Friday, 17 June 2011

To DRESS or NOT to DRESS????

Not clothes…windows!!

The mere thought of an improperly dressed window offends us! This may help you find the right attire. A room is like an outfit. The window dressings are like the shoes. Window dressings complete a room just like shoes do an outfit. They draw attention to it, frame it, make it look pretty and also function to protect the room.

Now, some exceptions would apply to any rule. For instance, on the beach you can kick off your shoes and run around barefoot. Just like if you had a view in the woods set on 100 acres with a private lake, you may opt to take the barefoot route. Windows are as personal as your outfit.

So how do you dress a window? First decide what is the function of that window. Do you need to block the sun from heating up the house? Do you need privacy? If so, consider at least adding blinds to the inside frame of the window. This helps keep the house cool so your hydro bills aren’t out of control and your flooring doesn’t discolour. Consider if someone is sleeping in this room. If so, the blinds may be mounted on the exterior portion of the mouldings so that the light is completely blocked. There are so many options for blinds!

Then the draperies. They are functional and so much more. They add personality. Even simple side panels adding some width and height to the room can give a major lift to it's ambiance. Add a little drama!

Is the window the first thing you see when you walk in? Does it have a bench, table or couch in front of it? Choose a style of drapery that suits your window. This is where you are going to need some help! That's what sets custom draperies apart from ready mades. Okay now we are getting excited!

There are many looks. Contemporary, traditional, modern, formal or casual. Sometimes a combination of two or three of these can create a beautiful tension in the room. That's what you are looking for. A look that is uniquely yours. Should they graze the floor or puddle? Too short isn’t a good thing when talking curtains! Capris are one thing curtains are another!!!

No matter which style you choose the fabric is the key. Custom draperies are tailored to the size of the window. You wouldn't put a size four on a size eight frame! The volume of fabric allows a fullness even when the curtains are drawn. They shouldn't look like they stretch to close and barely make it!! Usually this is roughly three times the width of the window.


Remember. What does the window looks like from the outside of the home? What is the lining on the back of the curtain? Does it need to be room darkening? No matter what type of fabric or style you choose, it should always have a backing to help block the sun and protect the fabric.

So, if we asked the question again, to dress or not to dress??

The answer is always dress and dress to impress!!!

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