This is the first part of a new
series of publications from SimplyFurnishings.com designed to help you create beautiful
window dressings that look perfectly 'at home' in their setting.
There is nothing more
demoralising
than putting your best efforts into a sewing project and realising that the finished
product falls short of your own expectations. So, what can you do to
avoid expensive mistakes and ensure that your next
window dressing project is a success?
Creating stunning window dressings
begins with carefully thinking through your objectives and balancing these
with a design based around both the attributes and limitations of the
window and the setting. Being
realistic about what you want and what will really work from a design perspective will be
key to your success! Creating the perfect look for your windows comes down to five
important factors, summarised below:
Select a
design that suits the size, style, positioning, function and
setting of the window:
Consider the look and feel you
want to create in each room setting with the window being only one part of the
overall scheme - bear in mind any existing furnishings, floor and wall coverings and
accessories
Decide whether the window
treatment needs to be either functional, decorative or a mix of the two
Question whether the dressing will
provide the level of privacy and/or light reduction you require
Select a combination of fabrics
and trimmings that suit both the style of window treatment and the existing furnishings
and decor
Ensure a professional approach and
finish to your work - plan thoroughly and do not cut corners
Sense check
Remember, it is also important
to question whether your window needs a dressing at all. If you
are lucky enough to have an unusual window that makes a statement
in its own right, then sticking with what you already have may
well be the best option. Volumes of expensive fabric could obscure
a lovely view or an architecturally impressive window frame.
Shutters or blinds might be more appropriate in this situation.
Making the most of
the window design
Understanding
Window Dressing Designs aims to help you achieve many of
these objectives. Your
ultimate choice of window dressing will of course be a matter of personal taste. However,
armed with our tried and tested guidelines for what works best in different situations you
will able to make informed decisions and avoid disappointing mistakes when
embarking on
your next project.
This feature
is structured in six parts and begins with 'Basic Principles'
which is an essential read. The five design areas each focus on
how to select the right window dressing design to suit specific
window sizes and can be browsed in any order according to your own
needs.
Want to know
more? Take a look at Basic Principles and then browse through the
rest of this feature by selecting the size or style of window that
you are interested in from the list of links in the left navigation at the top of this page.
Select a window style from the list below to
learn more about the specific design principles involved in
choosing the best style of window dressing for your particular
windows:
