Window Treatments and Decorating Tips

FESTOONS

The number of festoons depends on the width of the window. In Williamsburg, where most windows are only 3 1/2 feet wide, there are two festoons, each of two feet or less (festoons may overlap).

The number of folds in the festoon determines the degree of formality; many folds convey depth and richness while few folds give a sense of lightness.

CURTAINS

Floor-length curtains are always elegant and formal, while hangings to the window sill are informal and at the same time functional, for they keep the curtains away from the floor in an area much used, or difficult to clean.

The most pleasing curtain effects are given by 100% fullness, which means that curtain width should be double that of the window. Most fabrics measure approximately 54 inches; a pair of curtains for a window four feet wide, therefore, requires two widths, one for each curtain.

VALANCES

Valances are subject to many variations. An elaborately shaped and deep valance like the one illustrated, which is in the dining room of the Governor's Palace, represents one extreme and conveys a sense of grandeur with ornateness. Valances used in less formal settings in Williamsburg are illustrated here in a series of designs. The shape of the valance is also subtly related to the pattern and type of fabric used. A simple valance calls for cottons and small patterns, an intricate design for damasks, a bold design for large fabric patterns. 

The proper length of a valance is determined partly by the fabric—longer if it is to accom-modate a large and bold pattern, for example. Color plays an essential role because a dark color makes a valance seem smaller, a light color larger, in size. A designer rule of thumb is to allow overall 1 1/2” to 1 3/4” for each foot of window height, modified by the above considerations.

TRIMMINGS

Effects, either formal or informal, can be obtained by trimming in the form of fringe, binding, braid or fabric borders. When used, the trimming should relate to an important color in the fabric. The more ornate hangings are usually trimmed both in valance and festoon as well as the curtains themselves. Ruffles, of course, usually suggest lightness and a touch of informality.

OTHER FEATURES

When maximum light is needed from the window, valances should be kept high up and shallow, and curtains, when drawn back, should not encroach too much on the window panes. Valances should cover everything at the top, including Venetian blind boxes, and should also extend close to the ceiling or molding. Window molding should be left exposed as much as possible.

WILLIAMSBURG WINDOW TREATMENTS

In the illustrations to follow, we see examples of window treatment at Colonial Williamsburg. These offer to the homemaker and decorator multiple suggestions of desirable effects to be used in one's own residence.

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Different Window Curtains

 Your windows could be cut above the rest with the right kind of clothing. Whether it's lighter or you want more privacy, you must choose the right type of window treatment. If you have a window, you must dress. There are many aspects to be considered though. Can you dress your curtains, blinds, awnings, or even curtains sheers? Can you decorate your windows with rich embroidered and furnishings, or make your room warm with velvet and wool, or you could give an airy touch to the room with lace and cotton.

However, you must choose window treatments that complement the style in your home decor. Set the mood in your room with the right kind of window treatment. Go take a look either formal or informal one. For a luxurious look, go for a formal treatment with floor-length curtains. Layer under them pure. Finish it off with top treatment. This type of clothing window looks great in rooms with high ceilings and long windows. You could also settle the curtain panel even with the curtains wearing, and gives it a flirty touch with ruffles.

Curtains, umbrellas cornices that make a big difference too. Used alone or in conjunction with the blinds and shades to make your windows more attractive. Add some visual interest and your windows and see what makes a big difference. Curtain fabric that hangs at the top of the window, and usually cover one-third of glass windows. Often used to hide the monitor, it can be dropped, pleated or gathered. The blinds can be used with or without a curtain under

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How to Make Curtains Cornice Top Boards as a Professional

How to Make Curtains Cornice Top Boards as a Professional 

When you are at the wood merchant to get your plywood, try also to get some plain smooth wood. I usually use a standard 6 inch by 1 inch plank of timber. This is if I'm going to hang curtains from under the fabric covered cornice. It gives enough space for the curtain rod or curtain track to fit underneath.

I usually paint this board on one side only in white emulsion paint. This is the side that will end up facing down into the room. It's not strictly necessary but I think it makes it look more finished.

Don't paint the other side or the edges of the cornice board. The reason being is you won't see these when fitted. The long edge and ends of the board are to be covered by stapling on the opposite strip of velcro tape.

Above you can see how when you make pelmets this way the top of the cornice facia board wraps around the top board and sticks in place using the two sides of the velcro tape.

This creates your finished window treatment cornice. I usually fit the top board over the window using small shelf brackets. Then attach the cornice facia afterwards.

This makes it easier to hang curtains or shades before you cover it with the cornice facia. You can also attach a curtain track or shade fittings to the underside of the top board rather than to the wall as long as the curtains or shade are not very heavy.

If you are going to make a cornice to fit over a roman shade or just on their own. Then you can make the side returns smaller Rather than the 6 inches above you can make them as little as 4 inches.

This will mean the cornice does not stand as proud from the wall over the window making it look right. Below are some images of other cornice window treatments made in the same way.

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How to Cover your Cornice Window Treatment as a Professional

How to Cover your Cornice Window Treatment as a Professional

To make the front and sides, you will require using a sheet of 1/4 inch (6mm) plywood. Your local timer merchant should cut this to size for you. The extra cost is well worth the time and effort.

The fact that I use this kind of pelmet stiffener is as it is quite cheap. It is very strong while also being fairly light. Finally it is also good for stapling the drapery fabrics to.

When I make fabric covered window cornice I use a piece of scrap fabric to join the main section of plywood to the end return pieces. This simply holds everything together while you work.

Now I have used a piece of fiber wadding to cover the front and sides as I make cornice window treatment (you can use heavy curtain interlining). I placed the plywood body onto the wadding and cut round it to get the shape. It is usually slightly larger than the plywood.

Then I took the plywood outside and placed it down with the fabric strips facing down. Then using the spray adhesive I covered the cornice boards evenly.

I then returned the plywood boards in doors and lay it on the table. Then taking care I placed the fiber wadding onto the adhesive and pressed it down to stick in place.

The next step is to cut your drapery fabric ready for stapling onto the board. I have cut the fabric about 2 inches wider than the cornice board on all sides.

In the image above you can see that the drapery fabric has been turned over and stapled down on all sides. You need to apply a little pressure to the fabric as you staple to keep it taught and flat. However don't pull your fabric too much as it will distort the look of the finished cornice.

Next at the bottom I have started to lay the curtain lining fabric just over the bottom edge of the pelmet. This will cover all the back of the cornice facial board hiding the wood and staples making it look more finished.

In the image above you can see how I have placed the back tacking strip over the edge of the curtain ling fabric. Then staple it into place all the way from one end to the other.

Also I have left some of the curtain lining fabric overlapping at the end. This was done deliberately so we can make cornice which is neatly finished at the ends.

Next I have folded over the surplus lining fabric on both ends of the window treatment cornice. Then I folded the lining fabric up and over laying it covering all the back of the pelmet board.

Next I used my scissors to cut off the surplus lining fabric. This is anything lying over the top of the pelmet board. I then stapled the top of the lining to the top of the board. Smoothing the fabric out as I went a long.

You only need to use a few staples widely spaced to hold it in place at this stage. Also don't worry about the edge of the lining fabric not looking neat as you will be covering it.

This image here shows the lining fabric folded over and smoothed down prior to being trimmed and staples down at the top.

You can see how using the back tacking strip to make cornice window treatment creates a neat finish to the bottom edge of the lining fabric on the back of the pelmet board.

Here we have the image of the finished pelmet facial board with a strip of velcro tape running along the top of the cornice locking in the lining fabric.

I have also added a few staples down the sides to hold in the ling fabric on the ends. Don't worry about these as you won't see them when fitted over your window.

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How to Make a Cornice Window Treatment as an Expert

How to Make a Cornice Window Treatment as an Expert 

Aren't you sure how to make window treatment cornice as an expert? Have you seen these window treatment styles, but don't know how to make them? Do you desire to save some money by making a window topper like this for yourself? You will find the answer to these questions and more here in this article….

What you need to make a fabric covered window cornice

• 1/4 inch thick plywood

• 1 inch thick fiber wadding

• Large pair of sharp fabric scissors

• Back tacking strip

• Staple gun and staples

• Spray adhesive

• Velcro tape

• Drapery fabric

• Drapery lining fabric

The drapery fabrics

You will need a drapery fabric of your choice to cover the window treatment cornice. I strongly recommend you choose a plain fabric if this is your first time making a fabric covered window treatment cornice.

The reason for this that if your cornice window treatment (including the sides) is wider than the width of your fabric. Then you can turn the fabric sideways (railroad the fabric) and use the length rather than the width. This way you can cover the cornice without having to join 2 widths of fabric.

This clearly means no sewing is required, great if you can't use a sewing machine.

I do this all the time even if it means the weave of the fabric runs in the opposite direction to the curtains. An example of this would be silk drapery fabric where the slub in the fabric would run across the curtain and down the pelmet. Even so it looks a whole lot better than seeing a fabric seam on the front of your pelmet.

You will need Curtain lining fabric to cover the back of your cornice window treatment. This hides the plywood used to stiffen the pelmet. I again use the fabric lengthways to avoid the need for seams. It's not so much for the look this time but rather just to make life easier.

Finally to make cornice window treatment you will need either a thick curtain interlining fabric or a sheet of polyester wadding (my personal favorite) to give the pelmet a softer padded look.

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