"Designer Math - Window Treatments . . . "
Greetings,
I always feel that after the holiday season is complete - we always see our homes in a new light. Maybe a guest room didn't function as well as expected over Christmas. Or the dining room didn't seat as many as needed at Thanksgiving. Regardless, the new year always brings an opportunity to re-fresh our homes. And nothing updates and invigorates a space like new window treatments.
If you're thinking about a little update - here are a few of the things the we here in the studio always focus on.
Let's tour through SMW Design's window treatment check list -
1. The Fullness
Traditionally,
you should be looking at 2 to 2½ times the width of the window for the
fullness of the drapes. So if your window is 4 feet wide, the ungathered
panels should be at least 8 feet wide, or even better, 10 feet.
2. The Length
For classic side panels, you really have to go all
the way to the floor. If you're looking at ready-made drapes, make sure
that they touch the floor, even if you have to buy the next size up and
have them hemmed.
3. The Functionality
Oftentimes
— and especially when privacy isn't an issue — we design drapes that
really only function to frame the view. Even in these cases when the
panels don't really need to close, they should at least look like they could close.
4. The Textile
There
are never going to be any hard-set rules about choosing drapery
fabrics. This is where design stops being a science and begins to be
art. If your other furnishings are leaning towards solid colors, here's
your chance to bring some pattern or at least a punch of color to the
room.
5. The "Stack"
When
drapes are opened, the space that the gathered textile takes up is
called 'the stack.' You can manipulate the architecture by playing with
the 'stack' placement If you're decorating a room with windows that feel
too narrow, you can expand the fullness and visually expand the window
by stacking almost everything to the outside of the window frame.
6. The Hardware
Much
like the placement of the stack can expand a window, the placement of
the hardware can also help a room. I always mount my drapery hardware as
close to the ceiling as possible. Draperies will always establish the
vertical mood of a space.
7. The Roman
Sometimes
you just don't need all that fabric. So for kitchen and bathrooms - or oddly shaped windows - I
often use roman shades. They can either be mounted inside the window
molding, or outside the window frame. Whenever I use 'outside mounts,'
I'll usually add a decorative valance over the window as well to balance
things out.
If we can help updating your home - reach out to us at inquiries@SMWDesign.com to set up an appointment.
Cheers,
Scot
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