Window Dressings

My building was constructed in 1880 and the windows are original. You know what that means? I’m anticipating major drafts this winter (my second living here since I bought the condo). and will attempt to put discreet weather stripping around the worst of them to keep the mighty winds from blowing in so fiercely. I’m fortunate to have floor to ceiling windows that sold me on this condo and wanted to keep them bare – with the exception of custom blinds for privacy purposes.

This year, I’ve reconsidered and will hang Ralph Lauren drapes that I took from my Falmouth condo. The length is perfect and will almost hit the floor, the color is neutral, but with some tone on tone pattern which gives them some texture and warmth. They’ll also be great diffusers of the breeze that no doubt will come through.

I’m also thinking of repurposing my curtain rods that were oil rubbed bronze and I’m feeling more of the champagne bronze for this space. I could spray paint them, but I have limited access to the outdoors for these projects.

Here are a few tips to determine how high to hang your drapes, how wide your drapes should be and what the length of your drapes should be.

Give Your Windows the Illusion of Being Bigger

To make your windows appear wider and let in extra light, extend the rods anywhere between 4″ and 10″ (excluding finials) beyond the window trim or casing. This allows your windows to appear larger because more glass is exposed. In my case I’ll be conservative on this because I need the extra protection. I also have mirrors and/or artwork on each side of the window and don’t want to “cover” that with drapes, so use your own judgment, but keep in mind that extending the rod can allow for a larger window look and feel.

Who Couldn’t Use a Few Extra Inches?

If you're vertically challenged, like I am, you envy having the added height. With windows, you can create the illusion of a taller ceiling height and window by mounting the drapery rods at least 4″ – 8″ above the window casing assuming you have enough space. Because my building is old, I have nice nine foot ceilings and I added a hefty egg and dart crown molding, so I’m unable to go beyond the window casing, because I wouldn’t want to hide an inch of my molding. Every situation is different, I realize. If you’re able to do it and it looks good – go for it. If, as in my condo, it would take away from the look – avoid it then.

Add Richness to Your Drapery by Being Generous

Drapery panels should have a combined width of 3-4 times the width of the window so if you have two panels framing a window, each panel should be 1½ to 2 times the window width. A fuller drapery gives the room a more luxurious look and feel. It will mean that you’ll have to probably double the curtains for each window, but the look is so much more full and rich looking – it’s worth it. 

The Right Length 

Buy drapery panels that will either “kiss” the floor (within an inch or two) or puddle on the floor. The reason you might not want a curtain to fall mid way or just past the window trim is similar to why capri pants on most of us don’t hit the mark – or the right mark. A curtain hung at this “nowhere land” length cuts your eye off at a weird place on the wall, as opposed to them being full length and allowing our eye to see the window and drapes in there entirely. I’m hoping this makes sense. 

Colors, Patterns and Textures

I’m a big fan of choosing neutral colors for main pieces of furniture, but infusing color in other items like area rugs, accessories (pillows, throws, vases, etc.). Curtains can go either way, but shouldn’t compete with color scheme or pattern with large area rugs, etc. I’m repurposing the drapes I used in my Cape Cod home because I like the neutral tone, the fact that they’re well made and lined, and the right length given my oversized windows. In one room, I will use drapes I also had on the Cape that fit with the style of that room (guest bedroom) and will work well there. It’s really personal preference, but when in doubt, neutral drapes are the safest way to go.

Consider draperies as a finishing touch to a room. In my case, it serves more of a practical purpose in keeping the wind from blowing straight through my condo. Whatever the reason you’d like curtains in your living space, I say go for it. Most of the time, when hung correctly, curtains add to a room’s appeal and the practicality of them makes sense for most of us as well.

If this post helped you with your window dressings for the winter, don’t forget to tag me on either Facebook or Instagram @nancymichaelsinteriors.com. And don’t forget to share this blog post with a friend who is preparing for winter too!