It’s a dilemma we all face after replacing the windows in our Long Island homes: We just invested a lot of time selecting just the right window, with the right hardware and other options and we want to show off their beauty so we hate to cover them up. On the other hand, undecorated windows can be a privacy concern and at night they can look like black holes in the wall. Fear not, sometimes the right window treatments can actually accent your windows’ beauty; like the perfect frame on a great piece of artwork.
Sometimes you want to do a mini-makeover for your Long Island home without investing lots of money or time. Maybe you want to show off your brand new Renewal by Andersen replacement windows. Whatever has you yearning for a window style change, we’ve got some suggestions to get you started.
Mimicry Creates Elegance
Don’t be afraid to overstate your style to create an elegant atmosphere. For all types of large windows from bays and bows to picture and specialty windows, consider a cornice board and draperies with matching design details. For example, choose a neutral fabric color with a bold contrasting geometrical design feature at the hemlines. Transfer the geometric feature to an overhead cornice board to draw attention to the windows. White on white fabric designs, intricate stitching details, and print borders all transfer well to cornice accessories.
Mount the cornice about one inch from the ceiling; choose draperies that are four to six inches longer than necessary to create a soft, sophisticated puddle for a dramatic effect.
Bold and Sassy
Roman shades aren’t as dramatic as floor-to-ceiling drapes, but they are versatile enough to be bold and sassy or sleek and classy. If you’re gifted with a natural flair for design and have intermediate sewing skills, you can create customized roman shades for almost every window style in your home, from space-saving sliding patio doors to casement windows in the second story loft. Paintable fabrics and myriad textures allow you to create delicate oriental designs as well as personalized shades with vibrant primary colors and shapes for the nursery.
Frilly and Feminine
For those girlie-girl rooms where lace and bows are in order, consider window treatments with ample gathers and pouffy details on a double rod system. Select neutral colors with soft patterns for the outer curtain layer and sheer, muted tones for the liners. Add lace or ribbon tie-back details and a valance to pull the overall theme together.
Create a Warm Inviting Space with Texture
Using diverse textures creates warmth. Pair up a simple blind with a nubby semi-sheer fabric to add warmth and interest to your casement windows. Bring in additional textures with bamboo rods or non-conventional ties — like natural leather strips or crystal beads strung on sturdy nylon thread. The combo gives you more light control for windows that get direct sunlight and adds a bit more privacy for bedrooms and bathrooms, too.
Simplicity and Serenity
For fixed windows without grilles and exposed hardware, creating a simple frame allows you to enjoy a clear, uninterrupted view of your world. Avoid weighty design techniques that include heavy swags, outdated jabot construction and “fussy” embellishments. If you want something more than a solid colored panel, opt for sophisticated tone-on-tone fabrics or choose a large pattern in a complementary shade to keep the mood relaxing and refreshing.
Consider Creative Choices
Decorating over-sized windows and doors shouldn’t limit your options. You might have to think-outside-the-box if you can’t put your hand on curtain rods that are long enough to cover the full width. One option for homeowners is to use non-traditional hanging appliances. You can buy electrical conduit by the foot from a local hardware store. The “rods” are sturdy enough to support light to moderately heavy fabrics and are very inexpensive.
Creative inspiration comes from a plethora of sources. Check out these innovative window treatment solutions.
Have a Seat, Please
Dressing up a bay window requires extra attention to detail. You should use hinged or curved curtain rods specifically designed for your bow and bay windows to get the best fit. Perhaps, one of the most beneficial window dressings is to add or update window seats. Coordinating upholstery and window fabrics creates an inviting place to relax and watch the world go by.
As you can see, updating your windows doesn’t have to be expensive. Unless you plan on building and installing a window seat for your bay window, which is better suited to a weekend project, most of these suggestions should only take a few hours.
Before you hang your new window treatments, check with your replacement window specialist. It is important not to damage your frames or panes during the process. We’re just a phone call away and we’d be glad to help you with information to make sure you don’t void any part of your warranty. Call (866) 609-5033 or complete the form above.
