What You Didn't Know About Window
Treatments
The difference between drapes and curtains, although they
are often used interchangeably, is the weight of the material. Curtains are
typically a lighter weight window treatment and provide less privacy and
insulation, but are very good for accompanying other window treatments, like
shades. Height can vary. Drapery is a heavier window treatment with blackout
and insulation liners and is usually floor length.
Curtains or drapes do not have to make your home look like a
15th century castle. Nor will they make your home look like you’re
the up-and-coming cat lady. I’ve had numerous design experiences where clients
look like they want to run away when I suggest adding curtains or drapes to a
modern space. There are numerous ways either drapes or curtains can enhance a
modern look, and thousands of photos to prove it! It is true that not every
space calls for them, but when it does call, here are the reasons you should
listen.
1. Compliments
High Ceilings
Drapes or curtains can
beautifully accent high ceilings by blurring the lines between the ceiling and
floor. They will draw the eye up without creating any of the breaks or
interruptions that blinds or fitted window covers create. Fireplaces,
stairwells, large art pieces, lighting and other tall focal points will be
complimented without being competed with. Especially if you’re space consists
of low furniture pieces and accents, floor length drapes or curtains are a
simple, fluid way of bringing the eye upward from the low furniture pieces and
keep the space from looking like an empty cavern.
2. Functional
and Beautiful
The wonderful thing
about drapery is that it can be as functional as it is beautiful. By using a
thicker fabric or a blackout lining, which is usually the better options with
large, tall windows, drapes can be drawn closed to block out or minimize light.
Imagine an 8 foot by 10 foot window with wooden shades: it not only looks
heavy, but would be heavy to raise and lower. If roller shades or other window
fittings are desired, drapes easily work with them, hiding cords and tracks and
adding that soft, rich look only fabric can give. Layering sheers and solids
makes it easy to control the amount of light coming in while allowing you to
bring multiple textures, colors or patterns into the space.
3. Livens
Up a Blank Wall
More and more
often, we are seeing high end contemporary spaces with white or very light
walls and finishes. This will actually allow the items you place in the room to
stand out. Even a light colored, textured fabric will stand out against a clean
white background. Drapes or curtains are also a great way to introduce a new
color into a space, and they are large enough to stand alone as a design
feature. Contemporary or subtle patterns, bold or soft colors, and varying and
interesting textures add interest and liven up your space.
4. Unifies
the Space
By choosing a
fabric that has multiple colors that are also found in your furniture, accents and
finishes, drapes or curtains can be used to unify your space, just as a rug or
pillows can. It can also repeat a pattern or texture that is found elsewhere in
your room. If you want to stay away from patterns, look into two toning your
drapes at the 1/3 or 2/3 heights, like pictured above. This feature also makes
for more interesting lines throughout the space. To keep your space neutral and be able to
switch up the accents, find a neutral that compliments your bigger furniture
pieces, but doesn’t match it exactly (go a shade lighter or darker). The style
of your window treatment can definitely tie together or direct the style of
your entire space as well. Pay attention to the hardware and header styles as
much as the fabric!
5. Softens
Edges and Adds Heights
A big concern with drapes in small spaces is that it will
make the space feel crowded or dark. This may be the case with certain traditional
drapery styles, but curtains and some drapes usually do the opposite. In the
photo above, a light weight sheer fabric in a long simple style adds a new
texture to the room that softens the otherwise hard and plain wall and blurs
the transition from floor to ceiling, making the low ceiling look taller. Even
though they aren’t done in a dramatic contrasting color, they make a big impact
on the space without being overwhelming. You may have noticed that many of the
floor length window treatments shown here and in other designer photos, the
drapery rod is lifted above the window, bringing the drapes or curtains even
closer to the ceiling and lifting your eye even higher. Another trick is to
extend the window treatment into and around the corner of a wall or between
windows. This, again, blurs the lines between one wall and the next and makes
the entire space look more continuous (this should only be done with solid
fabrics).
Your local design expert,
Courtney Bulloch
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