Window Treatment Ideas for Difficult Rooms
Windows vary drastically from small square cottage designs to large landscapes, making it necessary to investigate a range of window treatment ideas for every placement situation.
Not only does your window treatment have to complement its window, but treatments can be used to disguise problems such as mismatched windows grouped in pairs, windows situated too close to a wall or ceiling, or those placed in difficult locations such as stairwells or small entryways.
When considering different window treatment ideas, keep in mind that the proportions of your window might ultimately decide which design you choose, as you never want a window treatment that will impede your window.
A matched pair of windows: your best bet for any type of window treatment; use identical designs on each one and treat the pair as a set. Try a long pole with three curtain panels hanging from it for something unique.
A mismatched pair of windows: the same window treatment should be used on both, but place the headings at the same heights even if one window is lower or smaller. To camouflage the extra space, simply carry the fabric down a little further.
Sliding doors: generally treated as one large window, be sure that any hanging window treatments do not obstruct the door’s ability to slide along its track. Try decorative tie-backs and sashes to keep drapes contained.
One window per wall: an ideal situation, open for experimentation with different window treatment ideas. Your only concern is not to overload the window too much; try sheer panels or skip the drapes in favor of a simple valance.
One recessed window: never affix the window treatment to the wall, as this sets the window even farther away from its framing decoration. Skip drapes to maximize the light factor and choose a small, thin panel attached to the window frame.
Window next to a wall: presents an asymmetrical design situation. Try a single voile panel with a decorative heading to draw the eye upwards. For something different, accent the off-center look by pulling the panel to one side with a tie.
Window next to the ceiling: attach any support or headings to the ceiling and hang all panels or drapes from that.
Window above furniture or fixture: if the piece is the same width of the window, floor-length drapes can still be used. Otherwise, it might be best to use sill-length curtains or skip the drapes in favor of a valance or panel.
Window in a stairwell: keep window treatments short and simple; try a decorative curtain rod with a short panel or a single curtain draped and looped over the rod. Steer clear of hanging panels and drapery as this might obstruct passage on the stairs.
