Window dressing helps set room’s tone

When I first sign on to a design project I try to spend a good deal of time just sitting in the space contemplating what might work to achieve a brilliant result. Recently commissioned to redecorate the lobby of a prestigious high-rise condominium, I found myself thinking about a space with 25-foot-high ceilings complemented by soaring windows and beautiful stone floors. Sitting there, taking it all in, I smiled when an odd thought occurred to me: Windows are a lot like people.

Just like people, windows come in all shapes and sizes: tall, short, narrow, wide and round. And just like people, they can be dressed to make the most of their appearance, to play up their good points and hide the less attractive ones, or to look sophisticated or extremely casual. Any number of looks can be achieved with both people and windows - if you know just what to do.

Following are basic guidelines to achieve the best results with your window treatments. Always keep in mind that the height for hanging your drapery rod will depend on the style of the window, the actual covering and, of course, the height of the ceiling.

Short windows: Attach the rod just below the ceiling molding and hang long, to-the-floor curtains that make the window look longer and more elegant. In a small room or one with a low ceiling, hanging the drapery panels as high as possible will give the illusion of height.

Note: It's usually best to hang the rod halfway between the top of the window and the ceiling for standard drapes that hang on either side of the window. This will apply if there are more than 12 inches between the window trim and ceiling. With a cathedral ceiling, try to leave about 4 to 6 inches above the window trim as a guideline.

Tall windows: Try adding a deep cornice or valance above the draperies, preferably one with a bold, horizontal pattern. Cornices were originally used to conceal the hardware in very formal rooms (with high ceilings) and this carries on even to today, especially in traditional or very formal rooms.

Narrow windows: Extend the curtain rods beyond the window and hang draperies so that they barely cover the frame, (not more than 4 inches into the window) leaving as much glass exposed as possible so that when your panels are open they are mainly covering the walls and trim and not the window itself.

Note: With a valance the same concept applies. The bottom of the valance should not fall more than 4 inches into the window. Don't hang a valance level with the top of the window.

Wide windows: A huge window wall can easily overpower a room. Break up the space by hanging several panels across the window. They can hang straight or be tied back in pairs.

Round-top windows: Hang the rod just below the rounded part leaving the upper section of the window uncovered to let in natural light. Or, hang the rod over the top of the entire window (which I prefer) to emphasize tall ceilings and "frame" the special window with fabric. But, never hang the rod in the middle of the arch!

Just how long should drapes be? Generally speaking, the longer the curtain the more dressy and formal the room should be, with the curtains absolutely touching the floor. And if it's a romantic look you're after, then your drapes should be extra long and puddle on the floor. S horter lengths will always create a more casual and informal look. Save curtains that stop at the bottom of the window sill (called the apron) for practical use in a room like the kitchen. Curtains that stop short of the floor, ending at the top of floor moldings, will look awkward. In any case, the decision about length is usually determined by the style of your décor and your personal preference.

In the lobby with the 25-foot ceilings, the drapes will just barely touch the floor or stop about an inch above it, which will help create a tailored, midcentury look, which is very popular today.

What if something is in front of the window, such as a piece of furniture, and you can't use functioning panels? Then try Roman shades for privacy and frame the window with floor-length drapery panels to achieve a "dressed window" look. In any case, panels should ideally go to the floor or stop at the windowsill. But never install panels that stop anywhere in between!

No discussion of window treatments would be complete without reference to the width of drapes, or their fullness, which refers to the width of a finished panel. For a more traditional look, fullness of two to three times the width of the rod will achieve billowy, pleated drapery.

Be mindful that some fabrics will hang differently than others. For example, a sheer fabric might require more fullness, (buy enough sheer material to equal at least twice the width of your window or more to create a standard fullness), while a heavier fabric will only require a width of 1½ to two times that of the rod. A word of caution: The skimpier the fullness, the poorer your room will appear.

There's little doubt that window treatments will define your décor just as much as furniture. They help to create a mood in your room while aiding in the control of light as well as privacy. They're a key element in any room and are a decorative touch that can dramatically change a room's appearance and feel. But, they need to be placed well and suit the space in order to optimize the interior design. Not all windows are beautiful, but draperies certainly help hide the flaws.

Stephen Leon is a licensed interior designer and president of Soleil Design; he has been designing and manufacturing custom furniture and cabinetry for more than 25 years. He is president-elect of the Central California/Nevada Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers and is a certified professional in green residential design. Questions can be sent to soleildesign@cox.net.