How to Choose Curtains Styles According to Window Architecture

How to Choose Curtains Styles According to Window Architecture

The window architecture itself has much to do in determining treatment. Your window may be an important decorative asset, if it is a picture window, a whole window wall, a bay window, or a corner window; you will want to make the most of it, and yet at the same time not have it stand out so vividly in the room that it is a disquieting factor. The windows must seem a natural part of the room's architecture.

On the other hand you may have two or three windows that by themselves do not seem important architecturally, but that will seem much more important and make your room smoother if you pull them together by your window treatment (that is with a cornice for the group, or a swag or valance tying them together, and by hanging your over draperies as though you were dealing with one window, with a panel at each end).

But also you may have problem windows where, for example, heights vary, or framing styles differ, giving your room an uneven appearance. Or in an older house the architect may have used a definite style, such as a Palladian window, which would give your room a perhaps unwanted classical atmosphere. In such cases it is quite possible to disguise the architecture, and with rods and fabric to transform the dimensions of the window.

The single two-sash window is today, and has always been, the most common type. The sash window may be long and high and narrow, and this may seem to give your room a smaller appearance as it will make the walls seem higher. In this case you will want to make the window seem wider by extending the top frame with blocks of wood and then hanging your draperies and curtains from rods that extend the full width of the extended frame. A deep valance or swag will also cut down the apparent height of your window.

If, on the contrary, the window is wide and low, and seems to make your room too large for its low walls, heighten the frame with a board which you can top with a valance board, and hang your draperies as though they began at this point. Still another way to increase height is to hang your valance board just below ceiling height. A short festoon draped over a pole, combined with filmy, deep-pleated glass curtains, will also give an illusion of height.

In addition to the sash windows are bay windows, which are two or more windows placed at angles to each other. Perhaps the most pleasing and uniformly successful way of treating this window style is to drape it as a single unit and have a continuous valance extend all the way across it. When there is too much wall space between the windows which form the bay, treat each window as a separate unit; but be careful not to have too mucli fabric in this space. Rods can be purchased which curve to conform to the curve of the bay. Another bay-window treatment is to have double sash curtains at each window with a continuous valance of the same material over them all.

Dormer windows, rising from a gable in a slanting roof, may be found in many extension attic-type G.I. houses, and may be treated quite informally. Simple ruffled window curtains of muslin, organdie or some other sheer material are always appropriate. Sash window curtains help a bedroom window under a sloping room to seem larger, particularly if used as glass curtains with ruffled tie-back draperies.

Double-sash windows give one a better chance to exercise imagination and ingenuity. Consider them as one unit, with valances or cornices helping to increase the illusion. The glass curtains may be caught together in an hour-glass shape with a bow at the center, although this treatment is apt to be more distracting and over-elaborate than it is pretty. Or the over draperies can be looped back over Venetian blinds, Japanese blinds, or a wide painted shade. Any number of decorative treatments come to mind.

How to Choose Curtains Styles According to Window Architecture

Corner windows may seem to offer problems, but actually they make very attractive window treatments possible, and give a great feeling of space to the room. Again, they are most successful when no drapery is hung in the corner and they are treated as a single unit (which they actually may be in modern homes and apartments). Blinds with lightweight curtains hung over them to soften the light with draperies at the side are always effective. Another way to tie such windows together is to obtain the feeling of a continuous drapery with festoon valances and long side panels. Or you can outline the entire window with a frame of double ruffles. Corner windows lend themselves to draw draperies.

Casement windows are those windows which swing on hinges at the sides, opening out like doors. They can be single or double, and open in or out It is customary to curtain them with casement cloth, shirred on rods at top and bottom, but you may also wish to provide them with a pair of traverse curtains. A French window, or a door hung as a casement but extending to the floor, may be treated in the same way. Cranes or swinging rods are practical for casement draperies, as are traverse curtains.

It is only since the 1930's that architects have placed great emphasis on using natural ventilation (or heat from the sun's rays ) . Architects then turned the rooms in the house that were most frequently used to the south, and the south wall was in effect one huge window. This idea has become increasingly popular, and today most new homes feature at least one large "picture" window, while windows throughout are larger. In the most advanced modern homes whole sides of the house are virtual sheets o glass.

Actually, a true picture window is a large window with an uninterrupted frame of glass, with no muntins (or crossbars that break the window up into small panes). This is preferable because a view improves when seen through an uninterrupted expanse in which the frame of the window frames the view just as it would a picture. But the term has come to mean any very large window. In both window walls and picture windows the glass may be fixed so that the window never opens, and ventilation comes from slats beneath the window.

Most popular draperies for large windows are the traverse or draw types. These range from fine-count marquisette (44 x 30 threads per square inch) and shimmering glass-fiber yarns to stately floral-print failles and finely-textured satins. Drapery materials should not be too heavy or bulky, so that they may be drawn back and forth easily. Sturdy traverse rods help make these draperies practical. Draw draperies are particularly suited to bedrooms because ventilation, light and privacy are very important in these rooms. In bedrooms it is more necessary that the draperies rather than the glass curtains be of the traverse type.

It stands to reason that if you have a large window you have a good view, and you will not want to obscure it with curtain fabric hung over any portion of the glass. Have your draperies hung at the sides, like portions of the frame, ready to be drawn when you choose. One way of treating a picture window with east or west exposure (where glare is not so great a problem) is to frame the window with a rodless valance on all four sides that is, with shirred and ruffled material attached to parallel rods or one rod, or with a backing of pleated heavier material such as mattress ticking tacked to the frame.

Exposure is important, as glare and light vary, depending on the way the window faces. A southern exposure, which affords heat and maximum light, is favored in modern homes, and glass curtains are important with this exposure as an aid to cutting glare. If your materials are not sun fast, it is wise to line draperies hung at this exposure, as the lining may be renewed thus adding years of service to the fabric. Soft mellow tones may be selected, as the sunlight itself adds brilliancy. For northern exposures warm tones of yellow, orange, and brown are the best choice, especially in bleak northern parts of the country. Light filtering through warm-toned glass curtains may cheer the darkest corners. East light is colder than west light, and warm colors should predominate. 

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Windows from the Inside Looking Out

Windows from the Inside Looking Out

Whether you live in a new little G.I. house of Colonial design, a California ranch house, an old Victorian home on a shaded village block, or a city apartment, you are probably more window-conscious than you ever were before. For today, as never before, architects and builders are providing us with houses that furnish more big windows. Across the country, home owners are remodeling their houses to provide for picture windows, corner windows, and other large expanses of glass to allow more sun and light inside, and to bring indoor living in closer contact with the out-of-doors.

If you are lucky enough to have this kind of window area in your house, you are probably concerned with the problem of providing the right curtains and draperies to obtain suitable privacy and still make the most of your windows. You want to frame your windows and make them an exciting part of your room, and yet you want this large space to be a pleasant drapery that you can draw across the window at night. Draperies and curtains on this large scale are expensive to buy ready-made, and hard to find in the right materials, colors and patterns for your room. Making them yourself will prove a satisfying experience.

And because you are more conscious of the more important windows in your home today, you are probably looking around with a new eye at your other windows. Once you have mastered the art of measuring, cutting, sewing and trimming described in this book, you will probably want to start improving all your windows, from the dormers in your expansion attic to the windows in your master bedroom, bringing to all your rooms the softness and pleasing privacy that only draperies afford.

Had this book been written as little as five years ago, there would not have been much to tell you that you couldn't have picked up from your mother or grandmother. But today there are many new things being made to beautify your windows, from glass curtains made of nylon and Fiberglas (mildew resistant, crease resistant, easy to wash and unnecessary to iron) to ready-made valances, complete with fluorescent light for illuminating the draperies and bringing out the beauty of their color or pattern.

In addition, styles in home decorating have changed or perhaps the word is "increased" since today besides the still lovely traditional styles, there is a modern and corresponding emphasis on newer colors and textures. Now decorators tell us that the large areas in a room, the walls, floors, ceilings, and drapes as well, must not be distracting colors should be neutral, and the most successful decorating is that which relies on the accessories and one or two carefully chosen spots in the room for vivid color. While this remains a matter of taste, no matter what period your room is decorated in, you will want to select modern fabrics that are dust-resistant and easily cleaned or laundered, and you will want to achieve enough skill with your sewing machine and scissors to get that clean-cut, authoritative, contemporary look to your creations.

You have probably discovered that a change of draperies adds new life to your house, changing its entire mood and atmosphere. Once you have learned what there is to know about such details as mitered corners and how to cut swags, you will probably want to do creative sewing the best way to style your windows for your room, whether it means a new kind of ruffle trim to match the flounce on your dressing table, or finding a somewhat different and original way to cover a valance board. You will want to change your window styling with the seasons, finding crisp sleek fabrics and treatments with restful, cool colors for summer, and warmer, livelier patterns and color and nubbier fabrics for winter.

And you may want to extend the techniques of window styling to other parts of your house, to curtains for exposed closet spaces, wall-to-wall curtaining for windowless walls that could use a fabric background. 

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Bed and Window Curtains

In the 18th century, bed furnishings were often the single most expensive item in a household, and goods were woven only 18 to 28 inches wide. Textiles are relatively inexpensive today, and twice as wide, so we allow ourselves the luxury of matching patterns when we join seams. Such waste was virtually unknown in colonial America.

When choosing fabric, trim, and design, the first consideration is the room and the overall effect you wish to achieve. Are curtains intended to be the focal point of the room or an understated complement to other furnishings and decoration?  To replicate a period interior, choose a documented reproduction, such as a blue Indigo resist, a woven linen check, or a red copperplate print (toile de Jouy). Other aspirations in decorative style allow for wider choices of material and in style and technique of fabrication. 

A bold monochromatic printed toile makes a statement, while a crisp white cotton dimity or seersucker suggests a comforting coolness to counter Southern summers. Line a printed toile with a contrasting color for impact: the purple toile in the Governor’s Palace is lined with green silk. A soft cherry-red cotton satin lining creates a cheerful glow inside red toile bed curtains. Consider using fabrics in creative ways: think of the decorative possibilities of using horizontal, or “railroad,” treatments for valances, or of using the appliqué technique, where textile elements are cut out and sewn onto a base fabric in a decorative manner.

A strongly patterned fabric such as a toile can carry a heavy fringe treatment to edge curtains and valances. The dense green wool fringe on the purple toile at the Governor’s Palace is a good example.

In contrast, an unlined curtain and valance treatment with a strongly shaped valance—such as the green checked bed furniture in the George Wythe House is effectively trimmed with a simple twill or woven checked tape binding.

One of the most graceful 18th-century curtain designs is the fluid “drapery” curtain that draws up into a soft swag. This treatment creates a softer and more dramatic alternative to the static “swag and jabot.” Popular from about 1750 to 1780, the “draw-up drapery” style was a favorite with English patrons who used Thomas Chippendale as their interior designer. Chippendale intended the patterns in his book for the upholstery workshop as well as the patron, so he gave instructions and diagrams for the design of the cornices (often fabric covered) and the pulley lath systems that supported bed drapery and window curtains. 

These curtains work beautifully in a variety of fabrics. In the dining room of the Governor’s Palace they are shown in an unlined springy wool moreen. An elaborate Indian chintz bed at the Palace is lined with green cotton satin; the curtains are pulled up in double drapery, one of the variations shown in Chippendale’s influential 1754 pattern book The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker’s Director. If the curtain is lined, the lining fabric needs to be sufficiently decorative—it will show when the curtain is pulled up. Satin weave cotton is appropriate for cotton; a complementary printed fabric can also be effective in more modern treatments.

The windows’ proportions along with the scale of the room will determine which curtains will work most effectively. For instance, a pair of narrow windows on one wall might look best if each window gets one curtain, each swagged to the outside, rather than two panels crowded onto each window.

Chippendale shows the “draw-up drapery” with the complete architectural complement of a molded or carved cornice, sometimes covered with fabric matching the curtains, and valances (sometimes buckram stiffened) beneath the cornice at the top of the curtain. The curtains can be mounted to a pulley lath without cornices (as with more contemporary balloon shades), but the effect is not as strong or as architecturally complete.  The valance is an option that can stand in place of the cornice, or that can be omitted at more modest windows if a cornice is used.

Whether you make your own pattern and assemble the curtains according to Chippendale’s design, or hire an interior decorator or upholstery shop to handle the sewing fabrication, bear in mind a few details: The pulley lath, mounted with angle irons to the inside of the cornice, holds and organizes the lines that raise the curtains. The lines run through a row of rings sewn into the lining side of the curtain, then through pulleys or screw eyes at the outer corner (or corners, depending on whether your window has one or two curtain panels) of the pulley lath. The lines run back down the side of the window to be tied off on “cloak pins” that anchor the curtain in the raised position. For an authentic look, pairs of decorative cast brass or enameled cloak pins should be used for securing the draperies of both bed and window hangings. A modern alternative is to mount pairs of cabinet pulls to the window molding—much more attractive than the conventional window shade anchor. These should be mounted low on the window molding, between the sill and the chair rail. 

Each pair of curtains is made of two panels that reach to the floor—the length is very important for creating the proper effect when the curtain is drawn up. The width of each curtain depends upon the desired effect. A sumptuous curtain in silk damask will require many widths of fabric; a slightly austere colonial effect in checked linen will need fewer. Avoid making the panels too skimpy, however, or they will lose some of the soft and rich effect when drawn up. Each panel should be at least twice as wide as the window (measured outside the window frame) before gathering.

If the edge of the curtains is bound with tape that wraps around the edge, outer curtain and lining should be sewn with wrong sides together. Otherwise, right sides should go together and are inverted at the top before gathering into heading. Add trim after turning inside out. Unlike contemporary curtains, this style does not have a return of face fabric on the lining side. Face fabric and lining need to the same width, or the effect will be ruined when the curtain is drawn up and the decorative lining is revealed in the swagged “tail.”

A less complicated way to get an effect similar to a “draw-up drapery” bed or window curtain is by swagging a gathered curtain panel using a button a tape loop. These curtains could be easily and quickly closed to give the sleeper privacy or to protect from mosquitoes. This treatment was often used on hangings made for portable tent beds (also called field, or camp, beds). Curtains were sewn to the tester, or ceiling, of the bed; the entire unit draped over the bedstead as a tent drapes over its frame. George Hepplewhite illustrated this treatment in his 1787 pattern book The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer’s Guide. White cotton (particularly a ribbed stripe called dimity) was popular for this style of bed treatment, in vogue in the 18th and early 19th centuries. 

Since portability was a factor for original tent bed hangings used during army campaigns, curtains were seldom lined. Edges were bound with white twill tape or trimmed with cotton fringe. Original military tent bedsteads did not have cornices or valances, but when the fashion was domesticated these more elaborate elements were sometimes added.

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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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Are You in Need of Window Blinds?

Window blinds can improve the appearance of the room and they can come in different styles, types and colors. Just make sure you choose the right size for your window Otherwise you will be wasting your time and money.

Accessories and furniture help to complete the look of any home. Without them, the house looks completely naked and lifeless. There are many things that may help you to add character and give the room a stunning look. Curtains are a great way to complete the look, but the thing that might fit a lot of people is the window blinds. They are becoming more and more popular, and this is why more and more people are choosing them over curtains.

Why you should use the window curtains?

Everybody has their own ideas about what helps to make the house look complete. Trends come and go all the time, but the thing that helps to keep the room looking fresh is the use of window blinds. There are many different types of window blinds, and they all come with their advantages. The great thing about window blinds is that they look elegant, as well as being able to control the amount of light that leave in and they also keep things private.

What kind of curtains should you go for?

There are quite a few different types of blinds out there that will meet everyone’s tastes and needs. A popular type of blind is a roller blind that looks classy, stylish and it comes in many different colors too.

There is a kind of blind people may prefer other types of blind is the path to the plate. They are easy to use and it is an affordable way to improve the appearance of the room. The great thing is that you can control the light that comes in through the use of these curtains, and that means if it is too bright, you can darken the room a little bit or basically whatever you want in it.

Some other curtains that may be interested in bamboo blinds and vertical blinds. As you can see, there is a good selection of different curtains, so have a look at it and then weigh up the ones that you think it would be best for your home.

What you should look for when choosing curtains for the rooms in your house?

There is more to get blind to just buy it and then hope for a better future. You need to make sure that you get the right one that will suit your needs and tastes better.

Try to consider these indicators when you get a new blind:

- What is the size of the windows and blinds what size do you need

- Is it curtains will be the best option for the Windows operating system and what your one will suit them more than others?

It is important that the plan, which one you think will look better and then make sure that you get the right measurements. It can be frustrating to get curtains home only to find out that they are either too large or too small. Blinds can generally be useful and it can really help you to maintain your privacy, but you need to make sure that you choose the right style and size to suit your needs window.

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Great Debate about Windows with Blinds or Windows with Curtains

How one can really make a good selection with so many options in the blinds and curtains in these days, which is good for their home? Options in the blinds and curtains are endless. There are many questions to ask yourself before you begin the arduous task of searching for curtains or blinds. If you can figure out if you want blinds or curtains before you head out to the store it will make the purchase a little less intimidating. This way you can focus on stores to choose one or the other. Picking out the curtains blinds flour or is all up to. The following tips can help determine whether curtains or blinds are best for your home.

There are five things you should consider when choosing curtains or blinds:

Location: There are many things to consider in regards to the location of your window treatment. Are the windows in a high traffic area where you can get grubby? Is the window treatments in the room that has a lot of moisture, such as a bathroom or kitchen? Is a window in the area with kids and pets play? Site may just be the most important consideration when deciding whether to choose curtains or blinds. You certainly do not want to get dramatic floor length curtains in a room occupied by a busy kitten.

- Kitchens have natural light and sometimes messes. Most of the time it is useful to have curtains that will not be easy to remove and clean of dirt, grease and production kitchens. Also, the kitchen is not necessarily a need to prevent the spot of light curtains that tend to do.

- In the bedroom, however, block the natural light is out and one of the most important things to consider. Choose shades seem like a natural choice because they block out most of the light and will provide a more favorable environment for sleep.

Purpose: Are Coverings serve a purpose? They do not need to block or control the lighting? Are you installed for the sole purpose of privacy? Is there a breeze or some type of moisture that need to be blocked? Are Coverings for decoration only? Identify the purpose for which your shish will serve is going to make a big difference in the final decision on what to buy.

- If you're looking for fresh air curtains are a better option. You can drag them back to allow air and light in it.

- If you are deliberately trying to prevent moisture we have, and are looking for curtains maximum privacy seems to be the best option for your window treatments.

Aesthetics / Decor: This is the fun part of picking out window treatments. What is the look and feel you are hoping to benefit from the application window treatments to your home?

- Are you looking for something modern? Do you want sleek lines and solid colors?

- Perhaps the country or classical is more your style? Do you think wood blinds or curtains rooster is the look you are trying to get? This is the part that only your eyes matter. Of course, we must remember that compliment the room already landed.

Health: This is something I'm sure you did not consider when choosing between the blinds and curtains but incredibly important.

- Curtains tend to be attractive to flick even if someone in your home has a severe allergy to it is probably best to stay away from curtains.

- Curtains are much easier to keep dust free. Dry Cleaning and Laundry regular care is all most curtains need to keep them free of excess dander and allergens.

Price: Although you can find window treatments in all price ranges it is still something to consider.

- Curtains can be found from $ 2.99 and up. You need to consider the wear and tear when the curtains pricing. More cheap curtains of plastic that have a tendency to break easily. Blinds that are made of hard plastic or wood are considerably more durable and still relatively inexpensive. In a nice part about blinds is that they usually come with all the hardware that is needed to be installed making curtains relatively cheaper than curtains.

- Curtains are a bit more expensive due to the expense of hardware. So if you find affordable blinds you're still looking at how you are going to hang them. Devices for the installation of blinds is another account into account when choosing curtains.

It is a hard decision between blinds and curtains. What will you decide?

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