Windo-ology – Window Treatments down-to-a-Science!
Special Shaped Window Coverings. What to do?
Like fine jewelry with a lovely dress, architects & home builders like to accent their creations with specialty shape windows.
Traditional homes tend to be accessorized with arched windows in their gables, eyebrows above doors and bays with window seats in their living, dining or master bedrooms. In their more contemporary residential designs, they like to incorporate angles, circles and skylights. These unusual and pricey windows look great from outside. But, “what to do” on the inside?? Many a homeowner has been faced with the challenge of finding window treatments that will fit well, work easily and look as lovely on the inside as their beautiful windows look from outdoors.
A few tips from the experts:
1. Turn to an experienced professional to discover your options. He will understand the mechanics, as well as the aesthetics involved in treating specialty shape window openings. You may find there are limitations in their size, movement & their potential operation. He will often be able to suggest two or three possible solutions. But, one will inevitably emerge as the best approach for treating your “problem” window opening. The right decision can really turn an interior liability into an interior design asset. Keep looking until you find it!
2. Be prepared for a degree of sticker shock. This project will be truly custom, one-of-a-kind. In many cases custom templates will need to be cut and exacting measures will need to be taken prior to making your special shape blinds, shutters or shades. Installation will often require special hardware and equipment especially in cases where movement will be motorized and remote controlled. However, we all understand additional costs are involved when working with a professional and in approaching a problem with the goal of achieving truly professional results.
This is a long term investment in your home and will add to its beauty & its resale value. Be thrifty somewhere else. But, spend the extra money to have this done right!
3. Because such windows are architecturally important from both interior and exterior viewpoints, be sure to consider the “look” of your chosen option from the street as well as from the sofa! This is extremely important. The visual approach to your home can be nicely enhanced or its beauty seriously compromised. I’ve often observed drapery rods or the blind head-rails spanning across a lovely arched window, leaving an uncovered “gap” at the top. Pleasing & Professional? – Not so much! Work with a professional. Or, you will be living with the results long after you’ve forgotten the money you saved by taking an economical short-cut.
Here’s a brief list of possibilities for covering angles, arches and circles. Honeycomb Pleated Shades, Silhouette Sheer Shadings, Plantation Shutters, Solarscreen Shades, Vertical Blinds, Sunburst Gathered Sheers & Traditional Wood Blinds can all be fabricated in specialty shapes. I get several calls every summer where people tell me that last year they had their windows “filmed”. And they proceed to tell me, “It helped somewhat…….but didn’t solve our problem. You will find there are unique and creative solutions available by working with a professional window treatment designer and installer.
Tags: Custom Window Treatments Specialty Shape Windows Specialty Window Coverings Specialty Window Treatments