Does anyone really miss the days of ornate, heavily trimmed out window treatments? I am exhausted just thinking about it. Back then I made them all myself and quite frankly I hate to sew. We then had the “bare window” phase or the blinds/wood shades/shutters only phase. I don’t know about you, but I love a beautiful drapery panel. Whether it is a simple sheer, a soft velvet, or the texture of a beautiful linen, the way fabric adds softness makes any room feel cozy.
Thankfully window treatments are back!!! While most are simple panels, some are trimmed with a geometric, contrasting color, or fringe. But no matter what fabric or pattern you choose, some rules/strong suggestions, apply.
HANG ‘EM HIGH
At what height should you hang them you ask? Hang ‘em high! The general rule is to hang them to the ceiling, or halfway between the ceiling and the top of the window. I generally go as high as I can. You paid for those 10 foot ceilings, by all means, let’s show them off. Now, the all important length (as in where they touch the floor). They should NEVER be any shorter than 1/2 inch above the floor. Think middle school and high waters. Not a good look. Ideally they should just kiss the floor. Some puddle for a little more drama. If you have a Roomba………well, let’s just say that drama you created with “puddling” can get ugly.
HANG ‘EM WIDE
Window treatments should always be at least 6-8” beyond the window frame. The panel should just cover the outside frame of the window when they are open. This makes the window look even bigger.
FILL ‘EM UP
In order to make your panels look as full and lush as you would like, you need to make sure they are 1.5 x to 2 x the width of your window. If your fabric is light weight (a sheer for example) you might want to double the width. If your fabric is a heavy velvet or linen you might want to stick with 1.5 x the width of your window.
ROD STYLE
Now about the method of hanging……….there are a multitude of options, but let’s stick with the main five. 1) Rod Pocket-with or without the 2-3” ruffle above the rod. 2) Back Tab- hidden tabs in the back so that they slightly pleated look 3) Rings/clips-fabric is clipped to the rings. Note that this will make the panel hang 1.5”-2” longer. 4) Tabs tops-Tabs that are sewn to the top of the panel and the rod is put through. Often times people will use rope, contrasting fabric, ribbon, and whatever they have in their creative tool chest in place of the tabs. 5) Grommet- grommets come in a variety of metals and panels. These are easily found in big box stores.
LET THERE BE LIGHT……OR NOT.
And then there’s the light factor. Sheer, light filtering, all the way to blackout. Well, that decision is based on how the room will be used. For bedrooms or media rooms, blackout is a no brainer. For a family room where you want privacy and to block out that afternoon sun, panels that are lined with a lightweight fabric will work nicely. For a space that you want a little privacy, but still want the light, sheers are the way to go. One thing to keep in mind, whatever you put on your windows will be seen from the outside as well. For a more cohesive look you might want to consider using a neutral color like white or cream for your lining, blackout fabric, or sheers. Some might live in communities where the HOA requires this.
So by all means, whatever your style, start dressing those windows. Just remember, keep ‘em HIGH AND WIDE!
A few of my favorite pics for window treatments. How to mix panels and shades along with pattern and texture.
One of my favorite linen sheers
