Beautiful Window Treatments For Your Home

Courtesy of HGTV

Hi Friends,

Whether looking for romantic ambiance, blinds to control sunlight or window treatments to protect your privacy, design experts uncover ways to dress up windows for your home.

The featured Mix It Up by Designer Kati Curtis favors a combination of simple sheer and opaque draperies in her Manhattan bedroom designs. The sheer fabric stays open during the day to allow light in. At night, the opaque panels help buffer sound and keep light out for a good night's sleep. For a sleek touch, hardware is hidden in the window pocket. Image Courtesy of Kati Curtis.

Bold Contrast

A grommet heading, rings inserted into the top of the curtain fabric, is a contemporary and clean solution for hanging drapes. Make a bold statement with black and white stripes, like the Horizon in Shantung panels from Wildcat Territory. Photo Courtesy of Wildcat Territory.

Nursery Draperies

Window treatments don't have to necessarily cover windows. HGTV fan Decorography flanked her baby girl's crib to create a dramatic focal point.

DIY Valance

Give your window treatments a custom look without any sewing required. Designer Brian Patrick Flynn monogrammed this valance by simply using stencils and paint.

Enhance the Details

Drapes are not just for windows. In this formal foyer the drapes enhance the architecture while making a stylish statement. Placed alongside the architectural posts, the flowy cream curtains create a dramatic entrance, leading you from the front door into the family room and kitchen.

Stylishly Unique

With an endless array of patterns and styles, you can be sure to find a curtain design that fits your personal decor. In HGTV Dream Home 2008, a striped fabric is used for the curtain trimming as well as the kids' overhead bed treatment. Dressed in a mixture of patterns and textures, this bedroom is youthful and fun.

Outdoor Draperies

Grommet curtains provide privacy in this outdoor space, while protecting from cool breezes.

Pleat From Floor To Ceiling

Choose a traverse or gathered rod and cover the entire wall by hanging pleated window treatments from floor to ceiling. Chicago-based designer Mary Susan Bicicchi creates a coccon-like feel with black-and-white patterned drapes in her own bedroom. Use the treatment to make a small room feel larger or open up a room with tall, skinny windows like hers. Image Courtesy of Mary Susan Bicicchi.

Oversized Hardware

DrapeStyle designer Rick Thompson created this urban chic panel with oversized grommets and topped off with chocolate brown silk banding. The lighter metallic mesh fabric provides privacy, yet still allows light into the room. Oversized grommets work well in a smaller space with fewer windows and in contemporary settings, if you want the hardware revealed. Image Courtesy of DrapeStyle.

Fun Patterns

Instead of sticking with solid fabrics, look for ones in creative patterns. "In more contemporary and transitional interiors the use of large-scaled, geometric-patterned draperies creates a dramatic focal point within the space," says designer Lori Gilder. Design by Jamie Herzlinger

Layer Shades

"Another trend is to layer shades," says Jennifer Duneier. "A blackout shade might be installed right next to the window with a sheer shade in front of it. The Shade Store is a great resource for this, and they have a great line by Chilewich and also one by Robert Allen/Beacon Hill fabrics." Image Courtesy of Smith + Noble.

Stainless Steel

Not just a favorite for appliances anymore, stainless steel is making its way throughout the home. To incorporate this trend into your window treatments, designer Lori Gilder suggests threading stainless steel and other metallic curtain rods through simple eyelets at the top of panels to create a simple unadorned look. Design by Erinn Valencich

New Neutrals

Designer Lori Gilder says "charcoal and slate are the new neutrals and blend beautifully with the metallic trends." This darker neutral frames a window elegantly and adds a more sophisticated look to your room. Design by Brian Patrick Flynn

Tips from our designers for window treatment trends will make it easier to get rid of drab window treatments, and update your space with the hottest colors and latest fabrics...

Have fun!

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design.

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Illuminating Ideas for the Bedroom

Courtesy of Kayla Kitts

Hi Friends,

Illuminate your dreamy bedroom retreat with luxurious lighting, from antique bedside sconces to contemporary pendant fixtures. Use our top 12 lighting ideas and designer tips to help you choose the best sources for your space.

The featured Balanced Design creates a clean, balanced look with a touch of eclectic flair, symmetry is key. Jamie Laubhan-Oliver of D Home suggests buying bedside lamps, nightstands and coordinating accessories in pairs. "Since I tend to decorate in a very eclectic style, duplicates of items help to keep it from looking chaotic," she says regarding her master bedroom style. In her antique-inspired retreat, Jamie uses a matching pair of metallic table lamps and an elegant crystal chandelier as the room's primary light sources. "Chandeliers are the jewelry of your home; whether small or large, they add drama to any room." Photography by Manny Rodriguez

Limited Lighting

For those who prefer to read and work in bed, task lighting is for you. This type of lighting includes any fixtures, such as table lamps and swing-arm lamps, that are primarily used to illuminate a specific area or task. This sleek, arched floor lamp provides a high light level perfect for nighttime reading. And when you're not working, you can use a dimmer to control its brightness. Photo courtesy of Selva

Contemporary Alternative

To create a modern look in your bedroom that also saves space, hang low-watt pendant light fixtures from the ceiling right above your nightstands. To add even more interest to the space, hang the fixtures at different heights. The pendants offer a soft, soothing source of light and provide a contemporary decorative element. Since these won't completely light up the room on their own, add complementary light sources, like a table lamp across the room. Photo courtesy of Lexington Home Brands

Bright Whites

A separate seating area is the perfect place for an illuminating light fixture of its own. Despite the dark navy draperies and walls, this elegant lounging spot has plenty of light for reading. When natural light isn't an option, the swing-arm floor lamp provides the perfect amount of light. To ensure this dark room doesn't feel cold and dark, designer Jennifer Duneier used white accents to brighten up the space, as well as a crisp, white lampshade to guarantee the fixture emits as much light as possible.

If your space needs illumination, take a tip from one of our designers to light up your life...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Custom Window Treatments 101

Courtesy of Jaimie Dalessio Clayton
Photo By: Marko Metzinger/Studio D

Hi Friends,

HGTV Magazine shares advice on everything from measuring and buying fabric to where to go for custom window curtains, drapes, and shades.

Where to go for curtains or drapes
Ask your local tailor if he or she can make drapery if you bring the fabric and provide the measurements. Many tailors can do the job if it’s simply hemming the fabric. If you’re looking for something more complicated, like pleated drapes or a valance, try a seamstress in your area who specializes in window treatments. Be sure to have a conversation with your pro before you buy the fabric so you’re both on the same page.

There are also online-based companies, such as alluring-window.com and superiorshades.com, that let you send in fabrics. They’ll send someone to measure your windows, make the drapes, and install them for you. Some can also make shades.

Where to go for shades
Many upholsterers can make Roman shades for windows. Look for one in your area who might be up for the job. You can also call seamstresses who specialize in window treatments to ask if they also make shades.

How to measure
Step 1: Measure for length, from the top of your window frame to wherever you want the panels to fall. They can go down to the floor if you want them to skim the ground with no puddling on the bottom (which makes them easier to clean), or down to the floor plus a few additional inches if you prefer a puddled look.

Step 2: Decide where you want to put the curtain rod. It’s typically placed midway between the ceiling and the window frame, but you can also mount it closer to the window frame or closer to the ceiling, depending on your wall space. To draw the eye upward so the ceiling appears higher, place the rod where the wall meets the ceiling. Count how many inches above the window frame the rod will be, and add that to your length measurement from Step 1.

Step 3: Decide how you want to hang the curtains on the rod—options include clip rings, which clip onto the top of the fabric; a pocket rod, which is a pocket sewn into the top of the fabric so you can place the rod right through it; grommets, which are metal rings that you place over holes made along the top of the fabric; or sewn-in rings, which are sewn into the fabric. When you know which one you’ll use, you’ll know if you need more or less fabric to make it work. Fabric on a clip ring or a sewn-in ring, for example, will hang about an inch lower to the ground than fabric hung with grommets, so adjust your measurement from Step 2 accordingly.

Step 4: Measure the width of your window from one edge of the frame to the other. If you’re using a tension rod, which you will set inside the window frame, measure inside the frame from one end to the other.

Step 5: Add an extra 2½ inches to each side to account for hemming. The result is the amount of fabric you’ll need.

Buy your fabric
Choose a fabric you like. Try bold prints for Roman shades, which have a flat surface, so it’s easier to see the full pattern. Smaller prints are easier to appreciate on drapes. Some of our favorite online sources for fabric are calicofabrics.com, fabric.com, fabricguru.com, fashionfabricsclub.com, hancockfabrics.com, housefabric.com, joann.com, kingcottonfabrics.com, lsfabrics.com, onlinefabricstore.net, spoonflower.com, and warehousefabricsinc.com.

Add a liner
Drapery fabric is typically thin, so it will look nicer hanging on the window if you make it more substantial with a liner—and it’ll give you more privacy. Liners are generally inexpensive, about $5 a yard, so you can buy it yourself or ask your seamstress. Some have suppliers for liner fabric, and they might include the liner in the price of the job.

If you enjoyed our custom 101 instructions on window treatments, please share it with others...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Dreamy Bedroom Window Treatment Ideas

Courtesy of HGTV

Hi Friends,

Creating a comfortable and chic home is about infusing your personal style into every space, especially the bedroom — your private haven. Window treatments add softness and privacy and are a great way to fully express your style.

The featured Embrace Color is perfect for the lover of color, show some love to your bedroom windows. With the right mix of patterns and texture, color can work wonders and make your bedroom feel balanced and welcoming. This bedroom is certainly dreamy with a cheery yellow, coral and apple green palette accented with pretty patterned curtains and luxurious bedding fit for a queen. Design by Sarah Richardson.

Tailored Treatment

Bedroom window placement can create a tricky layout, requiring you to think outside the design box when planning the space. Here, designer Tobi Fairley framed a large window with two full-sized beds. A wall of pleated drapery panels anchors the beds and creates a cohesive, pulled-together look. Design by Tobi Fairley; photography by Nancy Nolan

Pop for Pattern

Patterned curtains are an easy way to create a focal point and liven up a traditional bedroom. Start by choosing a pattern that works with your room's color palette. Keep the rest of the bedroom neutral in design to let those fabulous curtains really pop. Design by Paula Grace Designs; photography by Bob Narod

A Neutral Contrast Combination

Create a bedroom that feels soft and serene with a subtle, monochromatic window treatment. This all-white treatment combines a geometric patterned shade with billowy drapery panels. The contrast in styles adds design depth. Design by Fig Studio; photography by Josh Partee

Creative Hardware

Most window treatments are hung by way of rod or track allowing them to easily open and close to control lighting and privacy. If your panels are purely decorative — after all, who would want to block this view? — consider hanging them instead with creative hardware like vintage doorknobs, pegs, hooks or drapery tiebacks like the ones used here. Design by Carla Aston; photography by Miro Dvorscak

Organic Shutters

These custom-made twig shades are so pretty and rustic, they're a perfect fit for this pied a terre in Mexico. Their earthy construction complements the surroundings while filtering the harsh afternoon sunlight and allowing for plenty of ventilation. Photography by Laure Joliet

Window treatment ideas that can be incorporated in one of your bedroom spaces this weekend or down the road...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Striking Bedroom Window Treatments

Courtesy of HGTV

Hi Friends,

Take your bedroom from drab to fab with curtains fit for any style of window. Our featured Color Crush uses curtains as a way to add color to a contemporary bedroom. Design by Heather Hillard

Bring the Outdoors In

The wood cornice above the window gives this bedroom natural style. Design by Gristmill Builders and Paul Robert Rosselle

Custom Curtains

Curtains and valances add elegance, while the motorized shades add privacy with the touch of a button.

Door Design

Photo By: American Furniture Warehouse

These curtains frame the large sliding door without blocking the view. A large art piece above the door gives the illusion of a curtain valence. Design by Verona Homes

New Heights

Use high ceilings to their full potential with ceiling-to-floor curtains. Starting curtains just under the crown molding will help heighten any space. Design by Tracy Morris

Light in Linen

This gauzy curtain provides privacy and softens harsh sunlight without blocking the view. Design by Patrice Flashner Fitzgerald

Trouble with the Curve

Not sure what to do about that rounded window? These curtains soften this difficult shape without blocking light. Swagging the curtains allows options for day-to-night functionality. Design by Shelly Reihl David

Private Escape

Shutters are the perfect tropical touch for these seaside French doors.

Less is More

This cheery pink bedroom is already bursting with color making the white blinds a perfect choice. Blinds are also an easy way to dress up a window seat. Design by My Tiny Nest

Subtle Shades

Photo By: Geoffrey Hodgdon

Creamy shades help block the light from a wall full of windows, while adding a warmth to this modern bedroom. Design by Andreas Charalambous

Great ideas; hopefully one will bring just the right feel to your relaxing space.

Check back for more ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Customize Ready-Made Draperies

Courtesy of Janell Beals

Hi Friends,

Add a decorative band of fabric to ready-made drapes for a custom look.

Materials Needed:

• drapery panels
• 1/3 yard, 54"-width fabric per single width drapery panel
• temporary fabric pen
• ruler
• 2 rolls fusible bonding web
• scissors
• yardstick
• iron

Select Fabric and Gather Materials
Select a fabric to coordinate with ready-made drapery panels and gather remaining materials.


Trim Bottom Edge of Fabric
Draw a straight line along bottom edge of fabric using temporary fabric pen. Cut along line.


Measure Height for Trim Panel
Measure up from bottom edge of fabric 10 inches and mark at one-foot intervals along width of fabric.


Draw Cutting Line
Draw a line connecting mark using temporary fabric pen and yardstick.


Cut Trim Panel
Cut along line, creating one trim panel length. Cut one trim panel for each 50-inch drapery panel.


Turn Trim Panel Edges Under
Turn edges under one inch along panel top and bottom and press with iron.


Secure Trim Panel Edges in Place
Insert fusible bonding web under top and bottom hems. Press with iron to secure hems in place.


Attach Trim Panel to Drapery Panel
Position trim panel along bottom of drapery panel. Measure to ensure trim panel is lined up evenly from bottom edge of drape. Place fusible bonding web under trim panel bottom edge and press with iron to secure trim to drape.


Secure Top Trim Panel Edge
Insert fusible bonding web under top edge of trim panel and press in place to secure trim to drape.


Finish Trim Panel Edges
Wrap trim panel around to backside of drapery panel, insert fusible bonding web under trim panel and press with iron.


A custom look without the custom price...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne