gathering pictures of window treatments you like and analyse why you like them - e.g. the rod, the fabric etc., Also start collecting cuttings/ pictures of fabric that you like - don't forget to make a note of the supplier, width, cost and reference numbers.

A few tips: Horizonatal blinds i.e roller are good for solar control rather than curtains which are vertical solar control. Slatted blinds i.e. venetian, wood etc., let in light so not good if you want total blackout.

Try out fabrics by holding them against the light - some fabrics change completely.

Large windows can take big fabric designs, but if you only have a small window then use tricks like extending the tracks, blind to oversail the window.

If you look out onto the street or need some day time screening - look at stretched voiles on rods or window film for a more contemporary look - Try Brume also see my article on window film.

If there is a radiator under the window full length lined and interlined curtains will absorb the heat - an idea is to have dress (dummy) full lenght curtains to frame the window with roller blind to pull in contrast or co-ordinating fabric.

Don't scrimp on using lining for curtains; lining (expecially if you use interlining as well) bulks out the fabric.  Coloured linings are good for dividing room curtains.  Don't forget to try and keep linings the same - especially at the front of the house; i.e. white, cream etc.,

If you have decided to use a printed fabric invest in a few metres and drape it in the room - remember that patterns will lose impact if in curtain folds so blinds are preferable to showing off bold designs , depending on size of window.

Window treatments bring character st yle and panache to a room - this is such a big design opportunity and also can be such an enormous expense. Fabrics, linings, trimmings, tracks, rods, finnials etc., etc.,  Detail is all important. I love using digital images on blinds.  Check out Ella Doran website for ideas

Check out Wendy Cushing curtain trimmings and don't  forget Ikea for contemporary fabics and layered tracks at economy prices.

Useful books: Try the Curtain Book - I have found this invaluable for inspiration and showing clients design ideas also The Curtain Sketch Book. 

Comments

[Interior Decorators Designer]

Interior design can actually be quite difficult because it all depends on personal preferences. The trends in commercial and residential interior design change on a regular basis, however what goes out of fashion will normally come back into fashion in around 50 years. Lots of people like nostalgia, which is why things typically come back into fashion. Interior Decorators Designer http://interior-decorating-trends.blogspot.com

[Made to measure Venetian window blinds]

Hi,

WOW! nice article.....I want to do some thing new decoration to my home.... Let me give me some ideas ....