HG Openhouse Blog

2. Hi Julie,
I don’t know what happened there. Experiencing technical difficulties I guess. Glad it’s fixed.
So glad you hung your cornice boxes UP and OUT. Doesn’t it make your windows look bigger and brighter. Your whole room will look updated and fresh. You have the placement good…just covering the top or headrail of the blinds. I’m proud of you, good job!
Glad the strawberries came out good for your shower.
Write back soon,
LYC

by Cathy — 5/12/08 at 12:40 pm #

4. Hello Adrienne,

Some windows are more of a challenge than others. Your ‘ L’ or corner windows can be treated in a couple of ways. If you want to expose the windows and bring in all availible light, then only hang your draperies on the two ends out on the wall area. They can be stationary panels or functional , drawing to the corner. Either way go out on the wall area enough, so when your drapes are fully opened, all of the “stacking” is done mostly on the wall, not window. Use a sheer or blinds for light control. Another way… Hang 3 panels. Two on the ends, as above. and one or two panels in the corner (depending on function). Yes, this will cover some window and light but will still give a nice look. Hang half the width of the drape on each side of the window. Try to hang them up close to the ceiling, if its an 8-9′ height. They should “break” at or near the floor.
Hope I gave you a few ideas, good luck.

by Cathy — 5/16/08 at 12:55 pm #

6. Hello Debbo,

This is Cathy, Adrienne was commenting. Too many names. They get confusing.
You say you have windows that cover most of the wall area. I would treat the whole wall as the window treatment. Take the drapery out to the corners of the wall and up to the ceiling. You can use stationary side panels on the sides of the windows with sheers or blinds for your light control, or fully closing lined drapery, wall to wall. This will keep all your light coming in the room framing your view and dressing your wall beautifully.
It will look great!

by Cathy — 5/16/08 at 4:06 pm #

8. Hi Margie,

If you can’t go out, go UP. Would that be possible? If you want the art to remain in the wall space, then hanging them higher would, at least give more interest and stature to the windows. If you need more length, sew a contrasting border or section onto the bottom of the drapery that coordinates with the room. Very stylish and you can reuse your shorter drapery as well.
Great to hear from you. Check back soon.

by Cathy — 5/19/08 at 5:58 pm #

10. Thank you so much Bianca,

Yes, this is the perfect way to treat French doors. Hanging drapery this way will clear the view of the beautiful french doors, and the doors will function easily with the fabric up and out on the sides. Also the drapery will frame and soften the look of the doors, drawing attention to that area of the room.
Great question! Thanks for posting it.

by Cathy — 5/21/08 at 11:41 am #

12. Thank you so much Linda,

I’m glad I could help you with a few ideas to help make your draperies look polished and professional. I think you’ll like how they’ll look in your rooms.
Let me know how it all looks when you’re done.

Thanks for taking the time to comment…we like to hear if we are of any help.

by Cathy — 7/8/08 at 1:18 pm #

14. Hello Jennifer,

This is Cathy, Linda was the blogger before me. All the names get confusing sometimes.
I think your drapery placement in just right for a custom look. If you look at the second picture, these are 9 ft ceilings with the drapery hung just under the crown moulding. There is probably 2 ft. of wall space like yours. It’s a designer look. If you don’t like the look, by all means lower them, but I think, if you just get used to them you’ll see what a nice long line and heightening effect they will have in your room. Since they are already up, live with them for a few weeks. I think you’ll really like how they make the room feel. If they are not for you, then lower them half way between ceiling and window. I would not add a valance unless you take it all the way up to the ceiling height.
Let me know if they stay or go! ( hope they stay).
Thanks for the great question.

by Cathy — 8/11/08 at 12:35 pm #

16. Hello Chandra,

I did not get the picture of the room , but you provided a great description
of your windows and wall.
My initial idea for you would be to treat the 3 windows as one large window. You also need light and privacy control on them. I would do a dual combination. Hang a sheer and overdrape. This will dress up the window nicely for the bedroom and add a lot of interest to a large wall.

Hang the treatment from a double decorative rod. Both on rings. Mount the rods close to the ceiling (on 8′-9′ walls, leave some room for the finials). Now, go way out on the walls to “stack” the drapery on, when open, so all of the natural light can enter the room. Go at least 18″-24″ on both sides of the windows, if room permits.

So, your rod width will be the distance from edge to edge of the 3 windows, plus “stacking” distance on each wall. This will be a wide distance. You may need to have them custom made to fit.

Use the sheer to “cut ” the sun during the day, and pull across (or traverse) a functional ( not stationary) lined overdrape for privacy at night.

Think of a luxury hotel room. Usually a sheer is covered by coordinating drapery that can be fully closed. Much more beautiful than blinds or shutters for a bedroom. Think large scale on a large wall.

Hope that gave you an idea or two. Let me know if this will work for you.

by Cathy — 8/21/08 at 12:52 pm #

18. Hi again Chandra,

Like I said, you may have to go custom on this large window. It’s such a big focal point in the room, you want it to look right. Also, with custom, you will have a large choice of fabrics and the help of a decorator to guide you. Personally, I would not add the swoop style valance. It is a little dated and a long expanse to cover and look right. I would use a decorative rod and straight hanging drapery…simple, elegant, updated and tasteful.

Good luck with your project and let me know how it turns out.

by Cathy — 8/22/08 at 12:10 pm #

20. Hi Sheila,

Thanks for your drapery question. I followed your measurements.
I would hang the side panels up as high as you can behind your valance. They are pretty much floor to ceiling. Swagging them back may shorten them a bit, or they can puddle if you like that look. Or, hem them to “break” 1/4 in. off the floor. Also take them out as far as you can, to stack somewhat on the wall. Your valance is deep enough to take all the way up close to the ceiling. Install the rod as high as it will go and hang the valance from it . This will give a taller look to the window and visually heighten the 8′ wall. You’ll love the look!
Let me know how it turns out.

by Cathy — 9/22/08 at 11:00 pm #

22. HI again Sheila,

Great question. It sounds like you know your drapery terms. Excellent!

You’ve thought through the valance well. I think it would look fine hung flat (cornice like) on the rod. Yes, delete the “ruffle” on the top of the rod pocket. Is the valance lined? It will look and hang much better if it is, also drapes.
As for the side panels. You can hang them from a standard white rod(not seen). I would return the panels to the wall on the rod. This will cover up the white rod returns (which are only about 3″) and look more finished. I think this would look better viewing it from the sides.

It sounds like it will look great. What do you think?

by Cathy — 9/23/08 at 12:49 pm #

24. Hi Sheila,

The standard rods I was talking about are any conventional white rods that are not decorative. Be it the 1,2,or 3 in. high rods. You might be able to get by with the 1″ rod if the drapery wasn’t too heavy or movable. Go to a heavier rod for heavier drapery, or if you will be drawing the drape. You also may need to install a center support bracket to secure the rod and weight better. Your installation idea sounds fine. Just cover up the
slight returns of the rod with the drapery. Maybe, if you can, project out the valance a little to give some depth to the top treatment.
It sounds like it will look great. Good luck!

by Cathy — 9/24/08 at 11:40 am #

26. Hi Nicole,

I do like to hang the drapery above the highest window, even arched windows. Especially with a tall ceiling height. It draws the eye up and helps to fill all that “empty space ” above. I hang the rod above the arch between 6-10″ if room permits, and then out on either side of the window, as I wrote about above. The draperies can be stationary or closed with a long wand or on a traverse rod.
I will try to upload a picture of a room I decorated with a window like yours, for you to see. If it doesn’t upload here, then check at the top of the page in “Customer Finds”.
Thanks for your great question. Many people have this same dilemma.

by Cathy — 10/23/08 at 6:06 pm #

27. Hello Again Nicole,

The picture did work! Can you see how much more in scale the windows are with the tall room. Try to envision dropping that rod down to just above the bottom window. You would cut the room and the window in half. There would be no interest in the top half of the room.
I hope the picture helped you visualize how much “grander” and well designed your room could be.
Let me know what you think.

by Cathy — 10/23/08 at 6:18 pm #

30. Hi again Sheila,

Nice to see your pictures. I think you’re OK on the two patterns. They relate to each other and the patterns are subtle. I would definitely add the two side panels close to the ceiling height, . Also hang them out the walls as much as you can to clear the window somewhat, and fit your valance width. Your valance looks nice and deep to hang high over the panels. It will look good as a cornice style.

I think they will look fine. The colors are nice and you’ve thought it out well. I’m sure you’ll enjoy how they’ll look, hung high.
Send back a picture of your results. I’ll look forward to seeing them.

by Cathy — 10/27/08 at 12:52 pm #

32. Hi there Carol,

Thanks for sending the picture. These windows will look so much better when you hang your draperies. You won’t believe the difference.You have the right idea on the look and placement.
Yes, it would look best to clear the 5″ ledge by 1-2″. So 6″-7″ deep brackets would look fine. I’m glad you can find them. Many brackets adjust to fit at least 6″. I think you’ll be fine on your 108″ rod to use 3 brackets…2 near the end and 1 in the middle, if the drapery isn’t too heavy. That’s the only way you can completely close your drapery, unless you use a traverse rod. I usually like to install a support bracket about every 4 feet of rod.
The 2 panels on each side will give you a nice fullness. Don’t skimp on fullness, it looks cheap.
I’m so glad you can see how nice these will look hung high and wide. I would love to see another picture of these windows after you hang the draperies. I’m sure others would enjoy seeing them as well.
Your room will look great! Good luck!

by Cathy — 11/3/08 at 1:59 pm #

34. Hello Alicia,

Great question! On windows such as yours, there are a couple ways to go.
If you have the budget to work with, I would hang the draperies up past the highest windows and out on the wall. This draws the eye up to showcase the height of the room, provides interest in all that empty space, includes that “space/window” into the room as a whole, and creates drama and excitment. It’s a custom application and will make a big impact in the way the room is presented.

If budget is limited. You can hang the drapery in the middle of the 2′ space between the windows. But it won’t have the impact the longer drapery will have, and the top of the room may feel vacant. If you keep your drapery similiar to the wall color, then less attention will be drawn to those windows and that may be the best solution to hanging drapery at the lower height.

I hope this gave you a few options to weigh. Let me know what you think and what you decide to do.

by Cathy — 11/17/08 at 3:16 pm #

36. Hi again Alicia,

I’m so excited you are going to hang the drapery “up and out”. You will love how this transforms the room. I’m so glad you could see the vision.

Yes, go out on the wall as wide as you stated. The few inches difference in wall area, will not be noticed when the drapes are up. There should be enough wall space to “stack” the draperies on and look in proportion to the tall window. They won’t look too skinny.

Glad you found a place that will fabricate them for you .

I would LOVE to see a picture of them when complete. The room will look fabulous and well designed.

I will try to send a picture of a similiar room with tall windows to show you how great they look. Check back and I’ll post it.

Take Care,

by Cathy — 11/18/08 at 1:41 pm #

37. Hi Alicia,
I’m going to try to upload this photo of the draperies on these tall windows. They really looked beautiful in person and so dramatic.
Yours should look beautiful as well.
Good luck with the project. and keep me posted.

by Cathy — 11/18/08 at 6:03 pm #

40. Hi Linda,

It sounds like you have a transom window dilemma.

I like your idea about adding a cornice to the window, if that’s what you want to do. But I have another option for you to consider.

The windows were designed to be a feature in the room. I like to enhance those design elements. Since you want the windows to look wider as well, hang some draperies to widen and frame the window. Treat the two windows as one big one. Hang some simple full length draperies out on both sides of the windows. 16′-20″ wider on both sides. Your rod should hang above the top transom window and extend 16″-20″ on either side of the window (if room permits). Use stationary drapery if you have other light control on the windows. This application will make your windows look wider and not have that “falling in on you” feel because they sit behind the drapery. This would be my choice of design for them.

If you want your cornice idea. I would extend the cornice out on the walls as well and add stationary side panels underneith out on the wall. Hang the cornice above the top of the transom to shorten the look of the windows. Yes, you could paint the cornices the wall color, maybe add some moulding, or cover them with the drpaery fabric to tie them all
together.

I will try to show you a few quick sketches of these ideas. Let me know what you think. (see below)

by Cathy — 12/1/08 at 11:47 pm #

41. Hi Again Linda,
Here are a couple of pictures of the idea I worte about above. Notice the windows are all the same size, but the drapery placement ceates the allusion that the windows are wider. I hope this helps a little.

by Cathy — 12/2/08 at 12:46 pm #

42. Linda, Here’s the other one…

by Cathy — 12/2/08 at 12:47 pm #

45. Your welcome Alicia,

I can’t wait to see how your” long and lovely” drapery turn out. I’ll be looking for your picture. How exciting! Glad I could help.

by Cathy — 12/8/08 at 12:55 pm #

46. Hello Linda,

You’re welcome, but you had the right idea to begin with. The cornice will look lovely and provide you the look you want. The fabric cornice will look softer ,and making it in the same color as the walls will help to blend it into the walls instead of cut the room in half like a contrasting color might do.
It will look lovely. Send a picture if you can.

by Cathy — 12/8/08 at 1:02 pm #

48. Hello Judi,

Thanks so much for your question and great picture. If you had the drapery length, I would hang your drapery up, just under your crown moulding, as I wrote about in the post. And, out on the walls to expose the window more. But, you gave me only 2 options, so I would choose to hang the drapery at the half way mark between the crown and window mouldings or as high as you can get them. Are you able to extend them out on the wall a bit, or do you want them meeting in the center and tied back? That’s fine if you don’t want to maximize light, view and size of the window.

Good luck with your drapery project. If you’re comfortable with the look, then that’s what matters most.

by Cathy — 1/20/09 at 9:19 pm #

50. Hello Judi,

Oh, I thought you were going to rehang the old draperies. I’m glad you will get new silk panels. They will look beautiful.
Yes, I would hang the new ones up to the crown moulding and out on the wall area of your single windows (reread my post to see why). Here’s a quick illustration of the idea. For the double window, see below.

by Cathy — 1/23/09 at 12:22 pm #

51. Judi,

I’m trying to attach pictures. Check back.
If I can’t attach, for the double windows, hang the drapery the same way as your single windows (but, they will cover up the radiator??) Or, you can hang double roman shades up to the crown moulding to be a fully functional window shade or just as a top treatment. This way they will not interfere with the radiator, but still look beautiful and match the other full length drapery. Yes, you can mix different styles in the same room…keep the fabric the same.

I hope I can show these pictures to you. Please check back and good luck with your drapery.

by Cathy — 1/23/09 at 12:40 pm #

52. Judi,

OK I think were in business!
Here’s the double window with the full length drapery…radiator will be covered. If that’s OK use this design…

by Cathy — 1/23/09 at 12:43 pm #

53. Judi,

If you want the radiator exposed, try the roman shades. Use two seperate ones, they will be easier to draw up and down than a heavy single one. Hang them up to the crown moulding as well. Let me know what you think.

by Cathy — 1/23/09 at 12:47 pm #

56. Hi Again Judy,

Yes, I do like the long panels the best, but that radiator is in the optimal hanging area. So, you’ll have to hang them closer in on the window similiar to the width they are now. But, take them all the way up to the crown moulding like the other windows. Hang the drapery on the other windows out on the wall and up as in the first illustration. Your drapery installation may all look roughly the same width now. It will look great this way as well…our only option.
Enjoy your beautiful new draperies, you’ll love the taller look.

by Cathy — 1/26/09 at 1:05 pm #

57. Hello Wendy,

Thank you for your great pictures! Can you guess which one I would go for? It’s the one on the right ! Hang those beautiful draperies up to the crown. What a beautiful long line that makes. Also your TV/art is contained within the confines of the panels. The shorter panels, the TV/art sits higher and floats up. Your choice, but I love the look, proportion and line of the taller panels. Beautiful room btw.

Hope you and hubby will agree.

by Cathy — 1/26/09 at 1:20 pm #

59. Hello Nancy,

We hate to disagree with our husbands, but sometimes the wife is right.
You have the right idea with the sheers. They should be on a seperate rod (usually attached to the extended support brackets) and hung behind the overdrape at approximately the same height. Now, the width of the sheers doesn’t have to be as wide as the overdrapes (except to completely cover the window) because they will not be seen between the overdrape and the wall.
Yes, usually blinds, shades, cellular blinds, etc. fit inside the window casing, then a drapery can be used outside, but sheers need to mimic the overdrape. Also, it’s great your’re hanging the drapery up to the ceiling, you’ll love how it looks.

So, break it to him gently, guys like to be right and we like to keep them happy!

by Cathy — 2/2/09 at 12:07 pm #

62. Hello Charlotte,

You may have to go with a little more expensive or more, heavily lined drapery. You also could try a drapery with a black out lining or a thermal lining. Many of those can be purchased in standard sizes and priced reasonably. Google those two and see what pops up. You might be able to hang a separate white liner to your existing drapery on the same rings. This would add an extra layer of shading, and you can keep your drapery intact.
I hope one of those works for you. Good luck!

by Cathy — 3/21/09 at 7:31 pm #

63. Hello Francis,

Thank you so much for your nice comments. How exciting to be building your own house, what talent! It will be wonderful to get into your new home.
I’m so glad to hear you’ll be hanging your drapery high. You’ll love the look. As for hanging drapery in all the rooms, is it possible to take your time and work with each room as the color schemes develop? You could add some temporary blinds to the windows for privacy and light control and then work a room or two as you get colors and decorating decided for each room. If not, and you want them all done quickly, then, you can’t go wrong with a white/ivory color for drapery and sheers. You can always add some banding or borders to them as your color scheme develops. In the kids rooms, you may just want to hang white 2″ wood blinds and add a deep valance to the rooms until your can think through their decor a bit.
Make sure on those 35″ windows in the living areas and your bedroom, you hang the draperies out on the wall as well as hang them high. You could easily go out 12 + inches on each side of the window(room permitting) to bring light in and visually expand the window size.

Much success on those windows. Enjoy that beautiful new house.

by Cathy — 3/23/09 at 12:37 pm #

65. Hello Tracy,

Your bedroom sounds beautiful with that large arched window. When a window extends to the ceiling, it does make it more difficult to drape. You can do as you wrote about (cut back the moulding and anchor the brackets to the wall). Make sure the drapery sits high enough to cover any cracks of light coming through on top.

Another way you could hang the drapery, is to mount a ceiling track 3-4 inches out from the wall on the ceiling, and extend it, your 18 inches out on each side of the window. Your drapery will hook into sliding rings on the track, to be operable. This look is not as decorative but it does look nice. Think of drapery in a nice hotel. They are usually mounted to the ceiling and function beautifully. Also light is blocked out well (dependeing on what lining you use). You might want to Google ” ceiling mounted drapery hardware” to see what all is availible. This would be my choice, but get some other opinions to weigh what’s best for you.

They will look beautiful once complete, Enjoy!

by Cathy — 4/23/09 at 12:26 pm #

67. Hello Katie,

Oh, you’re not horrible about knowing how to hang drapery. Designing drapery and knowing how to hang window treatments are one of the hardest parts about interior design. There are so many variables and complexities.
As for your valances on your bay windows, length does matter. Since you only have 15″ length valances, then hang them up as high as you can but cover the window framing and any headrail ( for blinds) that are exposed on the top of the window. They probably won’t hang up to ceiling (unless your windows are a foot below the ceiling height), but hang them as high as the length of the valance will permit.

Enjoy your home and drop back soon.

by Cathy — 4/24/09 at 12:06 pm #

69. Your welcome Katie,

I think your valances are fine. If you like them and they serve the purpose and look you had in mind, then they are the right application. How nice to have custom drapery in your living room, and that you hung them floor to ceiling…two thumbs up!!! I bet your home looks lovely and well designed.

Good to chat with you.

by Cathy — 4/24/09 at 10:12 pm #

71. Hi Janet,

Hmmm, let’s see what we can do for your double windows. First of all, you need to address the light control issue, especially in a bedroom. You could hang some kind of blind/shade…honeycomb shades, wood slat, roller shades, fabric shades etc. These could be mounted seperately inside the 2 windows. Since you can’t hang long drapery (radiator, furniture), add a great looking cornice or taylored valance. Hang one top treatment across the expanse of both windows and out on the wall 2-3″ beyond the molding on both sides. Add some height to it so it doesn’t look too skimpy for the scale of the window. Even hang it up to the ceiling on 8′ walls or hang it high on the wall to just cover the headrail of the blind. Maybe add a little of the fabric you used for the top treatment onto the bed for a pillow or two. Or recover a chair with it to unify the room.

I hope that was helpful to you. I think it will look great and solve your problem.
Thanks for writing.

by Cathy — 6/19/09 at 1:13 pm #

73. Hello Lorena,

What a beautiful area that must be. To keep it beautiful and make that grand statement, yes, hang those draperies up to the ceiling in both spaces. It will look wonderful and more than that, exhibits your good design sense.

Hang Em High!

by Cathy — 8/21/09 at 11:44 am #

75. Hello Veronica,

Sorry, I did not get the pictures. I’m not sure why pictures are not going through, but I’ll try to address your questions without.
Yes, some of those older homes have some quirky architecture and window placement, which makes window dressing a challenge. Let’s see what we can come up with.
On your finial question, you can either leave both finials on the rod, but that will push the drapery to hang more into the window and not cover up the molding, which will leave a gap between the drape and wall as wide as the finial. If that doesn’t bother you, then leave it. Or you can remove the one finial and slide your drapery to the wall with no gap in the corner. The other finial can stay in place and would look fine. Either way is acceptable and looks fine. Whatever looks best to you. Since it’s so tight in the corner, I might delete the finial and close up the gap.
For the other window, the cove will limit how high you can hang the rod. If your drapes are hanging on rings from the rod, they will hang a lot lower than if you shirred on the drapery on the rod and kept the “ruffle” at the top of the rod pocket. This might give you a good 3-4 inches of fabric to work with to cover the moldings better and keep out more light. You may have to lengthen the drapery if you do this.
You would want to hang the other windows drapery the same way to match. As for matching both heights of drapery. You may have to lower the first set to match the second set so they look more even at the top.

For eliminating light, you can have black out lining added to most shades…bamboo, fabric, roller. It will look fine hung inside the window frame. That way much of the light will be blocked as well.
I hope that answered your questions and you can adjust the drapery to fit both windows better.
Quit stressing, it will work out, but you may have to rework the draperies a little.

Good luck!!

by Cathy — 8/28/09 at 2:23 pm #

77. Hello Tara.

I’m glad you found us too. Your window fireplace wall sounds beautiful and dramatic. I’m excited you hung your draperies up to the crown. Excellent! What a gorgeous focal point in the room. As for privacy on the windows, a few ways you could go… I always like to see sheers or semi -sheers(with the draperies) in a living/dining room, unless these rooms are very casual. They just add that extra layer of good design and importance to the windows. A finished, elegant look in these public areas. If you like this idea, hang then up in back of the side panels. If your drapery support brackets aren’t long enough, you may to extend them ,so the sheer rod can hang behind. I always like sheers in the white family, (cream, ivory). Sheers will provide some privacy, semi-sheers will provide more. A classic beautiful look.

If your room is casual, you can add blinds or shades (wood slat, honeycomb, roman, roller etc.). I do like to add them mounted inside the window. They are easier to operate if used every day and are mostly for function. You can add a long decorative roman shade ( fabric, bamboo etc) mounted up to top behind the draperies, but they are more difficult and heavy to raise and lower if used every day.

Bottom line, for more formal rooms use sheers with the drapery. For more casual rooms, use blinds/shades with drapery.

I hope that helped you out a bit. Enjoy that beautiful room and check back again soon.

by Cathy — 9/17/09 at 2:16 pm #

79. Hello Joyce,

Thanks for your question. There are a few options for your window issue. Yes, you could just hang your sheers at the halfway point of the window to the floor or to the sill of each window. You could hang shutters half way up and inside the windows. Or, you could get what’s called “top down, bottom up” shades. These are great for just your application. You can get them in roman shades. cellular or pleated shades, wovenwoods or honeycombs. Since you like the sheer look, think of the sheer pleated or cellular shades to difuse the light but keep your privacy on the bottom half of your windows, but open the top half up. This shade is designed to not only be raised from the top down, but it can be risen from the bottom up to any height you want. For more information on these, Google “top down, bottom up window shades”. There are many sites that will direct you.

I think these shades might be the best choice for your windows. I hope that works out for you.

Let me know how it goes.

by Cathy — 10/23/09 at 1:06 pm #

81. Hi Lorraine,

Sometimes window placement is situated so side panels have to “stack on more of the window because they are too close to the wall. If you want full lengh drapery panels, you’ll have to give up some window to “stack” the drapery in when opened. To expose more window, hang fabrics that are lightweight and require less to space to stack in. Maybe a semi- sheer for panels and use a shade or blind for light control inside the window. Then you can have the best of both worlds.
As for your patio door, of course use the same drapery as the window on that wall. You can hang one patio panel that draws one way and may have to stack on part of the window if you have no wall space. Or you can hang two “dummy” panels on either side of the door, if you have wall space and use shades, blinds or verticals for light control.

I hope that was a little direction for you. Good luck and enjoy your apartment.

by Cathy — 11/5/09 at 5:58 pm #

83. Hello Katherine,

Those corner windows are always a challenge, especially when they are different sizes. I think the best thing to do is to hang two stationary panels,out on the wall area, with the leading edge covering about 2 inches of window. This will increase the look and size of the windows and not decrease your light. I don’t think I’d add a center (corner) panel, because the windows are not very wide and the “stacking” of the center panel will cover lots of window and decrease light. Hang them high as well, up near your ceiling. You also could hang them on “short rods” so you don’t have to deal with connecting the rods in the corner.

This should work for you and still look very well designed.
Much luck!

by Cathy — 11/9/09 at 6:33 pm #

85. Hello Ivy,

Thanks for your question on transom windows. I like to look at transoms over doors or other windows as a complete architectural statement. Look at them as a whole and not in part. When draping them, I don’t like to split them or divide them. They are a set and need to be treated as such. With that said, I bet you can guess my answer. Hang the drapery, up and out. Up above the top of the transom and out on the walls (if possible) to expose the beauty of the sets of the doors/windows. Also aesthetically it draws the eye upward and frames ALL of the windows making them look grander,more important, and the focal point they were intended to be.

Thanks for your great question and remember to Hang Em High.

by Cathy — 1/5/10 at 2:07 pm #

90. Hello Sheila,

Good to hear from you again. Sorry, I didn’t get the pictures, but I do “get the picture” of what your drapery dilemma is. Here’s what I’d do (and you don’t have to do what I’d do, but you asked so…). I’m not a big fan of valances unless they are custom made and are nice and deep and go up to the ceiling. It sounds like yours are ready made and they are probably not too deep, So, I would not use the valances. Use your decorative rods for the interest above the windows. Hang 2 of your panels on either side of your 82″ window (out on the wall and up as high as you can). On the two smaller windows, hang your decorative rods and rings, high as you can and extending out wider on the outside edges of your windows (if you can). Hang one drapery panel on the outside edge of each window. In other words, hang one panel on each window, out on the wall area and covering a little bit of the window. I would let them hang straight and simple. The rod and rings will dress the top of the window a bit. This will frame all the elements nicely and not look dated. Your ideas sound fine if you want to do them that way, but I just like the simple line and statement that straight hanging draperies make. The old addage “less is more” could apply to your case. These always look classic and never date.

I hope that gave you another way to hang your drapery. It will look great whatever you decide.
Have fun!

by Cathy — 1/7/10 at 10:49 pm #

93. Hi again Sheila,

I think it would look wonderful to hang the two panels on the outside edges of the windows. You could hang one long rod that would expand the two windows and extend out 12″- 15″ on either side of the wiindow to “stack” the panels on, leaving the window more exposed. Or you can cover a little more of the window up if you don’t mind losing some light and view (rod can be shorter). Or you could hang seperate rods and finials above the two windows and extend out 12″-15″ on the outside edge, and just stop the rod on the inside (TV wall) just past the window casing. Then add your 3-4″finials. Your window will appear larger doing this and you can’t tell the rod is not centered over the windows. Or you can center the rod over the windows, but your drapery will hang over the window more and block more light and view.
Hmmmm, I hope that wasn’t too confusing.
If you don’t want to do the above. Yes, you could make some nice roman shades out of the same drapery fabric. Try hanging them on an outside mount, up to the ceiling and just covering the windows. They can function fully or just be stationary roman shades, like a deep top treatment. This makes a grander statement than hanging the shades inside the window.

You asked for a picture of the top idea, so I’ll try to attach it in the next comment below. If it doesn’t work I’ll try to e-mail it to you.

Anyway, I hope one of these way will work for you. Either will look great, but I wanted you to explore and be open to the side panel idea. It does look very nice and will solve your problem.

Let me know what you do, you’ve got my interest peaked.

by Cathy — 1/8/10 at 6:18 pm #

94. SHeila,

I’ll try to attach the picture…here goes….

by Cathy — 1/8/10 at 6:21 pm #

95. One more time! Hope it goes!

by Cathy — 1/8/10 at 6:23 pm #

96. NO GO!! I’ll try to e-mail it to you. Sorry.

by Cathy — 1/8/10 at 6:24 pm #

98. Hey Sheila,

I hope you got the e-mail of the pictures. Just an idea of what it might look like. You sound like your thinking it through well. You’re OK covering a little of the window if the rod won’t quite stretch. So, hang them as best you can with the materials you have.
Let me know the results. I bet it will look great!!

Enjoyed chatting and thinking through your dilemma with you. Take Care.

by Cathy — 1/13/10 at 1:24 pm #

100. Hey, my friend Sheila is back,

Hmmmm, it sounds like the vision of our window treatment did not deliver as expected. That happens. SInce you don’t like the look of the open rod and brackets (did you use a decorative rod and brackets?), then of course you can hang your valance and add the panels tied back as you’ve suggested. It all comes down to personal preference in the end. I was hoping to give you a little cleaner simplier look, but if it’s not working for you, by all means find what does. I think you’ll be fine with the valance and tie backs. That’s a more traditional look and one you’re more comfortable with. I’m sure it will look lovely and make a beautiful focal wall in the room.

Enjoy the room and your window treatment. Good to hear from you again.

by Cathy — 2/9/10 at 1:59 pm #

103. Hi Cathy (#101,102),( Good name, but there’s a few too many Cathys around here, it gets confusing),

Your new house sounds beautiful with lots of nice windows and doors. Thanks for all your great information and measurments. It helps me, help you with a solution. Although, you really thought the drapery placement through well. The objective is to close off light when you watch TV. and open when not.

You have the right idea with the 4 sections of drapery, 2 sections on the outside of the 2 windows and 2 sections over the 25″ wall spaces between the window and door/side lights. These can be drawn closed completely.
As for placement on the wall. I would like to see you extend the rod out at least 12″ on both outsides of the window, so you can stack that drapery mostly on the wall area and expose your windows more. This will also help balance the heavily stacked areas between window and door.
For the 25″ wall spaces, you can stack the drapery mostly on that wall space for the window and door.
You will probably have to have drapery custom made to fit the windows correctly and to have the fullness look right. Also make sure they are lined since they’ll be exposed to sun. The drapery designer should give you a few options on spacing and best way to hang the panels since they have to function around the support brackets. If you hang them from decorative rods, place them just below the crown molding. The rings will lower your drapery a bit so it will fit nicely in your short 7″ space. You also could hang them all from a “ceiling mounted drapery track” which would give you a lot of flexability. Although some of your crown molding will be covered up when they’re closed.

So, there are a few options, but you have the right idea. Use your wall area to stack opened drapery in. This will project a nice clean, balanced line and expose your beautiful windows and all that wonderful light. Do the same on your dining/kitchen window as well.

Enjoy your new home and dress up those windows to not only function but look fabulous as well.

by Cathy — 2/16/10 at 2:33 pm #

105. Hello Crystal,

Thanks for your question. I guess I haven’t addressed one like yours before, so we’ll give it a shot.
There are a few ways you can attack this situation. SInce you like the decorative rod and finials (fancy end thingys), you can leave one finial off and but t the rod to the wall, leaving the outside finial on. That is perfectly acceptable.
Then, so you don’t block all your light because there’s no wall space to stack in, you could hang a pretty sheer (see through) full length, on the rod (use an inside mounted shade/blind for privacy). This could just hang over the window and give you drapery, but lets light in as well. Center the rod high over the window and attach one finial.
Or. delete the rod, and hang a long roman shade. You can “outside” mount this up near the ceiling and close to the corner. This would raise and lower on cords. You can have lined fabric shades made to match fabric in your room or lined natural material shades like bamboo, reeds, woods etc. These always look nice and work well with windows like yours.
Or, have a nice deep valance/top treatment made to mount up to the ceiling and next to the wall. Then for light and privacy, use a shade or blind mounted inside the window. A nice look as well.

Those are a few ideas for you. I hope one will work for you. There’s usually a way to dress any window, you just have to think first how you want it to function, then follow with fashion.

Good luck!!

by Cathy — 2/24/10 at 2:26 pm #

107. Hi Carol (#106),

Instead of me drawing a picture, since I can’t see exactly what the problem is and how to draw it, could you send a picture of the window and surrounding area. Click on the “Choose File ” to add a photo to your comment. I’ll be happy to take a look.

by Cathy — 4/1/10 at 2:30 pm #

109. Hi Jacki, (# 108)

Thanks for the picture of your lovely sunroom/family room. Yes, you do get a lot of light and a nice open feel. I do agree with you that some sort of window treatment to soften and add some privacy would be nice. I like your idea of drapery panels, either fully functional or stationary panels and add blinds or roman shades for privacy. Make sure if you use silk panels, they are fully lined with a polyester or a blend because silk deteriorates if exposed to sun. As for length, you could go with the 84″, when you add the rings and hang them from the rod, you’ll add another 3-4 inches. It looks like in the photo, you only have about 10-12″ of wall space above the lower windows. If you hang the rod about half way between the wall space you might be able to use the 84″ panels and that will look fine ( If you need an extra inch or two you might be able to lengthen the panels a little). You will cover some of your windows to “stack” the opened drapery on because you have little wall space. But, you seem to have plenty of light coming in with the arched upper windows so that won’t decrease light too much.
As for color, a nice neutral is a good choice because the interest on the wall(s) are the lovely windows and the view. If you wanted to add a touch of color, add some banding in an accent color in the room. It looks like you have a little red or rust in some accents.
I do like some sort of drapery, or drapery and shades/blinds instead of just shades. I think it will warm and soften the space a little more. A more finished look.

Enjoy that beautiful room, The drapery will frame the view nicely and provide the privacy you want.

by Cathy — 4/5/10 at 3:14 pm #

111. You’re welcome Jackie,

The silk panels sound nice and I like that they are lined and interlined. They should hold up well and hang nice. As for rods and finials. A dark bronze or antique bronze metal rod is always a good choice. They look rich and they go with any decor. Since you have wall-wall windows, you may have to but t the rod up to walls and not add finials or hang the drapes in a bit over the windows to add finials. Either way is fine, just personal preference. Look for simple finials, not too wide. Maybe balls, squares, flat ball (onion) finials. Something that won’t take a lot of space. They can be the same bronze or crystal. Also, use a heavier looking rod, maybe a 1/1/2-2″ diameter. It will fit the scale of the large wide windows better than a “wimpy” rod.

I hope that gave you some ideas. Look around and see what’s new. Look online for ideas as well. Google “decorative drapery hardware” .

It should look great. Keep me posted on results. Love to see a finished picture.

by Cathy — 4/6/10 at 12:16 pm #

115. Hello Marlene (# 113,114)

Thank you for the great pictures! What a darling sunroom. Love the colors, fabrics and feel. The windows/doors are great, but if they’re facing west then I can see why you need some good light control. You have the right idea on placement of the drapery. Yes you can use 2, less-wide panels on both outside edges and wider panels in the center, as you’ve so wonderfully shown. You could hang one width or panel on the ends and a width and 1/2 on the two centers. That should give you enough fullness to draw across the windows and still hang nice. I do like to have at least a 2 to 1 fullness, but with your limited wall space, we don’t want to cover a lot of the window with stacking. After all it’s a sunroom and it’s nice to let some sun in. I like that you’ve hung the rod high and left off the finials so you can slide the panels all the way to the wall. The fabric on the drapery looks great with your others in the room. Yes, get the longer length to just “kiss” the floor. Make sure the drapery is lined, preferably in a white polyester so it doesn’t deteriorate like cotton can.

All and all, you’ve done a wonderful job in thinking through all the ins-and-outs of a challenging window dressing. You have a good design eye. I think it will look lovely and serve the function you intend it to do as well.

Enjoy that beautiful room. You can take pride in a job well done.

by Cathy — 4/9/10 at 1:07 pm #

117. Hello again Marlene (# 116)

Good to talk more drapery with you. For some reason your photo did not upload,:( but I’m familiar with Waverly. Very nice. All of your questions are valid and any could be used to dress your windows. But let’s explore each option.

1. If you use the first option, you may have to replace the tabs with wood/metal rings to slide more freely.You can buy clip- on rings to attach to the tops of the panels. An easy adjustment. Yes, I would line the drapes in a white poly because you would see the drapery in the window from the outside and you don’t want a pattern or color displayed to the outside. Also, your drapery will last a lot longer being exposed to west sun…fading. rotting. Make sure you place support brackets so panels can slide freely. The downside… some of your windows may be slightly covered when drapes are open.

2. Yes, you can use a sheer/semi sheer behind the drapes on a separate rod or double rod. They will project out 6 inches or so. If you want the sheers to be your only light control, you could get by with a stationary single drapery panel in your 4 spaces. Leave the tabs because they would not be drawn. The downside…sheers and semi/sheers are not completely private and will just defuse light but not block it. Also, this is a more formal look, less casual.

3. The woven natural/faux wood Roman shades are another option. Hang them as an inside mount on the doors and window. They can be lined for more privacy if you want or leave as is.The drapery then can be stationary, using one panel in the 4 spaces. The downside…the shades will block out some light/view when they are open/stacked at the top of the window. This is more of a casual look.

So, all are good options, but you’ll have to decide the amount of light and privacy you’ll be comfortable with. Sorry I can’t pin one down for you, but at least you can weigh the pros and cons of each application and get the look and feel you want in the room. Let me know what you decide. Any of these will look great…it’s nice to have options!

Enjoy that sunroom, a great place to relax in.

by Cathy — 4/12/10 at 1:11 pm #

119. You’re welcome Marlene,

I know it’s hard to decide what to do when there’s so many good options. I do like your idea of using the 2″ wood blinds (faux or real). Then they can just be tilted for your light control and not raised and lowered. So that might be the best choice. Then add your stationary panels in the 4 sections. If you can’t find the drapery in the longer length, you can always add a coordinating border or section to the bottom of the drapery. I usually add at least a 1/4 or 1/3 of the length of a coordinating fabric to the bottom. This is a great way to lengthen your drapery if you want to hang it high but the drapes are too short. Pick a color out of the drapery, a solid or small stripe that would look good on the bottom third of forth of the drapes. Then you can use the drapery you have and customize them to the decor. Look online for this idea. Maybe google ” bordered or sectioned drapery”.
I think we have a plan here. How does that sound to you?

by Cathy — 4/13/10 at 10:00 pm #

121. You’re too kind Jacki (#120),

Yes, you can get swivel sockets for corner connections on drapery rods. No finials, because it’s a continuation of the rod on the 90 degree angle. But you can add finials on the ends of the rods if you have room or just but t them to the wall. You may have to get these professionally installed to get that length of rod. Check with your decorator or a custom shop on this application.

As for what type of rod, I suggested in comment #111, a dark bronze or antique bronze. These go with any decor. If you like wood, I’d go with a dark stain. They look rich and works well with many styles of furnishings. “Beef” up the diameter of the rod a bit, because of the scale of your windows. Hang your draperies with matching rings to slide easily. For more information and ideas contact a custom drapery shop in your area and they can show you many options.

It will look wonderful and will warm up the room beautifully. Draperies are the finishing touch to a well decorated room. Enjoy!

by Cathy — 4/15/10 at 12:06 pm #

126. Hello Paula, (#122)

Basement windows can be a challenge. Most of them are the tiny ones next to the ceiling. Like yours I believe. I like to treat these windows like regular sized windows. Pretend that high window extends down on the wall. I do like to hang full length, fully closing, panels out on the wall to expose the whole window and get as much light as you can. Also this make the window look much larger. So, if you have wall space, extend the rod out at least 16″ to 20″ on either side of the window to stack the drapery in. Do this for both windows. Now, if the window sits right up to the ceiling you can hang the drapery from a ceiling track attached to the ceiling (Google ceiling drapery track). Or hang from rings or traverse rod. You can slide the drapery open during the day for light, and at night close the drapery for the “warmth” of the drapery and look of nice big windows in disguise.
I think this is the nicest way to dress up those “poor excuses” for windows.
Hope that answered your question and gave you some ideas. I think you’ll like how this looks in your basement office. Have fun.

by Cathy — 4/22/10 at 10:38 pm #

127. Hello Josie (#123),

Thanks for the great picture of your bedroom. You sure have a lot of great light and windows in the room. How nice. But along with all the windows comes a privacy and light control issue, especially in a bedroom. I would first address that function. Can you add some wood blinds or shades on all the windows first. Then you can have some fun with the draperies. You say you want to add some tree branches for rods. That would look great because then you could keep the draperies stationary and use the blinds for light and privacy.
In a room this tall you don’t have to hang the draperies all the way up to the ceiling. You can hang them at the 8 or 9′ height to emphasize the nice height in the room.

Find some interesting branches. Looks like you’ll need about 6, 3-4′ branches. You can use drapery rod brackets, the wood kind would work well to hang the branches on.
On the three windows in the picture, hang the branches across the 2 side windows, reaching into the middle window (leave lots of side branching if you want) and hang your full length drapery with ties or tab tops to adjust for the irregularities of the branch. Since you don’t have much wall space on the sides, you can probably cover those two side windows without too much loss of light. So, you can let the drapery hang straight of tie them back with a leafy vine (faux). Then just leave the center window as is with just a blind on it.
On the two big side windows, Hang the branches at the same height as the others and tie on the drapery panels on both sides of each window. It looks like you can hang the branch out on the wall area a bit to expose more window and light. Go out at least 16″ on all sides if room permits.

This should look really cute with the branches as rods. Also very budget friendly. We’d all like to see a picture of this nature inspired bedroom when you finish. What a fun and restful room it will be. Very creative. Enjoy!

by Cathy — 4/24/10 at 8:14 pm #

128. Hello September ( #125),

Thanks for your question on your windows. I get-the-picture of how they are situated with the fireplace. Thanks for a good description.To answer your question, yes you can add drapery panels to each side of the window and door, but you will lose some light and the ease and use of your door. So if that’s not a concern of yours, then hang the panels as close to wall as you can. Be careful with the panels close to the fireplace if you have a fire. They could blow into the fire and ignite. So a few things to consider. A couple other ways to dress the window/door…

1. Hang a long roman shade up to the 8 ‘ ceiling or at that height if taller. These can be fully functional or just as top treatments and use other blinds on the window/door. Use a “hold down” attachment to keep the blinds from banging around when the door is opened.This looks nice and keeps all you light available.
2.Hang sheers or sheer panels over the window and door from rings. This will let light in but still give you the drapery feel you wanted. They would also stack in a smaller space because they are thiner fabric. You can slide these all the way to the outside of the window/door to use the door and not have them interfere with the fireplace.
3. Use an inside mount of some treatment…hourglass sheers on both, woven wood blinds, shades etc.

Those are some options for you. I hope one will be a keeper. Good luck and that wall will be a beautiful focal point in the room when all is complete.

by Cathy — 4/24/10 at 9:58 pm #

130. Hello Martha (#129)

Where were these builders minds when they placed windows? LOL. I guess they didn’t think the drapery issue through when designed (must have been a man lol). Well, let’s see what we can come up with.

1. You could hang light filtering sheers on both windows to get that drapery feel.. On the snug window, hang the rod as high as you can under your crown and but t one end to the wall and extend the other just over the outside edge of the window. So it’s balanced on both sides. Hang sheer drapery panels/pairs. Open as much as you can during day. Yes, they will cover much of the window but with a sheer, you’ll get some light in. Hang the sheer on the other window the same way so they will match.

2. You could hang 2, outside mount, up under your crown molding, roman shades on the two windows. Find a great fabric that compliments your decor or if casual, hang natural woven blinds…bamboo, reed, grass etc. These should be fully functional to close off windows at night.

There’s a couple of options for you to try and keep your light. Hope one does the trick.

Thanks for asking and write back with what you end up doing. I always like to hear.

by Cathy — 4/28/10 at 4:03 pm #

132. Hi Pam (# 131),

Well Pam. One of them needs to change in length. I vote for the sheers. Is there anyway you can lengthen the sheers to a 90 or 91″ length? sometimes there’s a wide 6″ hem you might be able to let down. Ideally, the sheer hangs on a double rod behind the overdrape at the same level or just slighy lower so it doesn’t sit higher or hang longer than the drapery. If you can keep the sheer within 1 or 2 inches of the drapery length, that would be best. If you want to keep the short sheers, find some sheer fabric in a coordinating color in the drapery and add a border to the bottom of the sheers. This could look quite custom and resolve your “high-water” sheer problem.

Good luck, where there’s a will, there’s a way.

by Cathy — 5/7/10 at 12:02 pm #

134. Hello Susan,

Thanks for your question about your tall windows. Yes, there are extra long cords that are tied down to the lower wall, to operate drapery that is out of reach. But, you will probably need to get these from a custom drapery shop…you’ll probably WANT to get these from someone that can install them at that height. They will be able to install the long cord needed for easy operation as well. Contact a local custom drapery shop or workroom in your area and they can give you all the details.

Good luck and hope all works out for you.

by Cathy — 7/23/10 at 12:19 pm #

136. Hello Tina ( #135)

Thank you for your great picture of your 3 window set. Very nice and what a beautiful yard beyond as well. I do have some ideas for some top treatments. But I would like to post the ideas and your request for them on my weekly post that posts every Monday. I drew a few quick sketches to show you, and maybe others have the same problem with their windows, and this might give them some ideas as well. So, if you’ll check back next Monday, Aug. 9th, on the homepage of HG Openhouse or go to the top of this page and click on “HG OPENHOUSE BLOG”, it will get you there.

Thank you for waiting, hopefully one of the ideas might be the answer to your top treatment question.
Let us know what you think when you see them.
Talk to you soon.

by Cathy — 8/3/10 at 2:57 pm #

138. Hello Sheri,

I’m glad you’re a “hang-em- high” fan. Yes, there are some exceptions to taking the drapery up in rooms over 9 ft. high. In your case, I would hang the drapery at the 9 ‘ height because you have a large amount of wall space between the top of the window and crown. This will look better proportioned and still give a nice tall line to the windows and drapery. If there was another window above your lower window, then you could take the drapery all the way up to the crown, but do drop them down to a 9′ height for better proportion on the window.

Thanks for your great question and discerning eye.

by Cathy — 8/9/10 at 4:49 pm #