Window Covering Design Made Easy

It can take years to become interior design savvy. Most of us poor schleps are content to go to Wal-Mart and pick up what we feel passes as “design.” This doesn’t have to be so. Yes, we can still purchase items at Wal-Mart or we can purchase from Pottery barn, the important factor is delivering the right look. Let’s talk windows. Windows are often a focal point of a room because of the light shining through and the fact that they take up a lot of wall space. Window coverings can be overwhelming with the astronomical amount of options available. Large windows present an even larger design problem. Pay attention because this is going to make it easy to purchase widow coverings and design your windows. It is a simple matter of layering.

Start with the basics. Is your window one that lets in a lot of light? Is it a window that people can easily see into? The first layer of your window will be window shades or blinds. Places such as Home Depot sell blinds and shades that can be cut to size. If you want to get even fancier, decorative shades are a nice touch. If you are using a decorative shade, such as a Roman shade, then you will want to keep the rest of the window design to a minimum. If you will be using shades or blinds, keep them to e neutral color so that you have the versatility to change your window coverings and effectively redecorate the room. These shades and blinds are mostly to keep people from being able to see in the house at night and to keep the sunlight out during parts of the day. Therefore, they spend a lot of time rolled up and should be a minimal part of the window covering design.

The next layer in our window covering design is the sheer. Sheers are sold in single panels and are the first layer of curtain on your window. Sheers are often used for the fact that they add an airy look to the window, making a beautiful statement. They are also functional. Sheers are great for daytime use so that people don’t have a direct view into your home. They are available in a full sheer and a semi-sheer. The full sheer is obviously easier to see through while the fabric of the semi-sheer keeps out a fair amount of light. Sheers hand on a basic rod pocket curtain rod. Another idea is to put them on a traverse rod so that you can open and close them to allow for more light when you choose. The sheer can be functional but it is more often used to provide an elegant look to your window design.

The next layer of your window covering design will be the drapery. This is where it can begin to become complicated. I wish I had the time to go into the different sizes, colors and textures available, but it is simply too vast. Window drapes can be sold as individual panels or in pairs. Choose your drapery for the effect you are hoping for. A lighter weight fabric adds to the airiness of a room, while a heavier fabric can add elegance but may weigh down a room. An 84″ length adds height to the window and makes for a more dramatic and elegant look. A 63″ length will fall just below the windowsill. Hang your curtain rod 1″ above the window molding and 1″ to the outside of the molding. Most drapery is hung on a regular rod pocket rod. You may also choose panels that hang on decorative rods. These would include grommet panels and tab top panels. These drapes are great because they can be easily open and closed. Another option is a traverse rod so the drapes can be open and closed. If you are using sheers and rod pocket draperies, it is possible to buy a double rod rather than hang two separate rods. If you choose to use tab top panels or grommet panels to close the drapes, then there is no need to go on to the next layer, your window covering is complete. This is a great option for children’s bedrooms.

The final layer is the finishing touch and the most difficult layer to choose, purchase, and hang. There are dozens of options. A cascade and swag are the right option for a window with heavy drapery. They complete the look of elegance. These also hang on a rod pocket rod. The standard valance is another option. These too hang on standard rods. Valances are great options for a more clean, plain looking window. You can actually ski pall the previous steps and hang only valances in such rooms as the bathroom and kitchen where the window design needs to be more minimal. To complete the elegant, airy look of your window, try using a scarf. Scarves are simply beautiful and can be draped in any number of ways. Have fun experimenting with them. Most people hand scarves on decorative rods, but you can also choose special scarf holders and sconces to create different looks. This will complete your window covering design.

Designing your windows can feel like a daunting process. Simply follow these instructions and it will be much easier. Remember to layer. Begin with shades or blinds, followed by sheers, drapes, and finally a topper. The combinations are limitless. You may find out that you have a knack for interior design. The window is a finishing touch to your beautiful room and the window covering design should reflect your design style accordingly.