From the first walk through, we have deep love for the windows in our now home. Having never lived in a single-family home, MJ and I are ecstatic to have windows on ALL SIDES OF THE HOUSE!! Big beautiful windows that allow lots of natural light, which is my favorite, and with that, I can get by without switching on a light most of the day. Such a treat. I like watching how the light moves throughout the day, how it changes the colors inside and I love the views. I am ever so thankful for all our windows.
After all that light-love gushing, I have to tell you, one of the first things we purchased when we moved in was……. black-out curtains in the bedrooms. Haha! We like dark darkness at night and momma needed some sleep. The truth is: a big part of having windows is figuring out how to dress them. And usually, dressing the windows is one of the initial fixes in a new space.
In addressing the windows in the places we’ve lived, I have found it helpful to consider two simple questions:
1) What are the issues with the window?
2) What effect do I want?
By issues, I take into consideration the incoming light throughout the day, the view from the window inside out, the view from the window outside in, how it looks with the rest of the windows as well how it works in the room. Maybe the windows are leaky. There are dressing options for that as well.
The effect is then the problem-solver of the issues. Harsh light throughout the day? Consider curtain sheers or filtering shades to buffer the light. Sheers and filtering shades also help with less-that-stellar views and privacy. Black-out shades block out the light and thermal shades or curtains help with window sealant problems. Curtains can also help improve the look of a window by making it seem bigger or, if it is oddly placed, make it appear balanced. Want a dramatic look in a dramatic room? Dramatic curtains can really amp things up.
Last weekend, the final big piece of our basement project was completed. After two weeks of electrical work, drywall work, hasty painting of the ceiling and walls by us, the carpet was laid. With the basics in place, I get to start thinking about what to hang on the walls, how the furniture pieces work together and, yes, curtains for the windows. We love the windows down there as well, they make it feel so un-basement-like. However, we want curtains for privacy and I think hanging them high will give the illusion of higher ceilings. But just in case it sounds like I know what I’m doing, let me assure you I am learning as I go. Picking out curtains takes me a while. It’s one of those “evergreen” items – up all year long – and it does impact the feel of the room. That’s a lot of pressure, right?
Consider the light diffusion.
-From filtering to black-out, what does the window need.
Consider the color and pattern.
-Some curtains are just there as a supporting character of the room and sometimes they are the main act.
Consider the texture.
-Cotton and velour are two very different fabrics that give two very different looks to a room.
Consider placement
-How high, how wide, inside the frame, outside the frame – all things to consider and each gives a different feel.
And finally, a lesson I learned by experience: when the curtains are picked out and the hardware hung, before the curtains go up, get the wrinkles out. I hung a pair in our last house and I knew they were wrinkly but I thought they would straighten out over time. I don’t know why I thought that but they didn’t. Downy Wrinkle Releaser Plus helps get the wrinkles out. Use it instead of ironing (hooray!), just spray and watch the wrinkles disappear. It also eliminates odors and keeps the fabric fresh. Good thing since we hope they will hang for a good long time.
So tell me, what are your hang ups about curtains? Am I the only one who gets all sweaty picking out window dressing?
This post is a part of the Happy Homes Campaign with KSW Media. Thanks to Downy Wrinkle Releaser Plus for sponsoring this project and today’s conversation. All content and opinions as always, are my own.
