No, I’m not talking Clint Eastwood movies… I’m talking drapery!
Where, on the wall, do you hang the drapes? A dilemma for many!
I get many questions on placement of drapery. So, I thought you might be interested in how I like to hang them.
Windows are the eyes to the outside world and a dramatic focal point in a room. Don’t treat them as something to be covered up and hidden. Frame them, as artwork, and play up their architectural presence and defining design statement they make.
Take the window design test (see above photo)…
1. Which WINDOW is bigger?
2. Which window treatment provides more light, view and air?
3. Which window treatment makes the room feel larger?
4. Which window treatment makes a more interesting statement ?
5. Which window treatment says custom designed look?
Answers:
1.- Both windows are the same size and placement on the wall.
2. 3. 4. 5.- Window #2 (you A’ced that one)
As you can see, simple placement of drapery on the wall, makes a huge difference in the feel of the room.
This illustration shows, by hanging your drapery close to ceiling height (on 8-9 ft. walls), and, out onto the wall area next to the window, your windows looks twice as big and much more impressive in the room. Yes, this will require a little more expense… longer rod and longer length and width of drapery (if you want the drapery to close completely, not just stationary side panels). But, the impact this simple adjustment makes, will define your room as “well designed” and adds a custom look to your windows.
I like to extend the rod 12″-20″ wider on either side of the window, (if room permits). Then stationary panels will hang nicely in that space. Cover about 2 inches of window with the leading edge of the drape. For light control, you can hang a sheer behind on a double rod or blinds or shades mounted inside the window frame. Hang decorative rods close to the ceiling, allow for the height of the finial. If you have crown moulding, hang just below the moulding. If you want fully functional drapery. Figure rod width first and multiply that by 2 to 2 1/2 times, for fullness of the drapery fabric.
Look in model homes or decorating magazines at how designers hang the drapery. As you enter a room, your direct line of view is at window level…make it interesting and exciting. Let the window be the artwork and the window treatment the frame. These are some important details that give a home a designer look and feel.
With vaulted ceilings, hang draperies at the 8 or 9 ft. height, or all the way up above the highest window. Then out on the wall as room permits.
There are many ways to dress a window. I like to keep draperies fairly simple. Simple straight hanging panels compliment any decorating style. Let the “fabric” and “correct placement” on the window/wall do all the talking.
So…try hanging those draperies, UP and OUT. Up near the ceiling and out on the wall. You’ll love how it makes your room look and feel.
1. Glad they fixed the ending of your blog….it just stopped before the pictures so there was no place to comment…and comment I will….I love this look…in fact in my dining room I hung my cornice boards (wide ones) up over my blinds so they just cover the top of blinds….more light and looks great….
You’re the best…
just keep coming up with your great ideas
I dipped strawberries for a shower here after seeing yours
Thanks again
Julie
by Julie — 5/10/08 at 2:50 pm #
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 #
3. Our windows are in the ‘L’ shape — so I can really go “out” where they meet — how do I solve this problem??
by adrienne — 5/15/08 at 5:44 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 #
5. Hello Adrienne,
In our bedroom we have three double windows in a row on a wall.
This takes up practically the whole wall. The room is probably 16′ X 20.
Would you suggest hanging the draperies up and out? Should they be kept open and hanging down on the sides only?
by Debbo — 5/16/08 at 2:16 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 #
7. Cathy,
I have an odd situation in my master bedroom, two long windows with 4 feet of wall space between them. I have used your idea of raising the rods up and out on other windows, but what do I do about these odd balls??
The window faces east so closing the drapes is important. Also I have art work hung between the long windows. Thanks for your ideas.
by margie — 5/16/08 at 4:46 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 #
9. This is great advice! It really does make a HUGE difference in a room. Thanks for offering your knowledge. Think this will work for french doors in a dining room? Thanks.
by Bianca — 5/21/08 at 1:14 am #
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 #
11. Hi Cathy: I have read your ideas on the placement of draperies and I just love them. I will be getting draperies in my new house and have been trying to think how I will hang them and now I have some great ideas. Thank you!
by Linda — 7/7/08 at 11:25 pm #
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 #
13. Hi Linda,
I have 9ft ceilings and two windows in my living room. I tried your suggestion of hanging the drapes high and wide. I like the wide part but, the high part is looking odd. I have about 25″ between the ceiling and the top of the window molding. I bought 95″ drapes and have enough room to extend the rod 10″ from the edge of the side of the window moldings. Do you think I should lower the rod midway between the ceiling and top of the window or should I buy a double rod and hang a valance? I would really appreciate your input.Thanks.
by Jennifer — 8/8/08 at 6:19 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 #
15. Hi Cathy,
I have been looking for new, stylish ideas for window treatment In our master bedroom something that will really stand out. We have three windows in a row on a wall, with 11/2 ft of wall between each window. Our wall is rather long so the windows don’t take up a lot of the wall area. Also, interested in a way to block the sun in the summer months. I’ve seen modle homes, but no one has decorated these types of windows. Please tell me you have just the look for these windows. I attached a drawing of the wall displaying the windows.
By Chandra
by Chandra — 8/20/08 at 1:51 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 #
17. To Cathy,
Thank you. All I have to do is fine the right fabric to do this. Do you think the swoop style valances over panels are still in style, or is this considered old fashion? I have been everywhere trying to find the perfect curtains to add elegant yet dramatic to this wall.
by Chandra
by Chandra — 8/21/08 at 5:31 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 #
19. Hi Cathy - I’ve got 8ft ceilings in my dining room (a little less with hardwood floor - I think it was 8ft from the subfloor). So, I have 11.5″ or so from top of window casing (once I put it up) to the ceiling. The windows are 41″ wide with trim. I bought two 42″ x 95″ panels, plus a pointed valance that said it was 50×18 but when I opened it was 50″ by 36″ (to the point) and 16″ (at the edges) for each window. I have a thin decorative rod I was going to use for the valance, with matching holdbacks. I have a Roman hung inside the window, so was planning on just leaving the drapes swagged back most of the time. The rod has 3.5″ long by 2.25″ high finals, so I really can’t go out more than 57″ (8″ from each side). How high do I put the valance, and do I let the extra panels puddle on the floor, or hem them (to what distance?) once I see how they fall with the holdbacks? Thanks
Sheila
by Sheila — 9/22/08 at 4:39 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 #
21. Thanks Cathy - is it OK to put the rod at 50″ wide (plus finials) and have the valance hanging flat rather than shirred? I plan on folding the header under and tacking it so nothing will stick up over the rod if we are placing it high to the ceiling. I figured it would give a “cornice” type look to the window. Also, I will have no return on the valance with the decorative rod. I can put a standard (Continental?) rod up for the panels, with a return on that rod. How would the panels returning to the wall look under the flat valance? Or should I go for no return on the panels as well?
by Sheila — 9/23/08 at 9:12 am #
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 #
23. Thanks Cathy. Unfortunately, the drapes (and valance) aren’t lined. Not too much of a problem with light, since I have the Roman and panels are just going to be swagged back.
One more question - what do you mean by a “standard” white rod? I have the flat ones, about 1″ wide, that I used to hang lightweight valances in my old house. I think the drapes are too heavy for those. Or did you mean Continental (about 2″ - drapes have a wide rod pocket), also flat, or do you mean a round (how big in diameter?) rod? Actually, I was thinking about keeping the drapes very flat to the wall, window casing is 1/2″ thick, I thought just skim that with the drapes and slightly in front of the drapes for the valance so we won’t see much of the (not so decorative) brackets for the valance rod. Thanks again.
by Sheila — 9/23/08 at 2:29 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 #
25. Would love to “high em high” but, 2 problems vaulted ceilings and half moon window above standard windows. Do you think it would look funny with the half moon window? I currently have hanging between the half moon and regular windows.
by nicole — 10/23/08 at 1:42 pm #
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 #
28. Hi, I’ve got the rods, ready to go (might wait to put trim around windows after the curtains are up). But I’m having 2nd thoughts about the patterns on the drapes with the shades - too busy?
by Sheila — 10/24/08 at 4:00 pm #
29. Here’s a picture of the whole window. The valance is on a tension rod just for the photo - we’re going to hang it pulled tight like a cornice as high as we can, with a panel on either side using regular rod underneath like you suggested. (I couldn’t figure out how to add more than 1 photo to post).
by Sheila — 10/24/08 at 4:03 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 #
31. I am hanging 54” wide lined drapes on two 48″ windows. I will use two panels on each side as I will close them at night. They are BB&Y interlined taffeta pole top drapes.
I will follow your good advice to hang them high and wide, they will meet meet the corner of the wall/ceiling. However, I have two issues that I need help with. #1: I have a 5″ deep window sill. I have located a foundry in Georgia that produces custom sized brackets but I am not sure how long the brackets should be so that the drapes clear the window sill. If I make the brackets 7″ will that be enough space? Will it look odd?
#2 I have 10″ of wall on either side, should I extend my 108′ rod to the max? If I put my brackets on the outer edge of the rod, with a middle bracket, will it be strong enough to hold the rod and drapes. Whew, when I started writing I thought I only had one problem!
Thank you in advance for your time and your knowledge.
by Carole — 11/2/08 at 1:31 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 #
33. Hi Cathy:
I really like the simplicity and statement that window treatments make when they’re hung “up and out.” Would “up and out” apply to walls that are 19 feet high? I have a set of windows “stacked” on each other with approximatley 2′ of wall inbetween them. I’m thinking of closely matching the drapery panels to the wall color to give the room texture, but not close-in the room with really tall panels!
Thank you very much for your time and opinon. I would appreciate anything you have to offer immensely.
Alicia
by Alicia — 11/16/08 at 10:29 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 #
35. Cathy - thank you very much!
I agree with you completely about going all the way up to the ceiling just below the crown molding (19′). I envision a very stunning effect.
The wall space on the sides of the windows on the east wall is 32.25″. The wall space on the sides of the windows on the south wall is 29.75″. I think the width of the drapery should cover that entire empty wall space. Is that correct? (I hope my allowable wall space won’t be too skinny for that height!)
I found an internet retailer in Pennsylvania that carries a wide selection of Silk Dupioni fabric colors and manufacturers panels on site for a very reasonable price! They have informed me they’ll make panels up to 20′ in height. I’m soooo excited!
We’re not moving into the house until December, but when it’s completed, I’ll send you a picture.
Thanks again, Alicia
by Alicia — 11/17/08 at 3:39 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 #
38. I sure hope you can help me. I have a room that has tall windows with tall transoms. I would really like to make the transoms appear more horizontal in shape than vertical as they are now. Would a cornice the same color as the wall attached at the top of the transom trim trick the eye into thinking that the transoms are shorter? I would only need to make them 12-14″ deep to achieve this. The tall transoms are making me feel like the windows are falling in on me so I need to do something. What do you think - or do you have any other solutions (other than tearing out the transoms and replacing them). Thanks, Linda
by Linda — 11/29/08 at 8:24 pm #
39. Hi,
We have a room that has tall windows with tall transoms attached to them. I want to make the vertical transoms to appear more horizontal - can I have cornices the same color of the wall made and hang them right where the trim on the transoms begin? Will that give an illusion that the tramsoms aren’t so tall? Please, any suggestions will help!
by Linda — 11/30/08 at 2:14 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 #
43. Hi Cathy:
Thanks for the picture. I really appreciate it. Yes, that’s the look I envision for my room. I think it looks stunning and makes an elegant statement.
I’m working with the above mentioned internet retailer right now. They have sent me samples and we’re going forward. We’re moving into our new home on December 15. I should be able to send a picture after we’re settled in - perhaps in January!
Thank you very much for your input. It’s been truly invaluable to me.
Sincerely, Alicia
by Alicia — 12/2/08 at 6:47 pm #
44. Cathy,
Thank you so much for both of your ideas. Since my windows create a fifteen-foot wide window wall, I think creating a wide cornice across the length of the upper transoms will create the illusion that they are more horizontal than vertical, which is what I want. And thanks for suggesting I make the fabric cornice the same as the wall color - actually we have cream chairs in the room that blend in with the wall color, so I’m thinking of using that same fabric. You’re a life saver!! Linda
by Linda — 12/6/08 at 5:14 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 #
47. Hi Cathy, I am having difficulty determining how high to hang silk panels that I am putting in my living room. My two options are to hang them between the crown molding and he top of the window molding or directly on the window molding. There is approximately 6 inches between the crown and the window molding. The window molding is 6 inches and the ceiling height is 8 ½ feet.
Thanks for your help.
Judi
by Judi — 1/19/09 at 3:31 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 #
49. Hi Cathy, Thanks for your quick response. The first picture that I posted is what I currently have in my living room. I am totally replacing those green draperies with more neutral straight, silk panels, with no tiebacks. There are a total of 4 windows, 2 that flank the fireplace and another 2 that are hung together. I have attached a photo of the 2 that hang together (without drapes.) I don’t know if you can see in the photo, but there is a radiator very close to the windows. I am totally open to any ideas that you may have. I just didn’t realize that I may have more than 2 options for hanging them. The drapery length will not be a problem, since I have not bought the fabric yet.
Thanks for your help.
Judi
by Judi — 1/21/09 at 7:17 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 #
54. Hi,
I need some help deciding on where to place our living room panels… The room is very open and bright, which we love, and the drapes would stay open 90% of the time so I am really looking for a nice color pop to make the room look finished. The ceiling is 9ft and I currently have 95″ panels which would place the rod in between the window frame and crown molding (sample1). Should I consider reordering these in 108″ length and take the pole to just below the crown molding? (sample 2) The photos are simulations of the two variations… I am so indecisive on this and dear hubby is not much help!
by Wendy — 1/23/09 at 2:55 pm #
55. Hi Cathy, I like your ideas for the single windows, but I like the idea of the panels over the roman shade. I just measured the radiator and it sticks out 13 inches from the wall. I don’t think covering the radiator is an option.
Any other thoughts? I really would like to have silk panels on all the windows.
Thanks so much,
Judi
by Judi — 1/23/09 at 5:22 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 #
58. Hi Cathy,
My husband and I cannot agree on the look we want for our living room. We both want the drapes hung to the ceiling, with sheers behind them for privacy. He thinks that the sheers should be inside the window moulding, while I think they should be on a double rod, the same height as the drapes. I know the look he is talking about but I always see that look with blinds and drapes. At what height hould we hang our sheers?
thanks
by Nancy — 2/1/09 at 12:09 am #
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 #
60. Hello,
I have been struggling to find the right type of window panels for my sliding glass door. All the panels I’ve bought (and then returned) are too sheer. My sliding glass door looks out directly to my neighbors house and I feel like they can see right into my home. Right now I have chocolate colored panels from Ikea up but when sunlight hits them, you can see right through. I’m having a difficult time finding inexpensive, lined panels. Any suggestions?
by Charlotte — 3/19/09 at 1:11 pm #
61. Hi Cathy!
Your ideas are great. I am building up a house and will be moving in a week. I have 9′ ceiling at the 1st level and 8′ ceiling at the 2nd level for the bed rooms. I have 17 single windows of 35″WX60″L. Of course, I will be going for 95″ draperies and sheers.
Me and my wife are so much confused with choosing colors for each room. Our wall is light cream in color. We would appreciate, if you can suggest some colors for the living room, morning room, master bed rooms, stairway window and kids’ bed room.
Appreiciate your service.
by Francis — 3/21/09 at 7:15 am #
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 #
64. Hi Cathy, We have a problem window in terms of hanging curtains in our master bedroom. It has an arch at the top of the window that goes right to the ceiling. There is also crown moulding around the top of the walls but it stops before the window arch and continues again after the arch (because the arch goes right to the top of the ceiling). The window is 103″ & we have decided to go out 18″ with the rod as they will be operable drapes, straight panel, hidden pleat. We would like to hang the drapes high so no light comes in when closed but do not want to install the rod into our crown moulding. Someone recommended getting the crown moulding cut so an inch or two open 18″ past the window so the bracket can be mounted there. Is this your recommendation & do you have any photos or drawings you can show me of what this might look like? I would hate to go through the extra expense without being sure this will look nice in the end & my designer specifically said since the rest of the house has wall mounted brackets, so she didn’t recommend installing a ceiling bracket to save money. Any advice you can give would really be helpful. Thank you so much!
by Tracey — 4/22/09 at 5:03 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 #
66. Hi Cathy,
I have 4 windows in my kitchen, which are all in the bay type window area. We have 9 ft. ceilings, so how far up should I hang my window valance treatments? Each valance is 15 inches long, if that helps you. Thank you so much for your help, I’m HORRIBLE with knowing how to hang curtains
Katie
by Katie — 4/23/09 at 6:24 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 #
68. Thank you so much Cathy! Did I pick the correct type of drapery by chosing the valances? I have custom drapes in the living room that are hung from the ceiling to the floor, but I thought those would be too dressy for the kitch. Any thoughts? Thanks so much for your help!
Katie
by Katie — 4/24/09 at 2:00 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 #
70. Hi,
In our bedroom we have a double window with a sill underneath that extends about 6 inches from the wndow. The moulding between the windows is about 2 inches. The moulding around the windows is 2 1/2 inches wide and only about 1 inch deep. Each window is 36″ wide and about 37″ high. (Note these are double-hung vinyl windows.) Any suggestions for window treatment? Note that floor length drapes won’t work because of the radiator and because of furniture placement.) Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!
by Janet — 6/17/09 at 10:25 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 #
72. I have a dining room and an upstairs hallway that open up into my two story living room. My dining room is 9ft high and the hallway is 8ft high. Should I hang my curtains up to the ceiling in both rooms?
by Lorena — 8/19/09 at 1:16 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 #
74. Hi Cathy,
I just hung some silk panel curtains in my bedroom. It’s an older house so of course there are some interesting things about it.
On one wall I have two windows that are about 5 inches from the ceiling. I hung the rod as high as I could on both windows but I can’t go out very far because the molding on one of the windows touches the other wall (so there isn’t any room for a finnial). I kept the finnial on for symmetry..is this ok? It’s pretty much right at the end of the molding.
On the other wall I have a larger window. From the top of the molding on the window to the ceiling is about 8.5 inches and the ceiling coves in there so the window sits lower on the wall. In order to make it look higher like the other windows, I hung it as hight as I could. So now I have a large gap between the top of the window and the ceiling but it’s only on that wall. I also need to add something to help block out the light. I put up “blackout” drapes but they still let in too much light. I wake up as soon as light hits my room so I’m trying to darken it as much as possible. Could I hang a roman shade (such as a bamboo shade) inside of the window? Will it look strange since there is all of that extra wall space Any other ideas? i thought about a sheer but don’t think it will provide enough shade. I’ve been stressing about this!!
This is a picture from the seller when we bought the house. of course I have painted and taken those valances down but at least you can see the height difference.
Thanks!!
by Veronica — 8/26/09 at 8:48 pm #
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 #
76. Hi Cathy,
I was so excited to find you! I need some help. I have a large, open living room with 10 ft ceilings and wide crown molding at the top. We have a window on both sides of the fireplace. I have drapes that hang from just below the crown molding to the floor. I love them! My question is what I should do about privacy. I am not sure if I should hang sheers at the same level as the drapes or I should do blinds or shades of some kind and where to hang them from. Wouldn’t it look funny to hang them inside the window trim? Thanks in advance for your help!
by Tara — 9/16/09 at 2:11 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 #
78. I have 1 double hung window on the north wall of my living room. And I have a picture window with a casement window on each side on the west wall of the same room. I love being able to see out the tops of the windows and being able to see the sky and tree tops.
Privacy is not a big issue. Previously there were sheers and drapes on the windows and I rarely pulled the drapes.
Would it be an option to hang sheers from halfway down the windows to the floor? I would like to soften the view in and out at the bottom of the windows, but still be able to see out the tops.
The double hung windows will have a line there anyway, but the picture window and casements will not so I would be creating a line.
If I did this would I do an inside mount or an outside? And if outside, how far outside?
If I did this would I need a scarf or valance a the top of the window? And would that be high?
Joyce
by Joyce — 10/21/09 at 4:33 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 #
80. I have 2 double hung windows that are hung as a single window that are just 6 inches from the corner. I love the “high and wide” look; how can I achieve this?
Also, there is a sliding glass door on the opposite end of the same wall, do you have suggestions for window treatments, (ground floor apartment) ? Thank you
by lorraine — 10/30/09 at 1:40 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 #
82. I am trying to figure out what to do with these windows in my living room. The window are not the same size and they are in a corner. The window on e the left is 47 inches wide and the window one the right is 34 inches wide with 8.5 foot ceilings. I was thinking about hanging two single width panels on each outer wall and one in between the windows. I just don’t know if that will look good. The drapery can be stationary and there are triple honeycomb blinds. I.m attaching a picture. Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer.
-Katherine
by Katherine — 11/8/09 at 5:33 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 #