I have walked into countless homes with gorgeous furniture, carefully selected wall colors, eye catching artwork and… NAKED WINDOWS!  What’s going on?  A few of my past posts have taken you step by step through the process of selecting the proper window treatment that enables you to strike the delicate balance of aesthetics and function.  I understand that a multi-step approach is not for everyone, so today let’s attack it from a different angle.  Let’s look at some simple curtains that are very easy to install.  Just measure, choose some hardware and the curtain style, and you are well on your way.

While blinds require precise measurement and mounting, curtains allow you a little more wiggle room.  As long as the curtain covers the window, you are pretty much in the clear.  Here are some measuring tips that will give off-the-shelf curtains a designer look.

Panel Height- If you want to add some drama to your room, choose a curtain panel that is higher than your actual window.  Take advantage of the space between the top of your window and the ceiling.  A few years ago it was difficult to find ready-made panels that were more than 84″ high.  Now I am seeing 108″ regularly and some up 120″.

Panel Width - This is a true designer secret.  To determine the width of your curtains, first take your window width and add at least 3″ to each side.  Then double that number to determine your width.  Ever notice that draperies in magazines never look skimpy?  This formula will give you a nice full, luxurious look. 

Example for a window that is 36″ wide: 

Add 3″ to each side:  36″ + 6″= 42″

Double that number:  42″ x 2 = 84″

So the total width of your drapery panels should be at least 84″ wide.  This is the total width of the pair.

You can take a peek here for some tips on selecting hardware.  And here is a short installation video.  The only thing I would add:  put the rings on the draperies and the draperies on the rod before determining your total height.

So please take down that skimpy, sheer swag and let’s dress up your windows and give them the dignity they deserve:-)

Shop for great curtains in My Secret Database!

The Shade Store is one of my favorite online sources for everything to adorn your windows.  In an inspired move, they have recently formed a partnership with Dwell Studio and created a line of draperies, shades and cornices in their fabulous signature fabrics.  This is one of the best selections of custom window treatments in contemporary fabrics that I have seen available to retail customers.  I am sure designers are going to be ordering them too.  They are that good!

These window treatments owe their designer look to the details; they have a wide fabric selection from print to plain; various drapery options including pinch pleat, grommet and rod pocket; and cornices that include choices of nailheads or welt.

These bold and dramatic patterns are a great jumping off point for any room.  Pair them with solid fabrics and modern finishes for a fresh approach and don’t be afraid to be brave with your paint colors.

Shop for window treatments at The Shade Store or search for other vendors in My Secret Database!

Together, Red, White & Blue give a patriotic or nautical feel; separately, they make a bold statement.  Either way, they are palette pleasers that will add pride to your pad.  JCPenney now carries home furnishings that echo that patriotic spirit and are easy on your pocket book.  This year they launched the American Living Collection.  The look has a Ralph Lauren feel, but at a fraction of the price.  Right now they are offering free shipping on orders of $49 or more!

Take a peak at JCPenney in My Secret Database!

Decorative Window Hardware is as crucial to draperies as jewels are to a gorgeous gown.  Select a scrawny pole and it looks shoddy.  Opt for a fussy finial and it takes away from the draperies.  Want to get your windows nominated to the “best dressed” list?  You don’t have to be an expert, just follow this simplified approach.

Style - Consider the style of your room and the draperies themselves and then don’t veer to far off course.  If you have simple draperies or sheers, then select window hardware that is clean and modest.  Small details are fine.  If your draperies are luxurious, silk organza, then opt for hardware with more intricate details and finishes.

Size - The higher your ceilings and the longer the draperies, the larger in scale your hardware should be.  Metal poles are typically available in diameters up to 1.75 inches.  But wood poles are available 3″+ diameters; so they are a good choice when dealing with high ceilings.  Remember that the further the hardware is from your eye, the smaller it will look.

Function - Are you draperies panels going to stay stationery at the sides of your window or do you want to open and close them?  When panels remain stationery you don’t have to worry about wear and tear.  When they are operable, you still have many options, but there are some points you want to consider for ease of operation and long-lasting use. 

• If you choose wood hardware, stick with wood rings.  Same goes for metal.
• Wood rings slide more smoothly on a fluted pole than on a plain pole. 
• Hardware with a smooth finish is easier to operate.
• Choose a pole length that is about 6″ wider than your window on each side.  It gives the window treatment more substance and your window will appear larger.
• Tiebacks or hold backs are a perfect complement to eye-catching hardware.
• Rings are often the most expensive element because you need so many.  Draperies with a tab top or rod pocket are an economic alternative.

So take your time, assess your situation, consider your options and discover the magic of Decorative Window Hardware at My Design Secrets!

Curtains, Draperies, Sheers, Panels.  Many words that help you achieve the same goal:  Cover and decorate your windows! You know what style and color you desire, but what length is going to do the job and enhance the look of your room?  Let’s explore your options and I will give you the inside scoop.

Long and Luxurious - If you are going for a more formal look, then Full-length Draperies are your best bet.  You may have seen draperies that are puddled (meaning there is extra fabric that is bunched up on the floor) and in most cases they emit an air of formal European design (i.e. not practical).  They look their best if they are stationery panels (not operable) but they are dust and pet hair collectors so I would advise you to steer clear of this detail.  On the contrary, I have my clients’ draperies made so are just barely touching the floor.  They are less likely to get dirty and they look a lot neater especially if you are opening and closing the draperies.

Middle Ground - Mid-length Curtains that fall just at or a few inches below your window sill give a more casual look.   They look great in Country & Casual environments and we see them featured often in kitchens, bathrooms and kids’ rooms.  I recommend that you buy them sill-length for the kitchen sink area and a bit below everywhere else.

Way up There - If you are just looking for something to frame the window but not necessarily cover it, then Top Treatments are a good way to go.  They can also be used in conjunction with draperies.  Valances, Swags and Balloons are a few examples but please don’t skimp on the fabric.  The top treatments sold in most big box stores are sad and droopy.  Window treatments are worth a few more dollars and cheap ones are easy to spot.  Think of what you see first when you walk in a room. Yep, it’s the windows!

Disclaimer:  You may have noticed that I have used the word Draperies and Curtains interchangeably in this article.  If you can believe it, some people have strong opinions about the usage of these words!  I use the word draperies or sheers for long panels and curtains for shorter ones but it’s really up to you:-)

 Like the photos in this article?  Please visit Country Curtains in My Secret Database or search for other Window Treatment Sources!

You have faithfully clipped magazine pages and browsed online sources to create your vision of the ultimate master bedroom retreat. It’s complete with beautiful furniture, sumptuous bedding, and the perfect paint color. But then, there’s the dreaded windows. You have a hard time visualizing the solution. Be assured that even for a professional interior designer, window treatment design can be difficult! Since there are so many elements it is best to approach this systematically. The proper window treatment serves many purposes, so we will step through them together and I will offer you solutions along the way.

Adding beauty to a room

The first step is to recognize that window treatments have a lot of visual impact in a room. It is one of the first things you notice when you walk in a room, so this should reflect in your budget. If you can afford to spend a little more, you will be much happier with the results. Consider the styles you prefer and find some photos to keep for reference.

Proper function for the type of window

Next, consider the type of windows you are dealing with. Most homeowners are working with regular windows, French doors, or sliding glass doors. Regular windows or rarely used doors give you the most flexibility. If you use the doors, then you must consider if the window treatment will interfere or possibly become exposed to the elements.

Providing Privacy and Security

Privacy is very important, especially in the bedroom. You should always feel perfectly comfortable walking around your bedroom no matter your choice of pajamas (or lack there of). This is your ultimate zone of relaxation at the end of a long day. You also should consider home security when you go away on vacation.

Providing heat and light control

Heat and Light control are important for a number of reasons. First of all, we all want to conserve energy to lower our utility bills and help the environment. You want to keep it cool in the house in the summer and a warm in the winter. Light control is especially important in the bedroom depending on how you like to wake up. Some people like the natural light of the sun creeping slowly into their room while others want total darkness until the alarm clock sounds. Blackout blinds or draperies are really the only way you you can get close to total darkness. Also, there are many backings that can be added to blinds.

A note about shades and blinds- The styles and materials are endless these days. When I say blinds I am referring to horizontal wood or metal slats. Shades are woven wood, cellular or pleated and are made of natural materials or fabric

So now that you are armed with this information I hope that will feel empowered in making your selections. Look for your perfect solution by using My Secret Database!

Diamond Patchwork Drapery by The Silk Trading Company

The Silk Trading Company has a fantastic selection. Their Drapery Out-of-a-Box program is for those of you that want or need an immediate solution. They have many choices of draperies in different styles, colors and lengths and they also sell the window hardware to go with it.

For those of you who have more time and desire more customization their Drapery By Design program allows you to choose your header, fabric, length and you can use more than one fabric. They also have video tutorials on the site to walk you through the process.

A few tips when you are deciding on window treatments:

• You can choose stationery panels that stay put or functional draperies that you open and close. Wood poles are a better choice if you are going to operate your draperies.
• If you are tentative, select a fabric and style that you feel will serve you for years to come. You can easily change your wall color and accessories but furniture and draperies are usually the substantial investments.
• Draperies do not have to be mounted directly over a window. If you want the ceiling to seem higher, mount the draperies higher on the wall.
• Draperies can serve a number of purposes: beauty, privacy and light control are usually the three most important. Remember that blinds and shades can be used along with the draperies to cover all your bases.
• Don’t scrimp - Figure the width of the area you want to cover and then choose panels that are 2-3x as wide. You want them to look luxurious and full, not pulled taught.
• Always choose a lined drapery (unless you are doing sheers). The lining protects the drapery from being damaged from heat and sunlight. The drapery will also hold its shape better over time.