This slightly wider window size, as with
small windows, would benefit from a window dressing that
does not include curtains. The first illustration below
(left) shows a shaped pelmet with a roller blind trimmed to
match.
Beware of mixing different shaped bottom
fascias on the same window, as the designs will clash. If
you choose a shaped bottom for a pelmet or valance then go
for a straight blind or one with the same shaping as the
pelmet or valance.
The two windows below (middle and right)
illustrate the
effect achieved when both pelmet and blind have the same
shaped fascia. By placing the blinds outside the window
recesses the windows appear wider.
If a stiff pelmet is too formal
for the look you are trying to achieve, then substitute a valance
with a co-ordinating blind. A valance with a hand-stitched heading
will give a tailored look, whereas a gathered valance is much
softer.
Formal Window Treatments
with Curtains
If you are considering a more formal window treatment with
curtains, then take a look at the following illustrations, they
might be just what you are looking for. You might even be lucky
enough to have a pair of similar windows within the same room. If
so, a formal window dressing on two identical windows alongside
one another looks particularly impressive.
Sash windows are usually this size and are much easier to dress
than those with a greater width. They are frequently a little
longer but the width may be similar. Long curtains look
particularly elegant on this type of window and can be functional
draw curtains or permanently dressed. For dress curtains, consider
installing a blind into the recess that can be drawn when privacy
is required.
On the left below, we have a box pleated valance with a trimming
to a lower edge set on a straight piped band. This gives a lovely
tailored look. The dress curtains have the same trimming to the
leading edge, and the roller blind is edged to match.
In the middle, we have a most elegant window treatment. It has a
scalloped valance with a pinch pleat heading, and a trimming to
the lower edge. The curtains are functional and yet the additional
roller blind adds that finishing touch by having a shaped lower
edge echoing the shaping on the pelmet.
In the final sketch on the right, you can see that adding a
knotted rope trim to the bottom of a hand stitched heading is very
effective. The triple pleats are much closer together than in the
illustration to the left. The relatively simple straight roller
blind enhances the overall tailored look. A shaped blind would
appear too fussy
A shaped stiff pelmet and formally dressed curtains with
co-ordinating tiebacks works well here. The shaping on the roller
blind again mirrors the shaping on the pelmet.
Functional Window Treatments
with Curtains
Draw curtains could well be required in a bedroom to give privacy
and to help cut out the light. Radiators beneath windows may cause
problems in these situations, as delicate fabrics or those with a
high percentage of natural fibres in their content can react
adversely to heat.
On the left below, a goblet pleated valance with a shaping to the
lower edge makes this relatively simple window dressing quite
effective.
However, as shown in the sketch on the right, a softer feminine look is achieved
with a puff ball heading on a shaped valance. Note how the trimming on
the lower edge of the valance adds definition
Using tiebacks on such short curtains will inevitably cause some
creasing of the fabric and this then spoils the line of the
curtains when drawn.
If it is possible to have long curtains rather than short on a
relatively small window, the finished effect will be much more
elegant. The window appears much longer and the extra curtain
depth means that the sides of the valance can be extended to give
a lovely arched effect.
Please visit us again soon to find out more
about designing wide, large and bay window dressings.
