Choosing the right window treatment can make or break the mood of a room. And if you decide to go custom, it may cost a small fortune. House & Garden magazine's Susanna Salk shows you don't have to hire a decorator if you do your research and transform a bare windw into a jewel box. Here are her tips:
First of all you will need to decide on whether you want inside or outside mount: Inside-mounted window treatments fit into the window frame, whereas outside-mounted treatments may fall anywhere outside the border of the window. Knowing which to choose can have a dramatic effect on a space.
Inside mounting. Choose inside-mounted window treatments on windows that are bordered by distinctive frames or moldings. Additionally, mounting a treatment inside the window frame can emphasize the existing shape of an arched, bay or bow window. Inside-mounted window treatments may also create a subtle backdrop for existing decorative elements.
Outside mounting. Outside-mounted window treatments tend to make a window appear larger, or even a different shape, and they give a variety of options. An outside-mounted window treatment can unify two or more windows, even if they are not in proportion. It may also be used to improve the proportions of a window and hide uninteresting window frames.
Measuring basics: While Hunter Douglas recommends that a professional take the final measurements, they offer the following tips on how to obtain accurate measurements with visually appealing and design-forward results:
Always use a sturdy ¾" or 1" steel tape measure for accuracy (cloth tape should not be used).
For inside mounting, determine the width by measuring from one inside edge of the window opening to the other. Measure in three places and use the narrowest measurement. For the height, measure from the top inside edge of the window opening to the top of the sill for the headrail brackets.
For outside mounting, measure from one outside edge of the window casing to the other for the width. You need to add a little here for the headrail brackets - for Silhouette they recommend adding 3" out on each side (that way there is no light gap, but amount could be less if necessary). For Alustra Woven Textures, fine to just add 2" per side. Outside mounting is where it would really help if we could get someone to see the window and measure.
Always use a sturdy ¾" or 1" steel tape measure for accuracy (cloth tape should not be used).
For inside mounting, determine the width by measuring from one inside edge of the window opening to the other. Measure in three places and use the narrowest measurement. For the height, measure from the top inside edge of the window opening to the top of the sill for the headrail brackets.
For outside mounting, measure from one outside edge of the window casing to the other for the width. Add a minimum of 3 inches, or 1 ½ inches on each side, for the headrail brackets, but check the manufacturer's suggestions. For height, measure from the top of the window sill to the desired top of the shade or blind.
Determining the proper length: make sure you measure your drapes from where they will hang from the rod down to the floor leaving extra room for material to flow ... measure width of window and double it to be sure and have enough fabric that folds well when closed...
Rod placement: The higher you hang you hang the rod the higher the ceiling will look
make sure you measure your drapes from where they will hang from the rod down to the floor leaving extra room for material to flow.
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