Design Dilemma: Window Treatments for Tall Windows
Alicia writes that she is trying to figure out drapes for her living room. She is thinking of installing a long wooden rod with pretty finials and simple drapery panels in-between each window and the ends. She’s considering a cocoa brown Dupioni silk, and bringing in other colors with pillows.
There really are a thousand and one ways to treat windows. And I think Alicia is off to a great start. But first, a short editorial comment. It’s a completely personal thing, but I don’t like the window-on-top-of-another-window look. I think architects put them there because the ceiling is high and the wall looks so naked (!). It would be much better if there wasn’t that swath of wall between the two tiers. Which is probably the very reason why Alicia is scratching her head, wondering what to do.
Here’s what I would do. To start off, I’d install roman shades to cover the top windows and the wall in between. This will eliminate that chopped up look. Panels come next. Layering the window will give them more depth and help focus the room. I’ve got a couple of suggestions for this.
For a contemporary feeling, I frame the windows with folded pleats of fabric, attached with hooks, to a fat rod. That’s four panels – one at either end of the set of windows. A metal rod will look contemporary. Use wood for something more transitional. The rods don’t have to extend across the windows. Alicia can use four shorter rods used just to hand the windows.
A close-up view
A more traditional look can be achieved using padded, fabric covered cornices. (Remember we’re still using the Roman shades.) Full, pleated panels frame each window. I like the idea of four panels, but if the fabric is full, using eight will create a really lush look.
As for the Dupioni silk, it’s a nice choice. Here are some things to consider. First, the room gets a lot of sunlight, which will fade and damage the silk. The damage takes a fairly long time, but the fading won’t. Using a synthetic fabric will resist the fading and sun damage. Some of my clients opt for covering their windows with a sun-protective film. Second, because the windows are so tall and silk is a thin fabric, I’d recommend using an interlining so that the panels look more full. I use interlining on almost all my window treatments.
Alicia, I hope my ideas have helped you with your dilemma. As I said, there are so many ways to handle a window. I’ve given you a couple of ideas that I really like.
images: Window Style
