Roman blinds are a popular choice. A mix of fabrics in the same shades creates a cohesive and visually interesting look.
North of the City
September 08, 2008 09:51 AM
By: Lisa Worth
Over the years I have discovered that people are receptive to well known adages about home design but have preconceived negative associations in other areas.
For example, most homeowners agree that windows have a tremendous effect on the overall look of a home’s façade. They know that the investment yields good returns. However, when it comes to interior window treatments they underestimate how complex the design process is and the effect that this aspect of interior decoration has on their home.
Windows greatly impact the look and overall mood of each room. Well-designed drapery is an important finishing touch and key to achieving a gracious feeling.
After spending thousands of dollars on custom drapery, several people have turned to me looking for a fix because they are disappointed with the results.
The reason can be summed up quite simply: poor planning. A window treatment is an artistic composition and a reflection of your personal taste. To avoid costly errors, I recommend you hire an interior designer or decorator for an initial consultation. Before you meet, establish a “wish list” and the criteria that the treatment must meet. Use the information below as a guideline and you can’t go wrong.
Which treatment is for you?
The design should be based primarily on the functional requirements and then form or appearance.
When reviewing function consider the following:
What are the privacy needs? This is number one and affects the choice of fabric, style of treatment and linings. In bedrooms privacy is paramount. Here, perhaps more than any other room, you want full control of the light to provide a restful atmosphere.
What degree of natural light would you like to permeate the space? Is the objective of the treatment to provide a framework for a stunning view with minimal privacy needs or to distract from poor sightlines? This question is key for establishing the type of treatment. Beautiful windows and stunning views should have simple dressings.
Now for the form: Which styles resonate with you? Avoid trends and select a design that you will not tire of that can transition over time. Buy design magazines and keep a file of tear sheets with looks that appeal to you.
Do you need to disguise window flaws? Treatments can be an effective tool to conceal errors in design and create balance. For example, windows that are not centered on walls can be made to appear symmetrical by simply extending the treatment on one side.
Do you want the ceiling to appear higher? Proportion is everything and this is where many people go wrong. Ceilings heights are a prime consideration when establishing a design. Don’t mount your panel drapery too close to the window casings. Take a digital photo of the window in question and sketch the treatment to eliminate the potential for error.
Fabrics and linings
Once the style of treatment is established select your fabric and lining. Fabric choices are not just about personal preference; they should complement the style of the room.
To ensure a coherent look, the fabric should harmonize with the walls, flooring, furniture and furnishings. You don’t want the window treatments to overpower the room. Think outside the box. A simplistic design with luxurious fabrics can work well with relatively sparse minimalist furnishings.
Pattern or texture? The list of fabrics to choose from can appear endless: florals, stripes, damasks, small-scale geometrics. A good rule of thumb is to try not to repeat too many stripes or plaids, or have more than one floral pattern in a room. There are exceptions to this rule but it takes a trained eye to pull it off. Select at least two differently patterned or textured fabrics to create an interesting mix. Remember that muted schemes require interplay of textures for visual interest.
What mood do you want to create? Do you want the look of serene sophistication that comes with a classic silk or the fresh, casual look of lightweight linen?
Ideally you should select your drapery and upholstery fabrics together before your paint colour. Why? Greater flexibility for paint colour selection.
What is the window orientation? Silk on a south-facing window requires at minimum a black out lining. A better option may be sheers made of synthetic fibers where maintenance is minimal and fading is not an issue.
There are many reasons to properly line drapery. Fabric protection is paramount as natural fibres like silk, linen, wool and cotton will fade and eventually disintegrate over time. Linings provide extra weight and body. They can also contribute to heat retention in a room.
Tips
For children’s bedrooms choose a treatment that can adjust to changing schemes.
Shutters or wood blinds with fabric tapes are both excellent options. These treatments can be customized and sprayed to match the trim or stained to match furniture and contrast with casings for a rich, bold look.
Details make all the difference. For maximum effectiveness, consider the addition of embellishments like trims, braids, contrast piping and folds. These subtle details elevate the most simplistic designs to a truly custom treatment.
It doesn’t have to be over the top. Take an established style, like the panel drape and give it some character with trim at the leading edge or a fun pleat.
Contrast leading edges define the shape of the drape and increase the visual impact.
The pleating of your panel drapery can greatly alter the overall appearance.
Traditional pinch pleats and goblets are more formal in nature and suit an elegant, formal interior. Pencil pleats and inverted headers are a good choice for a contemporary interior.
Consider a double treatment and get the best of both worlds.
Sheers are a perfect fit for rooms where you want an abundance of natural light with some degree of privacy. Warm them up and frame them with decorative panels.
This is a winning combination and a treatment I love for living rooms.
Pay special attention to fabric and proportion on simplistic treatments. Unlike elaborate draperies, there is nothing to divert the eye.
Cost factors
Two things contribute for the overall cost of your window treatment: fabric and fabrication. Treatments like panels are not labour intensive so fabrication costs can be quite reasonable, however fabric yardages can be high. On the contrary roman blinds, which are more architectural in design, are labour intensive yet require minimal fabric.
Establish the correct design then get an estimate for the fabrication and fabric allowances before you select your fabrics. This way you will stay on track when selecting fabric in the showroom.
To avoid buyer’s remorse, before you sign on the dotted line make sure you have an estimate that clearly outlines the fabric yardages, cost per yard, fabrication costs and specified linings.
Window treatments are an important but complex facet in the world of interior design and decoration. Consult with a professional and get it right the first time.
Lisa Worth is president of Aurora-based Worth Interior Design Ltd. and The Drapery Room, and a member of the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario. Contact worthinteriors@sympatico.ca or visit www.worthinteriordesign.com.