Enjoy the view

A window is a piece of art and should be treated as such. Based on this principle, the window dressing acts as the picture frame, framing the view, enhancing the picture and helping the eye to focus.

There are many options when it comes to dressing your windows - what to choose? what is current? what is timesless? But the first step in dressing a window is establishing the purpose and impact that the window has on the room. If the window has a “you’ve got to look at this” view then you need to support and encourage the eye to take it all in. We do this with drapery that is designed to focus the eye towards the center of the window and then to serve as a frame around the picture. The drape or covering must therefore not overpower or distract from the view. For example, if your drapes are too bright or dark or are too much of a contrast with the colours of the view or the room, then they will simply take away rather than enhance the view or the picture.

The same is true if you simply use a valance (a valance alone often is too top heavy and makes the view uncomfortable as it is not proportionate to the scale of the window nor does it balance the window as it only supports the top as opposed to the two). Instead of a valance, consider a fabulous curtain rod and drapery panels. Drapery panels also serve to soften the hard lines of corners and window to drywall transitions.

Bottom line; if you have a window with an amazing view - frame it The best solution is usually two well-proportioned drapery panels held in place with an equally gorgeous curtain rod and finials.

Now what if the view isn't so wonderful?

Just as we dress ourselves to cover and disguise unflattering parts of our bodies, we can do the same with drapery. If a window is off center in your room, use drapery panels designed to balance the window. For example, if the room has a window that is not centered, center the window by using extra wide drapery panels that are placed on each side of the window to give the illusion of a centered window (the panels are hung to cover more wall than window on one side and more window than wall on the opposite side). By framing a window with a rod and curtain pannels framing the exterior frame of the window, the window also appears larger.

What should we do if the picture is not so pretty? If the window doesn’t have a particularly nice view then the window’s objective turns to the light and we design accordingly. Allow the light to enter the room but distract from the view using a soft covering such as the Hunter Douglas Silhouette blind inside the frame (alternatively you can also use sheer panels instead of a blind) with drapery panels, a rod and finials above.
In this situation we can add a few embellishments such as sexy tassels to tie the drapery back and to give the window some curves.

As for budget friendly window dressing tips - bamboo blinds are always in style and work well in areas that fabric can cause problems such as the kitchen and bathrooms. Bamboo blinds are a more casual look but they are timeless. Pre-made curtain pannels are a very inexpensive option that you can find in most department stores such as Wal-Mart, Zellers and IKEA. If you want your home to look large and bright look for white or off white, especially if your walls are of a similar hue. Blackout pannels are a must for bedrooms, and no the curtain do not have to be dark in colour to block out the light.

Remember to enjoy the view....