House Design Ideas

The type of window coverings you choose for any room in your home can make or break the specific decor style you’re trying to achieve. Window treatments vary from blinds and shutters; to curtains, swags, and simple fabric; to formal lined floor length drapes - and each of these will create an entirely different look and feel to a room.

Taking the time to select the best curtains or window coverings for your home will help to enhance your existing design as well as turn an otherwise ordinary looking room into a very special space.

With so many window treatment options to choose from, the best way to make a decision is to try to be methodical. Create a checklist which will help you keep track of any specific design styles you’re trying to accomplish per room, how many windows are in each of the rooms, what color schemes you have in play, and how large each window is.

Don’t forget to accomodate any functional needs too though. Do you want the curtains to be decorative for example? Or do they need to help insulate against heat, cold, and sunlight? Do you need to block an eyesore that’s easily seen from the window or do you want to be able to enjoy the view fully? Do you need privacy from a given window?

Answering these types of questions in your planning stages will help you decide whether you simply want to drape some nice fabric over a pretty curtain rod, or whether you want to have full length insulated drapes instead.

Think about the room - its proportions and what it’s used for, the upholstery, and accessories. Do you want the curtains to be a focal point, or to convey an understated elegance? Lined curtains drape well and provide better insulation than unlined, but easily laundered unlined curtains may be more practical in a playroom or kitchen.

Style Checklist
When choosing curtains it’s a good idea to clarify your thoughts by separating some of the different style and design elements involved too. Below is a quick checklist of other questions to ask yourself; look through them, then read on for possible solutions and a fuller description of any particular effects you want to create.

• What length?
• Hung from a rod or a track?
• Which heading?
• With or without a valance or pelmet, swags and tails?
• Hung straight, or held with tiebacks?
• Lined or unlined?
• Combined with sheers, shades, or blinds?

Length
Sill-length curtains work well in cottage-style rooms with recessed windows, in kitchens, or with horizontal windows in modern homes. Curtains should barely touch the windowsill.

Below-sill length can look untidy when drawn back - use a tieback or curtain holdback to drape them attractively. If you have a radiator under the window the curtains should end just above it.

Floor-length curtains work best at sash windows, in bays and bows, and on French doors or picture windows. The curtains should almost touch the floor with no visible gap. Where the curtains won’t get underfoot, you can let the fabric tumble, or puddle, onto the floor in arranged folds.

Cafe curtains give privacy at the lower half of the window while letting in light at the top. These also work well in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry areas.

©2007-2008, Kathy Burns-Millyard.

Design Tip: Designing a home which has brick on the outside is an excellent way to make the house more energy efficient.