Dressing Your Windows – The Dos & Don’ts

Published December 3, 2015
New York - Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
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Lake Washington Windows

When it comes to windows, things can look a little bare. That’s why dressing your windows can be a great, affordable way to turn your house in to a home.  When creating a custom look to match your custom windows, you do not have to spend a fortune. The following are some simple “dos” and “don’ts” we suggest you take into consideration when creating your look.

Don’t – Pair patterned furniture with patterned curtains.

Like any great design, there needs to be a sense of balance. Do you have solid-colored furniture? Maybe you should consider patterned window décor. For the adventurous type, try adding a large graphic print in a color that relates to the existing décor. Looking to show off your new wacky antique chair? Give your antique the attention it deserves; stick with solid colored panels that don’t steal the spotlight.

Do – Consider the mood of the room.

For formal spaces, consider heavy silk or velvet both of which serve as great insulators. More practical and washable alternatives are fabrics such as silky rayon blends and cotton sateen.  Overall cotton and cotton blends seem to be appropriate for any type of décor, plus they are machine-washable.

Don’t – Forget to think about lighting.

What is the purpose of your curtains? Function, fashion, or both? Sheer fabrics can add warmth to your space without eliminating that precious natural light. Trying to keep your room darker, longer? Black-out curtains are sure to give you a few extra minutes of shut-eye. On the other hand, why not add both? Having a sheer layer underneath your blackout curtains can provide dual functionality that is both tasteful and practical.

Don’t – Forget to underestimate the importance of color.

Are you going for a statement, or are you playing it safe? When picking color, it’s important to consider the color of your walls.  A safe bet if you want to blend with the room’s décor is to go a few shades darker than your current wall color. Another trick to picking the color is to pull one color from the rug or the accent pillows.

Do – Hang your curtains above and wider than the window frame.

Hanging the curtains above the frame, within reason, creates the illusion that the window is taller. We recommend hanging the rod no more than 4 to 6 inches above the window. Hanging the curtains wider than the window makes the window feel grander. Plus, it will allow for extra light to peak through when the curtains are open. We recommend you extend the rod between 3 and 6 inches beyond the frame on each side.

Don’t – Hang curtains that are short and awkward.

Curtains that are too short end up looking off and draw negative attention to the eyes. They can also make the room appear smaller and squattier than it really is. This is why everyone should consider the length of their curtains. Generally, floor-length curtains are the most aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, panels that just hit the radiator or window sill look good too.  It’s everywhere else in between that you should strive to avoid. It’s good to know that panels are almost always offered in a number of lengths. Before purchasing, make sure to measure the distance from your rod to the floor, sill, or radiator, and always round up.

About Lake Washington Windows & Doors

We’re Seattle replacement window specialists with an eye for design and an attention to quality. The holidays may be exactly the right time to replace your doors and windows as you get ready to welcome-out-of-town guests and need energy-efficient products that cut down heating bills. Lake Washington Windows & Doors is a licensed general contractor specializing in replacement window products. Our service area extends throughout the Greater Seattle area, including Bellevue, Issaquah, Kent, Renton, Woodinville and more. The professional team at Lake Washington Windows has more than 100 combined years of window, door and siding experience, so you can rest assured that we can recommend the best solution for your home and budget.

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Written by Lake Washington Windows

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