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DESIGN SOLUTIONS
Side by Side
Handling a group of windows takes special attention.
by Sharon L. Anderson
CHALLENGE:
My clients have four windows in their formal living room. The windows are 29 inches wide and they are side by side with a nine-inch space of wall between each window and at the ends. This design gives me five spaces and four windows to work with. There are blinds on the windows now.
The existing furniture, which they plan on keeping, is covered in a cream sateen floral print and the walls are a beige tone. The accent colors are red and black. I am not sure what style or what type of fabric to use in treating these windows. I am leaning toward a sheer fabric in stark white with a high-sheen floral stripe or a sheer stripe pattern. I am also considering rod pocket style or pleated draperies hung high on the nine-foot high wall with slim black rods. I am not quite sure of all the different patterns. Could you please help?
SOLUTION: First of all, anytime you are working with a group of windows it can be a challenge! These windows must be handled with caution in regards to color and style as they can create an unwanted focal point if designed incorrectly—especially in this case where you are talking about a total width of 170 inches!
You mentioned the tone-on-tone floral print with beige walls. Based on the undecided style of the room, you will need to decide on an overall design style that your clients will be comfortable with first. Window treatments can either blend with the room’s style or stand out if the style does not blend with the existing furniture styles in the room.
As a scenario, if you and your client have chosen a traditional style in the room, then simple elegance may be the way to go on the window treatment, such as pairs of exceptionally full, tied-back draperies with an elegant poof valance across all four windows. This will look dynamic.
When you tieback the draperies, you should bring side-by-side pairs together (the right panel of one window with the left panel of the next window) as this will then camouflage the space in between each window. I would also start the drapery and valance treatment at the ceiling.
To create a custom layered look, you also can use sheers over the existing blinds on the window with the tied-back panels as the final treatment. If you want to add a splash of color, choose a fabric with red and black accents to complement the room’s accent colors or incorporate red and black trim into your drapery design.
Editor’s note: This is a continuing series of articles written by Sharon L. Anderson that will answer some of the many questions we receive at Draperies & Window Coverings as well as questions Anderson has encountered in her own business. If you have a question you would like Anderson to address, please send it to:
Design Solutions
c/o Draperies & Window Coverings
1724 E. Grand Ave.
Lindenhurst, IL 60046
Fax: (847) 356-9013
E-mail: SharonAnderson@adelphia.net
Sharon L. Anderson has more than 20 years experience in the residential and commercial areas of interior design. She is currently a faculty member at two Southern California colleges. Anderson has been featured in numerous books and publications. |
