26.2.13

5 Stylish Window Dressings & Blinds

Windows are often the focal point of a room. How you dress them can affect their visual impact. These five stylish ideas take on traditional window dressings and give them a contemporary face-lift.

1.) Extreme Cornices Cornices are window toppers that are traditionally made from a wood frame that’s upholstered in fabric. They are designed to conceal underlying window treatment hardware and add visual impact. Most cornices are rectangular with a few simple details like piping, buttons or ties. However, there’s nothing to say that your cornice can’t make an extreme statement! Add some pop to a traditional cornice by adding extra height. By expanding the cornice to fit most of the space between the top of the window and the ceiling, you’ve increased its presence and drawn the eye upwards. Pair this with a unique shape such as an arch and add some bold details like overlarge buttons or piping to finish the effect.

2.) Sheers with a Past Sheers are some of the most common window treatments available, and rightfully so. Sheers add privacy while still allowing us to see out and let filtered sunlight into the room. Dress up traditional sheers with elements from the past. For a wonderful shabby chic look, stitch a variety of vintage doilies to the lower portion of the panels. The effect is one of delicate, Old World charm.

3.) Track Panels If sleek and modern is your style, track panels will give you the clean lines and bold look you crave. Also consider bottom up blinds with track panels Track panels are perfect for large expanses of windows common in modern homes. There are two major styles of panels: sliding and folding. In both cases, panels of fabric slide along a track to cover your window. To open them, you either slide them out of the way or angle them to the side. Folding track panels essentially create the look of very wide vertical blinds. You can create track panels in almost any fabric or even natural materials such as woven grasses. Track panels are unique in that they can easily accommodate curves and corners.

4.) Interior Solar Shades If you live in a sunny climate, consider interior solar shades. These shades are made of a woven material that cuts down on the glare of the sun while still allowing you to see out. How much sun (and view) you retain depends on the density of the fabric’s weave. While I prefer to buy gold or white solar shades, the fact is that they come in a variety of colors to fit most interiors and design preferences. They can be used alone or with other window treatments.

5.) Interior Awnings Most people think of awnings as an outdoor window treatment. But bring an awning indoors and dress it up a bit and you have a striking window feature. For a transitional room, use classic awning spears as the side supports for an elegantly draped, shallow awning. The effect is similar to a swag but with more dimension as the fabric balloons down between the spears.

11 comments:

barkergirl33 said...

Great post-I'm in need of new window treatments-I love the idea of adding detail to sheer panels, and the inside awning sounds very cool. I can't wait to try these ideas! (Raine)

jill24295 said...

I have over 40 windows in my home (yes, I always wanted to live in a glass house!) and I love window treatments. Don't discount exterior awnings either. They add shade to the inside of the house without blocking much view and add curb appeal too!
jillcollins68@yahoo.com

Betty Roberts said...

Didnt know there were so many options I have bottom up blinds, I'd love to try solar shades

Sandra VanHoey said...

We could use a few more window treatments. Gosh, I remember how popular the sheers were some time ago. I think everyone had them on their windows

Carol L. said...

I love the idea of sewing some vintage doilies to the bottom of the curtains. Thanks for the post.
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

Karen Glatt said...

I like the Window Toppers because they cover up the blinds and make my window look so elegant. I also like the Solar Shades to keep out the harmful rays of the sun.

freddie said...

I would love to get the Interior Solar Shades for all of my windows. Anything to help save on electric bills.

Unknown said...

I didn't realize there were so many options. I'm sure there's more still. I would love to have cornices above all our windows in our living area. It would really add a lot more inclusiveness into the room, since our ceiling is too high. Thanks for describing all these different options. It really sparks a lot of ideas on what one can do!

Robin Wilson said...

I never would have thought of interior window awnings and I wonder who did? I am struggling to find just the right coverings that offer privacy but still let in light. Thanks for the choices.

Londonblinds4u said...

Excellent post. This post is providing so many useful information about window blinds. I like this types of post very much. Thanks to sharing the great ideas.

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Anonymous said...

Beautiful Design about window dressings
Thanks
With Regards
http://www.harmonyblindsofeastlondon.co.uk/

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