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…
1. Which WINDOW is bigger?
2. Which window treatment provides more light 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 hugh 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″-16″ 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 #