Monday, May 5, 2014

Window Treatments

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).




If you’re hesitant about curtains or drapes because you’re afraid choosing the wrong color, texture, style, or height, contact a designer to help determine exactly which window treatment will be right for your individual space. Standard height and width window treatments can be purchased almost anywhere, but custom curtains and drapes are easy to have made and allow you to get exactly what you want and need. Now that you are put at ease about window treatments, enjoy all the beauty and functionality your new window treatments are going to provide!

Your local design expert,










Courtney Bulloch