Haven

Window Dressing

Wow! The walls are simply beautiful and the flooring is well on its way; so...the next order of business it to dress up the eyes of the room — that is the windows.

Window treatments can run the gamut and really depend upon you and your taste in décor. The purpose of the room you are decorating also plays a key role in the type of window dressing you should ultimately end with.

Today’s modern families all have one thing in common...they all want a home that is livable. Long gone are the rooms that are for show and not living. As a result, window treatments have taken on a more friendly flair.

For my family room makeover project, I have chosen a very simple look that will provide color and a little structure to the room. I am fortunate to have three windows in the room so light is plentiful. And because I would like to keep the infusion of light into the room throughout the day, the window dressing will be used to frame the windows rather than cover them. To achieve privacy and to shade the room from the hot afternoon sun, I will use blinds as the first layer of treatment to the windows.

Calico Corners is a retail decorating store with whom I have had a long relationship and as in the past I am availing myself to the beautiful selections of fabrics in their inventory.

Here are some tips to help with dressing your windows:

  1. Begin by deciding on color, weight of fabric and design of your new window treatment.
  2. When choosing the fabric, consider how you will care for them once cleaning is needed
  3. Have your window treatment done by a professional. If you are a skillful sewer, making your own is quite easy. Since I am experienced, I will be taking on the task of making my own.
  4. If making your own, be sure to accurately measure your windows, to include the entire area that you would like to cover. Take these measurements with you to your retailer and ask for assistance in determining the yardage you will need for your project.
  5. Invest in good quality and decorative hardware for your new treatment. Use the analogy of dressing yourself with the hardware being equivalent to jewelry to finish off your look.
  6. Inquire about installation services and take advantage of them to give your windows a finished and professional look.
  7. Enjoy!

Next month we will take a look at window treatments. Until next time...