Choosing a drapery colour

Ah, the dreaded question.  What colour draperies should I have? <br /><br />Part of being a decorator is making informed decisions about design.  Keeping current with trends  through reading and viewing is a must, but trend knowledge is not enough.  You have to understand what affect your choices will have on a space. <br /><br />I posted this picture on Designing Home Facebook Page as an example of a style board I create for clients.  I am not one for vivid colour, but I didn't have to live with the colour, a young lady who loves rich colours did.   Should I have argued with her and said you shouldn't have bright draperies. NO!  I have to balance my client's likes with the principles and elements of design. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qxHCjWVbqhzMWc2MQWFGDoFJF6ndshQ6Q42ZmGvYJU6zK85qKjntZ-s2CSFkm297I2TXkd4hRUUCBhIZCwpbeDmKSHJv6K9Uq7RgRFWL0pZH71hTfvkb35vl7MoiNtPw2BNLlpBtbPeJ/s1600/10801479_784548268251340_5666604175270465016_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="vibrant drapes, turquoise drapes, vibrant living room, Designing Home" border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qxHCjWVbqhzMWc2MQWFGDoFJF6ndshQ6Q42ZmGvYJU6zK85qKjntZ-s2CSFkm297I2TXkd4hRUUCBhIZCwpbeDmKSHJv6K9Uq7RgRFWL0pZH71hTfvkb35vl7MoiNtPw2BNLlpBtbPeJ/s1600/10801479_784548268251340_5666604175270465016_n.jpg" title="Designing Home: Choosing a drapery colour" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vibrant  draperies </td></tr></tbody></table><br />Let's look at what this colour choice  did for this room.<br /><br /> You can't ignore this window treatment, it's not only the vibrant colour, it's the placement and amount of it. That means a lot of colour jumping forward in the space. The draperies also serve to  frame the artwork and the sofa. The more muted sofa is anchored and held captive, and you need an equally vibrant art work to compete with the windows. When you look at this space blue is primary and everything else is secondary. <br /><br />The overall effect is focused and the room appears smaller than it actually is.  That's a great tip if you have a large space that you want to appear smaller/cosier.  Go for darker/brighter  window treatments that draw the eye. <br /><br /> I see this as a lively, energetic scheme that is equally matched to a sparkling, vivacious young lady. <br /><br /><br />On to number two example....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQobZGpESAL9vydqzGRkYdRpKG93LxaaSImX2mJ_4Z5q25xvijOwwl6iAAeaLpZtz3A5EAT4d0JoLBn3FSaFm6P33ZyFXjm-DvkYBI0olRGAEcMWc0yI5X6kliRoDNp_FD6QT_BsZkE_K/s1600/OB-Green+and+Turquoise+Living+Room+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="soft white drapes, roman shade, fresh living room scheme, Designing Home" border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQobZGpESAL9vydqzGRkYdRpKG93LxaaSImX2mJ_4Z5q25xvijOwwl6iAAeaLpZtz3A5EAT4d0JoLBn3FSaFm6P33ZyFXjm-DvkYBI0olRGAEcMWc0yI5X6kliRoDNp_FD6QT_BsZkE_K/s1600/OB-Green+and+Turquoise+Living+Room+2.jpg" title="Designing Home: Choosing a drapery colour" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I removed the vibrant draperies and choose something more in line with my personal taste.  I like my spaces to be expansive, and tone -on tone- window treatments  (keeping the colour of the drapes and the walls very similar) is  one way to achieve that look/feel especially in a smaller space.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now the sofa and artwork stand out as they didn't before.  Your eye connects the light colour in the chairs with the draperies and you visually wander the space. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On to example number three....  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq20zcs0fo5Yz0Zdh6GO61tJuLvzIeUK-_LD3q1MrDmbZ8AqHJtgzZfcpTjRKXTs-6d0pxNXzdar8e734MUB_HS-5VoG0pTgs7YAqnLQQkGQfV2dFVyHME_PYhgN9jVLykKZAadz46rA6L/s1600/OB-Green+and+Turquoise+Living+Room3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="fresh living room scheme, fresh green, turquoise " border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq20zcs0fo5Yz0Zdh6GO61tJuLvzIeUK-_LD3q1MrDmbZ8AqHJtgzZfcpTjRKXTs-6d0pxNXzdar8e734MUB_HS-5VoG0pTgs7YAqnLQQkGQfV2dFVyHME_PYhgN9jVLykKZAadz46rA6L/s1600/OB-Green+and+Turquoise+Living+Room3.jpg" title="Designing Home; Choosing a drapery colour" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Same window treatments, but I'm tweeking a few other things. Without the blue pillows on the chairs,  and the blue vase on the table, the space is even even more opened up.  The overall effect is fresh and inviting,  reminiscent of a summer garden - always a look I gravitate to.  The wooden tables help that feel too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So there is no right answer to the question "What colour draperies  should I have?"  It all depends on how you want your room to look/feel. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you wan to find out more about current trends in window treatments check out this <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2014/01/current-trends-in-window-treatments.html">post</a> and several others in my side bar. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What's your preference when buying  window treatments ?  Are you a neutral or a colour lover?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Choosing a drapery colour

Ah, the dreaded question.  What colour draperies should I have? Part of being a decorator is making informed decisions about design.  Keepin...

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Basement window solutions that wow

<div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> While a simple window treatment might solve your  basement window woes,  there's a whole lot more you can accomplish with a little creative thinking.  Why accept mediocre when you can have spectacular! </span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><br /><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you think of your window as one aspect of a vignette, you can create stunning spaces where the window becomes part of a larger design.  This is a bit of a different way to consider tiny windows, but it leads to interesting ideas and solutions. </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><h4>Create a centred layout between windows</h4></div></div><span style="font-size: small;"></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwvTwbwezfvocTI8OMy2CC2nB9r6c7P-SzVSnPSQxkfmIuTTnKQhmdGy2PH_VRD6GwydKYdAalIlTOjUBx3W8KOgU8CZvF9XeyxdMCrb8maZwdFdMOm85OGpAMj8E3_81ljNxTyIynPT3/s1600/basement-+windows-fireplace.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="basement window treatments centered fireplace" border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwvTwbwezfvocTI8OMy2CC2nB9r6c7P-SzVSnPSQxkfmIuTTnKQhmdGy2PH_VRD6GwydKYdAalIlTOjUBx3W8KOgU8CZvF9XeyxdMCrb8maZwdFdMOm85OGpAMj8E3_81ljNxTyIynPT3/s1600/basement-+windows-fireplace.jpg" title="Designing Home: Basement window solutions that wow" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Centered fireplace and seating<br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/360038/ferguson-contemporary-family-room-other-metro">Christian Gladu Design </a></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you are lucky enough  to build a space give careful consideration to the placement of windows in basement spaces.  Depending on how your land slopes you can have sections where larger windows are possible.  Centering main structural elements between windows creates interesting designs. </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7pa1FhU4YisiWRCb-G5t0a5UJkOPOBj9sZHH9yE4kcI8jxDMGqT16SFtqvOjbvR-B9E7DsS9HWBkzX0dHaDh2W6ZFrjQ66becFLVV2QABIOgij56XqiJs_8ydKz6nja4csuTjFRNfzoN/s1600/centered-fireplace-basement+-windows.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="basement window solutions window treatments" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7pa1FhU4YisiWRCb-G5t0a5UJkOPOBj9sZHH9yE4kcI8jxDMGqT16SFtqvOjbvR-B9E7DsS9HWBkzX0dHaDh2W6ZFrjQ66becFLVV2QABIOgij56XqiJs_8ydKz6nja4csuTjFRNfzoN/s1600/centered-fireplace-basement+-windows.jpg" title="Designing Home: Basement window solutions that wow" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small windows, big impact </td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/329627/Living-Room-transitional-living-room-calgary">Bruce Johnson & Associates</a></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JhDDYEagWZqzYwqwyn9RJQMoquL-w6zmwacGZCitpIXmzeEbBUCXZBk8q8feshVlzRZvxH3UmlHIe9KD0BP2jTd00A7F-TQry2d_T2K6rM4GkeOwc8vfcjxdv4U5U9MqGsv2Y6dtHcRv/s1600/girl's-room-basement-centered-window.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="basement window solutions window treatments " border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JhDDYEagWZqzYwqwyn9RJQMoquL-w6zmwacGZCitpIXmzeEbBUCXZBk8q8feshVlzRZvxH3UmlHIe9KD0BP2jTd00A7F-TQry2d_T2K6rM4GkeOwc8vfcjxdv4U5U9MqGsv2Y6dtHcRv/s1600/girl's-room-basement-centered-window.jpg" title="Designing Home: Basement window solutions that wow" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Centre large peices of furniture under windows</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.roomzaar.com/rate-my-space/Girls-Rooms/Ms-Big-Girl-Room/detail.esi?oid=27122400">Jennifer Hernandez</a></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> A centered bed below a small window can do wonders to fill in the awkward space below.  Hanging drapes that also frame the bed adds an additional layer of interest to the vignette.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><h4> </h4><h4>Disguise the size</h4><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If centering your layout around a window isn't an option there are other ways to make those cramped windows look more important.  Your next bet is to  "fake it".</span></span></div></div></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: auto; padding: 6px; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9DhbfAxOtkPoPstAwcLpFWTNU_H3tIU2jYFHd4IvOgXSGXCHQiuZWswMLSqZBhhr1T2iteCDJymsXQZO_ncSJH_7HB37Ej0JJzNmwueBW_HcucMdzNduAVnEkEAmPEM5e3usIaOt5Wcy/s1600/shutters-+half-wall-basement.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="basement window solutions window treatments shutters" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9DhbfAxOtkPoPstAwcLpFWTNU_H3tIU2jYFHd4IvOgXSGXCHQiuZWswMLSqZBhhr1T2iteCDJymsXQZO_ncSJH_7HB37Ej0JJzNmwueBW_HcucMdzNduAVnEkEAmPEM5e3usIaOt5Wcy/s1600/shutters-+half-wall-basement.jpg" title="Designing Home: Basement window solutions that wow" width="266" /></a></div></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;">Using a custom shutter to fill the space </div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/3501444/Wooden-Shutters-modern-basement-toronto">Houzz</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> This is a solution I  love. A simple treatment with no additional details apart from the shutters. But layering with draperies as you can see below brings the whole space up a notch.</span></span><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: auto; padding: 6px; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vVNYX7kwA4I9TKW7FjJDcByzjbPVHi_bJKSN4QEYLWQ3UbDsZjNjrpX2-cIfu0ud-CrspEX31iK6E0ndpCiBmvo1mKEpmUk9p0Ekr7RHnQdn3FeqNkuoPDrMR_S6LYi67vG8aqwhnrhk/s1600/basement-window-+extended-shutter.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="basement window solutions window treatments shutters" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vVNYX7kwA4I9TKW7FjJDcByzjbPVHi_bJKSN4QEYLWQ3UbDsZjNjrpX2-cIfu0ud-CrspEX31iK6E0ndpCiBmvo1mKEpmUk9p0Ekr7RHnQdn3FeqNkuoPDrMR_S6LYi67vG8aqwhnrhk/s1600/basement-window-+extended-shutter.jpg" title="Designing Home: Basement window solutions that wow" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Is that a shutter I see? </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.bhg.com/bhg/templates/slideshow/print/printableSlideShow.jsp?slideid=/templatedata/bhg/slideshow/data/1219345568904.xml&page=1">Better Homes and Gardens</a></span></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This shutter is added to the wall below the window to create a longer, more interesting area  for the draperies to hug.  Adding the table below this faux treatment finishes the look. You could also get the same effect with top down cellulars with  an outside mount or even a woven blind attached permanently below the window.</span></span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9RhSeYY16TrWClQfc9dAJGLdOVaL3yq0c76ezVQoP6JGK5B0JHXgKmEtKxTXPBvYS66qPJe4Cw2oOlh7Zzvu4BzueGHDjKdGagsJN-SIhEy_IBYWcrdFdPle0PY0hX9v3Z6M14yBjXdSd/s1600/fake-shutters-basement-windows.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="basement window solutions window treatments shutters drapes" border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9RhSeYY16TrWClQfc9dAJGLdOVaL3yq0c76ezVQoP6JGK5B0JHXgKmEtKxTXPBvYS66qPJe4Cw2oOlh7Zzvu4BzueGHDjKdGagsJN-SIhEy_IBYWcrdFdPle0PY0hX9v3Z6M14yBjXdSd/s1600/fake-shutters-basement-windows.jpg" title="Designing Home: Basement window solutions that wow" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go large or go home<br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/Basement-windows/p/160">Houzz </a></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shutters  can be used very effectively to give the impression of a large window. The drapes add a second layer of detailing and softness. </span></span><br /><h4 style="text-align: center;"> Fake it totally</h4><h4 style="text-align: center;"> </h4><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">No window at all?  Don't let that stop you from having a spectacular space.  </span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZYbHRujXWlRRZ-3o7VXVcOnzMjde_wfb5IInwkoKRfX5K06CDA7VyKjQA5esLYERYOKloc8OQ6cLB8CFnNLuzCAEZfHcBnTwD-eUAYgk6ym4yAntU44k5NjQH_zKSlIq16EtKSoMTTx_/s1600/draperies-fake-window-basement.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="basement window solutions " border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZYbHRujXWlRRZ-3o7VXVcOnzMjde_wfb5IInwkoKRfX5K06CDA7VyKjQA5esLYERYOKloc8OQ6cLB8CFnNLuzCAEZfHcBnTwD-eUAYgk6ym4yAntU44k5NjQH_zKSlIq16EtKSoMTTx_/s1600/draperies-fake-window-basement.jpg" title="Designing Home: Basement window solutions that wow" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is one wow basement</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Candice Olsen</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouwN-H2HhwdlBmZTQR9CEmC6ZROocUkQooLTqqP168dZXVoQ4JL5fSj5h3JknlpYOh1P8UfFyBTjcfsI0mlsqoImxvzltfa8OHTXAM6h-_b0oVKiwdRE1BZyumuoT5YlfgCuNeyT6ACRM/s1600/fake-basement-windows-stained-glass.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="basement window solutions backlit stained glass" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouwN-H2HhwdlBmZTQR9CEmC6ZROocUkQooLTqqP168dZXVoQ4JL5fSj5h3JknlpYOh1P8UfFyBTjcfsI0mlsqoImxvzltfa8OHTXAM6h-_b0oVKiwdRE1BZyumuoT5YlfgCuNeyT6ACRM/s1600/fake-basement-windows-stained-glass.jpg" title="Designing Home: Basement window solutions that wow" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Backlit  stained glass</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://www.roomzaar.com/rate-my-space/Basements/Mission-Retreat/detail.esi?oid=11457844">Bayview Donovan</a></span> </div></div><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><h4> </h4><h4>Work with contrast</h4></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIp3dqSUjW36aYMaq_BruQU-RaE4BvuChNe8CdtHhxVxXUzg2jniDXr8jXErhK3dex09pe2Dlbu4-IltbfChNTFg1E7nV2PM7dt3m_K9qycTs5NmD8gjcPUUk4OBTS66bidRFuq6xOqtI/s1600/black-trim-basement-window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="basement window solutions contrast " border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIp3dqSUjW36aYMaq_BruQU-RaE4BvuChNe8CdtHhxVxXUzg2jniDXr8jXErhK3dex09pe2Dlbu4-IltbfChNTFg1E7nV2PM7dt3m_K9qycTs5NmD8gjcPUUk4OBTS66bidRFuq6xOqtI/s1600/black-trim-basement-window.jpg" title="Designing Home: Basement window solutions that wow" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Window frame painted black </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/74171/Royal-York-Apartment-contemporary-living-room-toronto"> Houzz</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sometimes you can use high contrast to actually make a small window work in a space.  It seems contrary to common sense, but it does work if you choose the right setting. If there was only one window in this room and it was smaller it would not look as spectacular. Of course, when using black it is important to have other black elements in the space to move your eye around. </span></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: auto; padding: 6px; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxA-tFoavdUKEFQLju2rQ5sR47k4U4hAArwFln5zYbh2r4jsONOsk_KTraWHbs-jgq2GSKq2fOTYl7E5Jd_RUX9L_a5xwAqPUyvzKL1_7QZBfbF98sFDh-vPeFLGUP6ln8bmjR60SZyNp/s1600/contrast-panels-basement-window.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="basement window solutions contrasting drapes" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxA-tFoavdUKEFQLju2rQ5sR47k4U4hAArwFln5zYbh2r4jsONOsk_KTraWHbs-jgq2GSKq2fOTYl7E5Jd_RUX9L_a5xwAqPUyvzKL1_7QZBfbF98sFDh-vPeFLGUP6ln8bmjR60SZyNp/s1600/contrast-panels-basement-window.jpg" title="Designing Home: Basement window solutions that wow" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Dark drapes repeat the brown accent wall</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/4976522/Evanston-Basement-contemporary-basement-chicago">Habitat Design </a></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">I think this space could be further enhanced by having something  under each window.  I am not a lover of the dark lines and the blank wall showing between them. Check out the next section for ideas to further enhance this contrasted look. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><h4>Fill in empty space </h4></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><br /><div style="color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Because basement windows are so high up on a wall, you have to deal with all that empty wall space below them. Am I the only one who is annoyed by this?  If it bothers you too, there are several ways to solve this problem.  </span></span></div></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><h4>1. Use art to trick the eye</h4></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutk7vVDID_DBYa3NYsPig89i-gn3HrQQxO3EzYtSYv92j42D_3JAVGQRnFRrfgsosV0wmNBe0FjpoWynYuL6fNjfMxPRpyTfchNJ_cgUGnFCiGsLL5dBWj2d3D77FA6Hnga205_clyjgn/s1600/basement-windows-art-placement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="basement window solutions using art " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutk7vVDID_DBYa3NYsPig89i-gn3HrQQxO3EzYtSYv92j42D_3JAVGQRnFRrfgsosV0wmNBe0FjpoWynYuL6fNjfMxPRpyTfchNJ_cgUGnFCiGsLL5dBWj2d3D77FA6Hnga205_clyjgn/s1600/basement-windows-art-placement.jpg" title="Designing Home: Basement window solutions that wow" width="303" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art used to extend and replicate</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.thingsthatinspire.net/search?updated-max=2012-03-06T13:26:00-05:00&max-results=7">Things That Inspire </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">How much do I love this space?  Lots. It is fresh, well conceived with extra sleeping and the art work added below the windows visually enlarges each window by convincing your eye to read both as one unit. </span></span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCFvRSOQoK_pCnHRhvpgSw8u5gVxhNIAQ9VDCEf5Ig7bBa8LEwmXxgC0NmrNEgHaEUJwlnV80YxxNV846Po6oB0VKq-XrqKZw_wE6AhvKn-F71UuvClKf7nk-XSaraVYS-pSCd2BOXqEa/s1600/three-basement-windows-design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="basement window solutions displaying art " border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCFvRSOQoK_pCnHRhvpgSw8u5gVxhNIAQ9VDCEf5Ig7bBa8LEwmXxgC0NmrNEgHaEUJwlnV80YxxNV846Po6oB0VKq-XrqKZw_wE6AhvKn-F71UuvClKf7nk-XSaraVYS-pSCd2BOXqEa/s1600/three-basement-windows-design.jpg" title="Designing Home: Basement window solutions that wow" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Display art to break up empty wall space</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.asapela.com/4-ideas-basement-change-bedrooms.html/window-basement-ideas-for-bedrooms">Asapela Home Design</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Many basements have a half wall  created when the concrete meets the wood framing. This space  provides the perfect  spot for art display but you  just need to know how to use them effectively.  This might be a good time to say never highlight  this type of wall by painting it a different colour from the top portion because it chops the room in half and is not interesting!</span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrY49jXyQn5w-WJeDeiU14xlBaaSQAKi7BWdm1d7OL1526vgL7cIvNXa3kTL0bwU91L8ONVEyo6VthdY75VfehoMPn5ggXvUq_ByVM09fvV25buNYTXEG6k-9Js0oN2ryjyLa9h3NDilh/s1600/art-below-windows.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="art filling space below basement windows " border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrY49jXyQn5w-WJeDeiU14xlBaaSQAKi7BWdm1d7OL1526vgL7cIvNXa3kTL0bwU91L8ONVEyo6VthdY75VfehoMPn5ggXvUq_ByVM09fvV25buNYTXEG6k-9Js0oN2ryjyLa9h3NDilh/s1600/art-below-windows.jpg" title="Designing Home: Basement window solutions that wow" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Larger art fills this space beautifully</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/79852/Lake-Calhoun-Residence-contemporary-dining-room-minneapolis">TEA2 Architects</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The power of standard repetition... same size, same colour and layered over repeated shapes.  The repetition really works. </span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkeMdrlMExXRiTOE7j8iO5cFfBRVSvx8WWcJdNU-VEM4GDf_Ksgi82r3Q8eB14gvvVakOSrQGhsGcOwrxaL-m9xB_o0s7vSCHwPOh20yW0CccV6b0XIX9fI1HkOAtSm3vQ8YBHX-Z5E_5q/s1600/art-windows-basement_01.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="art filling space below basement windows " border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkeMdrlMExXRiTOE7j8iO5cFfBRVSvx8WWcJdNU-VEM4GDf_Ksgi82r3Q8eB14gvvVakOSrQGhsGcOwrxaL-m9xB_o0s7vSCHwPOh20yW0CccV6b0XIX9fI1HkOAtSm3vQ8YBHX-Z5E_5q/s1600/art-windows-basement_01.JPG" title="Designing Home: Basement window solutions that wow" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful drapes and art work together</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/171277592052807779/"> Pinterest </a></span></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I think this is a stunning space because of how the windows were treated. Isn't it well balanced and interesting?</span></span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrdNA9b7rc6YP9jiaS6pK5RKutzb6uNU-G56XfaKAEZm2GopDIXXqtQ94l_KwE1_EPn3VizIxZxIbkFYqw3kB2759zpKpsrIgOduDkOKfYG5MQgUZshVqSIoIf8-ccEpbFtGfs-KKbK4zZ/s1600/white-drapes-art-basement-window.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="art filling space below basement windows " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrdNA9b7rc6YP9jiaS6pK5RKutzb6uNU-G56XfaKAEZm2GopDIXXqtQ94l_KwE1_EPn3VizIxZxIbkFYqw3kB2759zpKpsrIgOduDkOKfYG5MQgUZshVqSIoIf8-ccEpbFtGfs-KKbK4zZ/s1600/white-drapes-art-basement-window.jpg" title="Designing Home: Basement window solutions that wow" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Think about  image shape when choosing art</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sarah Richardson </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Doesn't a circular motif soften the look of this artwork?  The dark frames relate to the accent wall pattern. </span></span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTv543aXeUuA0XieLQN7-7prdPKhJtXAQQc5rA9NuGvJzTVjwpjuSvweSg0C88o689eJ2rwu0njzteh8dt66xhOAgaq4bhMlWSvu7bpOgpI7YwUrZZAM7ZgDGOac-RLh4HDGhTM5Vm_ht/s1600/large-art-basement-window.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="art filling space basement window solutions" border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTv543aXeUuA0XieLQN7-7prdPKhJtXAQQc5rA9NuGvJzTVjwpjuSvweSg0C88o689eJ2rwu0njzteh8dt66xhOAgaq4bhMlWSvu7bpOgpI7YwUrZZAM7ZgDGOac-RLh4HDGhTM5Vm_ht/s1600/large-art-basement-window.jpg" title="Designing Home: Basement window solutions that wow" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large art  can be a great filler  </td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/170463/Woodvalley-House---Interiors-contemporary-living-room-baltimore">Ziger/Snead Architects</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I admit it, I am fussy. While I like this look,  I want  the art to be a tad smaller and less busy with all the books.  An art work needs breathing space and low visual competition from what is surrounding it.  </span></span><br /><br /><h4>2. Use furniture and accessories  </h4><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzuX5voU7BNzkEA21R4-5cqdZaLhXBSySh47U06tTLBltGFdsL1tlQOkwlWH4JHjMUV3myryQa1MyshwHI8crghiz6be6fG1JL7ItOgwlAH8zsOdLzm2_u8cXtwGTvTFVikR6pKborpcP/s1600/placement-console-basement-window.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="small basement window solutions" border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzuX5voU7BNzkEA21R4-5cqdZaLhXBSySh47U06tTLBltGFdsL1tlQOkwlWH4JHjMUV3myryQa1MyshwHI8crghiz6be6fG1JL7ItOgwlAH8zsOdLzm2_u8cXtwGTvTFVikR6pKborpcP/s1600/placement-console-basement-window.jpg" title="Designing Home: Basement window solutions that wow" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://thedecorologist.com/how-to-solve-your-small-window-problem#more-19994">The Decorologist </a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is an interesting solution for a small window.  A second framed mirror was added below the window to fool the eye into thinking the window is much larger.  Then a chest of drawers and a lamp  was added to complete the look. </span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dJb6ipalwoxoXLn4CD63ZFtrafdJmphO9fgHNEeMFqr1H2ULMEcRh2oECWDysKmdrWaH9gu48IzFzZ2vAgs-la_VAGLFi2TC3P1mubWLC9ZNQn20wNX5ZFu5OV72vBOo538YSK9yuQF7/s1600/drapes-basement-window-stools.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="small basement window solutions " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dJb6ipalwoxoXLn4CD63ZFtrafdJmphO9fgHNEeMFqr1H2ULMEcRh2oECWDysKmdrWaH9gu48IzFzZ2vAgs-la_VAGLFi2TC3P1mubWLC9ZNQn20wNX5ZFu5OV72vBOo538YSK9yuQF7/s1600/drapes-basement-window-stools.jpg" title="Designing Home: Basement window solutions that wow" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working with bright accessories</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.gingerfreckle.com/2011/06/how-to-make-ceiling-to-floor-grommet.html"> Ginger Freckle</a></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I love the stools and the drapery fabric.  This is an excellent example of where a piece of art with vibrant oranges would work below the window or  I might add a more substantial piece of furniture. A fantastic start.   </span></span></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GW21-iHNfIq6oHKBhTq5y6BDrChfph97U1NrhyphenhyphenVmvVCWoDAJLFD0u5E4kw5exRmTqIPt6icfX1k7ZMSX87iGQTk7fseP__Vskm-Xfo1DEk5EHURKmxbbHLzeZpjxoJ2n1yVT0cgw_0OX/s1600/wall-detail-basement-window.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="basement bedroom window solutions " border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GW21-iHNfIq6oHKBhTq5y6BDrChfph97U1NrhyphenhyphenVmvVCWoDAJLFD0u5E4kw5exRmTqIPt6icfX1k7ZMSX87iGQTk7fseP__Vskm-Xfo1DEk5EHURKmxbbHLzeZpjxoJ2n1yVT0cgw_0OX/s1600/wall-detail-basement-window.jpg" title="Designing Home: Basement window solutions that wow" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using every trick mentioned </td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/133877/dakota-contemporary-bedroom-san-francisco"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Klang &Associates</span></a><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The two windows are dressed with drapes, the bed is centered, artwork has been added as well as furniture and lamps, and we have a new solution too - paneling which mimics the framing on the night tables. </span></span><br /><br /><h4> 3. Use paneling </h4><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzaGcwn3R38j0D4OdANy47j7-comQs-_1Q41Nc7T7g6T1rP-wDgMYvZqyHWahZ0R_ahn79Hhoo82qhUj39vN2p6mbKaI33dBCKLPEEh53E37-D_8caYWKSjyMXJyCZDyXsIzuIQxP4SJhR/s1600/vertical-drapes-basement-windows.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="basement window solutions paneling " border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzaGcwn3R38j0D4OdANy47j7-comQs-_1Q41Nc7T7g6T1rP-wDgMYvZqyHWahZ0R_ahn79Hhoo82qhUj39vN2p6mbKaI33dBCKLPEEh53E37-D_8caYWKSjyMXJyCZDyXsIzuIQxP4SJhR/s1600/vertical-drapes-basement-windows.jpg" title="Designing Home: Basement window solutions that wow" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basement paneling should reach the windows</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/2011/08/fabulous-basement-remodel-tour/">Remodelaholic</a></span></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVkp5aZk6q4blWqU7wMwBvMQmMLz9I9yCeEsfdO29BpccU89axPid5KdaW6sy4D57Ms5-5DMn7QvbrNgA4DQKX8UJaqDT4kQ_8kqj24LlgRZIC_VPu5TObqnweXuyCgbzya4xkjU2cmKF/s1600/panelled-wall-basement-window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="basement window solutions paneling" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVkp5aZk6q4blWqU7wMwBvMQmMLz9I9yCeEsfdO29BpccU89axPid5KdaW6sy4D57Ms5-5DMn7QvbrNgA4DQKX8UJaqDT4kQ_8kqj24LlgRZIC_VPu5TObqnweXuyCgbzya4xkjU2cmKF/s1600/panelled-wall-basement-window.jpg" title="Designing Home: Basement window solutions that wow" width="393" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Window framing is part of paneling design</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/Window-coverings-basements/p/312">Houzz</a></span></div><br /><h4>4. Add built ins to integrate small windows</h4><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgoqgfjLjki82C8iBD9SPz3jia8uRkw5cmbLMFUTE0AYBEi9Slkiq4yYd2n5fIZ2BGtGqiCFHsyptUdRuvfzOLqBNKJfUShSuX7vn9InLIOpV-rU0a3PPKgT6s_A967Rn7AOIfHrghZvY/s1600/basement-windows-shelving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="basement window solutions bookcases" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgoqgfjLjki82C8iBD9SPz3jia8uRkw5cmbLMFUTE0AYBEi9Slkiq4yYd2n5fIZ2BGtGqiCFHsyptUdRuvfzOLqBNKJfUShSuX7vn9InLIOpV-rU0a3PPKgT6s_A967Rn7AOIfHrghZvY/s1600/basement-windows-shelving.jpg" title="Designing Home: Basement window solutions that wow" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using window size to determine shelving size</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/85706/Library-modern-family-room-minneapolis">Charlie & Co. Design </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Keeping all elements the same size adds consistency to the wall and helps to blend the windows into the construction. </span></span><br /><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-GZoJjp4O8Hk3zgOA192-xwn2wpyDLuF2PlEKJqHSiZUCV7S-ujpIrnQ5T2flvCiCqPhr9TVTeb9p8B5R-mYKp_TTPkFBAvy-2H0-EfCQxBs6Dodg7ZntwWBKLmU3JJ6KV68mPTYyGPj/s1600/basement-window-accent-wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="basement window built itn solutions " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-GZoJjp4O8Hk3zgOA192-xwn2wpyDLuF2PlEKJqHSiZUCV7S-ujpIrnQ5T2flvCiCqPhr9TVTeb9p8B5R-mYKp_TTPkFBAvy-2H0-EfCQxBs6Dodg7ZntwWBKLmU3JJ6KV68mPTYyGPj/s1600/basement-window-accent-wall.jpg" title="Designing Home: Basement window solutions that wow" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Built-ins, art and accent colour together </td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.bhg.com/rooms/rooms/basement/basement-storage-ideas/#page=19">Better Homes and Gardens</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLgcSOBWFdSwnl5RcvBoc4ecXLqxLLeR4LrX7-Z3s_-0t6hU0QDWDwO1uhVN-pm0DhwuDjogyEDULRDKhkye1mntJ461iih0NlfdExj_V_50KYL3mamhGf9yW-Bw51gv0LPG6M-MQbyhR/s1600/built-in-TV-basement-window.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="basement window solutions built ins" border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLgcSOBWFdSwnl5RcvBoc4ecXLqxLLeR4LrX7-Z3s_-0t6hU0QDWDwO1uhVN-pm0DhwuDjogyEDULRDKhkye1mntJ461iih0NlfdExj_V_50KYL3mamhGf9yW-Bw51gv0LPG6M-MQbyhR/s1600/built-in-TV-basement-window.jpg" title="Designing Home: Basement window solutions that wow" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Built-ins and TV below window works well </td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/1643534/Weinstein-Basement-Reno-contemporary-basement-toronto">Urban Ideas Inc. </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And there you have it.  A collection of ideas from around the web that will ensure you don't have boring, small windows in your basement. Do you have a favourite from the ideas presented?  </span></span><br /><br />

Basement window solutions that wow

 While a simple window treatment might solve your  basement window woes,  there's a whole lot more you can accomplish with a little crea...

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Simple window treatments for basement windows

Basement windows are often a  challenge to decorate because they are usually small,  spaced, and high on the wall - a recipe for  decorating disaster.   This post provides solutions for these problem windows based on the premise that  simple is best.  Keeping things light and airy will not draw attention to the negatives of  small size and awkward placement.  All links  to these spaces can be found on my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/mryall/window-treatments-basements/">Pinterest board .</a><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7E-pX745tQ0-vo8GR7xNVX_21DyIUTx6zoqkATOWbXmmS91gLC_2P48rd6AvB7VX9vOlDQgF8jdM_LSigpn8HeIEsUnGQGvHCBoyc53yDWmESX6JEA8m70qOpIQtJIl8jayJuP4Nul4C/s1600/basement-windows-shutters-valances.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="shutters window treatments basement windows valance" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu7E-pX745tQ0-vo8GR7xNVX_21DyIUTx6zoqkATOWbXmmS91gLC_2P48rd6AvB7VX9vOlDQgF8jdM_LSigpn8HeIEsUnGQGvHCBoyc53yDWmESX6JEA8m70qOpIQtJIl8jayJuP4Nul4C/s1600/basement-windows-shutters-valances.jpg" title="Simple window treatments for basement windows " width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shutters and  valances  work when windows are a little larger<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">This space would work equally well without the valances if you like a less layered look. Keeping everything light also detracts from the high placement as you can see in this space and the one below.</span></div><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQffSE7_MIbniiQq0_SJ97om_uWlGsolrUduNnulc5jxoj8ADLFSSV4vWi1KEYwJ7kil3WHUDU_l4kyUhJBJ7iG8rvedsd4sdSVHnKcU1B5P0E7-lZFYQGL87zN06ChHcM16Et9fUj7bZS/s1600/blinds-basement-window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="blinds basement windows coverings " border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQffSE7_MIbniiQq0_SJ97om_uWlGsolrUduNnulc5jxoj8ADLFSSV4vWi1KEYwJ7kil3WHUDU_l4kyUhJBJ7iG8rvedsd4sdSVHnKcU1B5P0E7-lZFYQGL87zN06ChHcM16Et9fUj7bZS/s1600/blinds-basement-window.jpg" title=" Simple window treatments for basement windows" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White blinds on a white wall</td></tr></tbody></table>One of my favourite looks for a basement space is to keep everything light and add  darks in art or accessories. White faux wood blinds are very functional because they let light in and provide some privacy in the daytime.  In this room the floor acts as a great foil for all the lightness and the hits of dark in art and furniture break up the space.<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitid094DQRgbVzi-1jQDgUQWn9h_Ck5w639SLsZ2-QqyClCcHnDC93HMOrM2dBvxgHSuQaSql8KcpQ_pnZfjXrjTy5qQFbDtM19y5buBNMAfmCsOcTS87lQHknRMOb5zinxa0HGRO6RwrK/s1600/centered-shuttered-basement-windows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="shutters basement window treatments simple " border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitid094DQRgbVzi-1jQDgUQWn9h_Ck5w639SLsZ2-QqyClCcHnDC93HMOrM2dBvxgHSuQaSql8KcpQ_pnZfjXrjTy5qQFbDtM19y5buBNMAfmCsOcTS87lQHknRMOb5zinxa0HGRO6RwrK/s1600/centered-shuttered-basement-windows.jpg" title=" Simple window treatments for basement windows" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple  light shutters add light and privacy </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Nothing works better than functional shutters in a basement. They are sleek and unobtrusive and look tidy.  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVf2KQNtz7W88k8yjsfL9WjIjOjwuIF2rN4kiIj699YbwHs0R7k8rxkyAb2EFkjpHvdneDj5SNpWWm-DMtYCJncV5puCVgmeEmidWRr3BYP7T-IUdjUGhxWYhL2QR4Th1tPYOPggzvNQt/s1600/etched-window-basement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="etched glass simple basement window treatments" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVf2KQNtz7W88k8yjsfL9WjIjOjwuIF2rN4kiIj699YbwHs0R7k8rxkyAb2EFkjpHvdneDj5SNpWWm-DMtYCJncV5puCVgmeEmidWRr3BYP7T-IUdjUGhxWYhL2QR4Th1tPYOPggzvNQt/s1600/etched-window-basement.jpg" title=" Simple window treatments for basement windows" width="290" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Etched glass or window film<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">What about  adding something directly to the glass?  Etching  glass is so simple these days with beautiful stencils and spray etching available. You can also buy so many window films that provide a degree of privacy without too much fuss. If you aren't sure if you would like the look of etching try window film first because it is removable. </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOl7ah54CMauCqaAZPcwvosTZj-3pplPZbK48TCiRIntcIs9FBy1Um88KmxYEoPzt2RVP0QwhxFADdNmNP_XTS3TfPBI0sdEz6ROSEo96LnQDnJnJTcK2Uu1oCfGJPMa_qaT17XbenekC/s1600/clear-stained-glass-basement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="stained glass basement windows solutions" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOl7ah54CMauCqaAZPcwvosTZj-3pplPZbK48TCiRIntcIs9FBy1Um88KmxYEoPzt2RVP0QwhxFADdNmNP_XTS3TfPBI0sdEz6ROSEo96LnQDnJnJTcK2Uu1oCfGJPMa_qaT17XbenekC/s1600/clear-stained-glass-basement.jpg" title="Simple window treatments for basement windows" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stained glass provides interest and  privacy. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkaI-PRfI0t0_cru-KgFrQeLPLRlgIEuSSnr_cpP_gu8ET9zOt7vmXQyi4fS6DB7nd9cyENo0sNz0Fo0tpO2iZSve3tF2SnU3Zh6Ckbpmt2jZd0ChtMy0bfL0JvtXAGSpcOTvJSvaX45nD/s1600/corner-sofa-basement-windows-drapes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="basement window solution light drapes " border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkaI-PRfI0t0_cru-KgFrQeLPLRlgIEuSSnr_cpP_gu8ET9zOt7vmXQyi4fS6DB7nd9cyENo0sNz0Fo0tpO2iZSve3tF2SnU3Zh6Ckbpmt2jZd0ChtMy0bfL0JvtXAGSpcOTvJSvaX45nD/s1600/corner-sofa-basement-windows-drapes.jpg" title="Simple window treatments for basement windows " width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light walls and light draperies</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Sometimes draperies work with short windows. I personally prefer that they are a similar colour to the wall, but there is a place for darker ones.  Because the sofa is below these windows it helps to break up the long expanse of wall below each window.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5EPXUN9xvTsBkYSG8uxT6mIYuEWscWCgDaFtTCskfEodomL846IHiqjHK1y84Q-DMXySR_vpKan-_I57iUGIXe4KcYs_DnJg0yJkcmcTkrzABXQZeWobvcOmGZNNd1k0Q4rnLv5T5_1l/s1600/bed-centered-basement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img alt="window coverings drapes basement " border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5EPXUN9xvTsBkYSG8uxT6mIYuEWscWCgDaFtTCskfEodomL846IHiqjHK1y84Q-DMXySR_vpKan-_I57iUGIXe4KcYs_DnJg0yJkcmcTkrzABXQZeWobvcOmGZNNd1k0Q4rnLv5T5_1l/s1600/bed-centered-basement.jpg" title="Simple window treatments for basement windows " width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Sometimes you can add something vertical below the space to visually fill in the awkward space.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">In my next post I will discuss more complex  basement window options that are sure to wow and  convince visitors that they are not in a basement. And what about your house?  What is your preferred window treatment for basements? </span></div><br />

Simple window treatments for basement windows

Basement windows are often a  challenge to decorate because they are usually small,  spaced, and high on the wall - a recipe for  decorating...

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Current trends in window treatments

<br /><b> </b>So what are the  current trends in window treatments?  The key words are <b>simplicity</b> and <b>minimalism </b>with an emphasis on crisp, clean lines. Gone are the days of heavy draped effects using jabots and swags; tab curtains or gathered valances. If you are wondering if  any type of valances are still in style this <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2013/02/6-effective-uses-for-valances.html">post </a>will answer the question.  <br /><br />Not a lot has changed since I wrote this post in early 2012.  Because it is so popular with my readers I thought I would add updates that reflect 2015 choices.  You might also like to check out <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2012/06/choosing-drapery-hardware.html">Choosing Drapery Hardware. </a><br /><br /><b> </b><span style="color: #ff9900;"><b><span style="color: black;">Layering</span><br /></b></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">While layering is  popular, the overall look remains clean, and the palette is usually consistent for both treatments.  Blending colours rather than contrasting ones work best when you want to layer treatments. Any type of blind can be used under drapes for a layered look. </div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="window treatments layering drapes woven wood blinds " class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1631" height="400" src="http://www.greatinteriordesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/roll-up-bamboo-shades-window-design.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Current trends in window treatments " width="360" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Layering drapes over woven blinds</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/architect/san-francisco" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">source </a></small><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tW6qW7LDd9bxb1tAi7z2HGbL0S_GSl6DJZ2g2ldhr4VYFTqaI9axj28vti-4Z42GZO4HlYKF01dnjPAyoJuaJACey6XOlZ5eL4SemlYC8GC-8akn33nWHU6caNdppj9zwB6K0D6disfY/s1600/022510layer-05_rect540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="window treatments layering drapes Roman shade" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tW6qW7LDd9bxb1tAi7z2HGbL0S_GSl6DJZ2g2ldhr4VYFTqaI9axj28vti-4Z42GZO4HlYKF01dnjPAyoJuaJACey6XOlZ5eL4SemlYC8GC-8akn33nWHU6caNdppj9zwB6K0D6disfY/s400/022510layer-05_rect540.jpg" title="Current trends in window treatments " width="315" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Layering drapes and Roman shade in bay window</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/layering-window-treatments-109719">Apartment Therapy</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b> </b>This is an interesting look with drapes and two romans with the outer printed one stationary  I suspect. I am not a lover of the partial rod because it creates a chopped look and I never choose dark rods with light drapes because the rod becomes the dominant feature as it is above. You can purchase rods with elbows that allow you to span the width of a bay window. This is a much more finished look.<b><br /></b><br /><br /><b>Pattern is hot</b><br />When you look through new fabrics you are bound to notice that textures and patterns abound. You can't go wrong with geometric patterns, trellis designs, large scale florals, bold colours, whimsical motifs etc.<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRdW_YvTGIZ9bra5vUXR5kTgGRckm6sl3V-qLFWKBU9_yS9EAYgNwO70WtiqAZYJ9H6FrPIW018IXw41NKEvhm3g2B28T4PPRsXyBpS2HWkILJaY2eTtvYR7ElETcb8N7HT9l32HktgNKI/s1600/patterned-drapes-Designers-Guild.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="window treatments geometric designs drapes " border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRdW_YvTGIZ9bra5vUXR5kTgGRckm6sl3V-qLFWKBU9_yS9EAYgNwO70WtiqAZYJ9H6FrPIW018IXw41NKEvhm3g2B28T4PPRsXyBpS2HWkILJaY2eTtvYR7ElETcb8N7HT9l32HktgNKI/s1600/patterned-drapes-Designers-Guild.png" title="Current trends in window treatments" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geometric designs are always popular</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHp6wj6eDux3cHNwXXCFpNn5Wsx6wLAqL2M5iP3tNspUoNEOVZa6ZRGUiSmNoGSrqyLEAh924dKg3Tg4hJqwFG_Pn8IakRYIn101Zre2GLRxUPeZqRYLMhRHtTfGOrUsoZ4IHSOzliUUs/s1600/striped+-valances.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="window treatments striped valances drapes " border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHp6wj6eDux3cHNwXXCFpNn5Wsx6wLAqL2M5iP3tNspUoNEOVZa6ZRGUiSmNoGSrqyLEAh924dKg3Tg4hJqwFG_Pn8IakRYIn101Zre2GLRxUPeZqRYLMhRHtTfGOrUsoZ4IHSOzliUUs/s1600/striped+-valances.jpg" title="Current trends in window treatments " width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stripes never go out of style</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0tGbIenEu3nyJXJsWmh_IVgxC6HdmicQZj3Eatvhop9PcJ4TCHK4NMpqOvuAQBYjZVy08VQ30uh1kLYmoLdYtCAnmyULg3G_7GqEB-TgOoapIpqG_y5YXs5tPJJ9mT137ng_-Bq2w3nu/s1600/floral-+white-pattern-drapes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="window treatements drapes floral trends" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd0tGbIenEu3nyJXJsWmh_IVgxC6HdmicQZj3Eatvhop9PcJ4TCHK4NMpqOvuAQBYjZVy08VQ30uh1kLYmoLdYtCAnmyULg3G_7GqEB-TgOoapIpqG_y5YXs5tPJJ9mT137ng_-Bq2w3nu/s1600/floral-+white-pattern-drapes.jpg" title="Current trends in window treatments " width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Floral patterns on light backgrounds are very popular</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.atlantahomesmag.com/article/delight-design">source </a></span></div><br /><b>Banding </b><br />Vertical or horizontal banding is very popular and adds beautiful detailing and interest to any plain drape. You can add banding to good advantage if you want to add visual height or width to a space. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">  </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNAcaHhgktv5QUzAKGBvCfTgcJQgwvwxOrtKtjnR5cF8bFYLwZTMboh7u3XfZwPCVVPS5rDDSZ1shPEEopSUGWBb0nNw0-_sO2Rzaboa24WDlhV-83r370h9cAOSyT-O0CIY3BWZ1_xcF/s1600/white-drapes-banding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="window treatments vertical banding " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYNAcaHhgktv5QUzAKGBvCfTgcJQgwvwxOrtKtjnR5cF8bFYLwZTMboh7u3XfZwPCVVPS5rDDSZ1shPEEopSUGWBb0nNw0-_sO2Rzaboa24WDlhV-83r370h9cAOSyT-O0CIY3BWZ1_xcF/s1600/white-drapes-banding.jpg" title="" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vertical banding to match duvet</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hammersmithatlanta.com/folios/new.home/brookhaven.drive.php"><span style="font-size: x-small;">source</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/191428/Rosedale-Living-Room-Drape-Vignette-modern-living-room-toronto" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="window treatments drapes with banding" border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/191428_0_8-3999-modern-living-room.jpg" title="Current trends in window treatments " width="276" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Horizontal banding </td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/toronto" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a>  </small><br /><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/lisaferguson/lisa-ferguson" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Lisa Ferguson via Houzz</a></small></div></div><br /><b>Wider drapes </b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://interiorhit.com/decoration/interior-design/luxury-bathroom-design/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="elements tips for curtains"><img alt="window treatments drapes 2014" class="aligncenter" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmK3kD7as_6OSkvAz1aBklqda0NdehGUeTaHGQW1GC97VsHuW-RP3N_CDVCNVPSvg_1mUHBmZExVLq3tVDATy13IWBRX-LJ6nw6eBgdGt9IXmlNcUI4wt5h1hdh9hv81JAIH8ZF6xPJEQ/s400/0610Nye15-de.jpg" title="Current trends in window treatments " width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visual width added by mounting drapes beyond the window frame</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://interiorhit.net/">Interior Design-Decoration Ideas</a></span></div><br /> Overall, drapes are  getting longer and wider to accommodate the trend to make windows appear larger in scale which is a trending look right now.  Lush materials like velvet and silk add to this look. <br /><br /><b>Tone on tone </b><br />The window treatments in the room below are simple, harmonious with the walls, and allow the view and the room to shine.  When deciding the colour of your drapes you should first consider the look/feel you want in your space.  If you want restful, choose solid colour with texture and keep to the colour tones in the room. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://interiorhit.com/decoration/interior-design/bedroom-luxury-interior/" title="beautiful colors curtains"><br /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/19215/Sophisticated-Style-contemporary-living-room-new-york" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt=" window treatments tone on tone drapes" border="0" height="314" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/19215_0_8-6331-contemporary-living-room.jpg" title="Current trends in window treatments " width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Tone on tone draperies  for a restful look </td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff9900;"><b><span style="color: black;"> </span></b></span><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/professionals/2041/Rosemarie-V-DiSalvo" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Rosemarie V. DiSalvo</a></small></div><br /><b>Longer, looser pleats</b> (5-6 inches)<br />While on a recent trip to Europe I noticed that pleats are getting softer and longer to provide a more contemporary and less formal feel in a room. There are many different headings to choose from to get the look you want . <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdgWYYgVzgwnmq8N0VAJlQKQ-3kamhdbrUAhhs2BO6F6cIabu2MR4AZHLMmUQpzRwhDFvn4MFukzekEIEmFrejabLkZ5be7UCqR_tcSOG3T7OTWzoXCOMAirtHfAgBFY0eqkLwGTZIRzl/s1600/supreme_thermal_pinch_pleat_drapes_image_title_rxhkl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="window treatments 6 inch pinch pleat " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdgWYYgVzgwnmq8N0VAJlQKQ-3kamhdbrUAhhs2BO6F6cIabu2MR4AZHLMmUQpzRwhDFvn4MFukzekEIEmFrejabLkZ5be7UCqR_tcSOG3T7OTWzoXCOMAirtHfAgBFY0eqkLwGTZIRzl/s400/supreme_thermal_pinch_pleat_drapes_image_title_rxhkl.jpg" title="Current trends in window treatments " width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Longer pinch pleat</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">You can't beat pinch pleated drapes.  They continue to be the industry standard for elegance. Pinch-pleated drapes characteristically retain their shape, maintaining a consistent appearance opened or closed and hang beautifully.  </div><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWT_NL-3PkiuhsPKa5Q0B4RPol0doxLIrEjBzate_BWtUyW3-SMx9uXK8p_SUZTB43QeIkjd9-hnHpQf-QLLqLKQZb2-vaxScVsxceKECStHgnFflVKdhqMXsyN3OoIVKeMeaGsXmN6pGI/s1600/pencil+pleat+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="window treatments long loose pencil pleat " border="0" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWT_NL-3PkiuhsPKa5Q0B4RPol0doxLIrEjBzate_BWtUyW3-SMx9uXK8p_SUZTB43QeIkjd9-hnHpQf-QLLqLKQZb2-vaxScVsxceKECStHgnFflVKdhqMXsyN3OoIVKeMeaGsXmN6pGI/s400/pencil+pleat+.jpg" title="Current trends in window treatments " width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long looser pencil pleat </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="color: #444444;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYoQj4V2BYUd7XqhBwc1XkRWlhKVWr-gJ62YV0nxI4Qu4LpAn8awq56J1b2sah-TDmj1tUX6SudwzsXLg__Ks7czTkl2ItxIql7nURCxFuR0ekgmeBDjhBgE-eY0YzOnY0fdbmPTVnPTPX/s1600/inverted_box_pleat_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYoQj4V2BYUd7XqhBwc1XkRWlhKVWr-gJ62YV0nxI4Qu4LpAn8awq56J1b2sah-TDmj1tUX6SudwzsXLg__Ks7czTkl2ItxIql7nURCxFuR0ekgmeBDjhBgE-eY0YzOnY0fdbmPTVnPTPX/s400/inverted_box_pleat_l.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long inverted (back) pleat </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.bestwindowtreatments.com/thaisilkpleateddraperycurtainpanelinanycolorchoicebordered.aspx">source</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><small><br /></small></b><b><small><br /></small></b></div></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b>Cleaner look in headings </b></div><br />  <br />The inverted  box pleat (back pleat), my personal favourite,  is a soft but tailored look for modern decor.  It has been replacing pinch pleat styles when a more clean contemporary feel is required. Lighter colours and tone on tone add  softness to home decor.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTo17gMEGc4ID6AB22S-3Z6wB28HTfuYZxbL3i1z2VJEcecCDKrRXwkejAQaT_NgLxWwazQ7kXTYzVnvnzR-gG1yBqUsaacCxcZjvViEgekbHce9EmYUHcS9Lc-qj_kczPpQLYofIVZA7d/s1600/drapery-lonny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="window treatments inverted back pleat " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTo17gMEGc4ID6AB22S-3Z6wB28HTfuYZxbL3i1z2VJEcecCDKrRXwkejAQaT_NgLxWwazQ7kXTYzVnvnzR-gG1yBqUsaacCxcZjvViEgekbHce9EmYUHcS9Lc-qj_kczPpQLYofIVZA7d/s1600/drapery-lonny.jpg" title="Current trends in window treatments" width="310" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inverted back pleat is contemporary and tidy</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://highstreetmarket.blogspot.ca/2011/10/designer-tip-inverted-box-pleat-drapery.html">source </a></span></div><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Grommets have been around for  a number of  years and are definitely  still in vogue.  While some grommet drapes can look very informal, it is possible to have a more styled look too.  The banded grommets below are a great example.<br /><br /> For grommets to look "lush" you need at least 7 or 8 folds at the top.  That means purchasing two sets of ready made panels or have custom fully closing ones. .If you plan to open and close grommet panels daily be warned that you will spend a lot of time fiddling to adjust them so they hang nicely.  <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/177414/livingroom-contemporary-kids-san-francisco"><img alt="livingroom contemporary kids" border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/177414_0_8-1675-contemporary-kids.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/tineke/artistic-designs-for-living-tineke-triggs" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"> Tineke Triggs via Houzz</a></small></div><br /><div><b><br /></b><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/29645/Global-Living---Bluefish-Home---Showroom-eclectic-living-room-atlanta"></a><b>Updated Sheers</b></div>Yes, sheers are still popular, but they are a world away from the fussy, frilly and lacy ones that the word sheer brings to mind. The "new" sheers have subtle iridescence and are interwoven with unexpected materials, or have embossed or printed patterns or contemporary headings as in the room below.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/84654/bedroom-eclectic-bedroom-other-metros" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="window treatments contemporary sheers " border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/84654_0_8-9889-eclectic-bedroom.jpg" title="Current trends in window treatments " width="323" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contemporary look in sheers</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPu46PSBX33w0CigwsCWDtBzFTZg5t4f6c8z15IT_HKrqvdQqqAbrQRHm61T2j5dgctGIq20zxrgrcuER5wQCTOCFKZtrGMAKDuivBgQlbX2hyphenhyphenMz95I0yJZY1LL1fXzDOxnFCoaEs-PGS/s1600/cellular-+shades-drapes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small>Houzz </small><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/7214981/Family-Residence-Forest-Hill-transitional-living-room-toronto" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/f8412e2d029d1553_8-6327/transitional-living-room.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Layered drapes over sheers with contemporary headings are still popular </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="color: #444444;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/architect/other-metro" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/lisastevensco/lisa-stevens-company-inc" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Lisa Stevens & Company, Inc.</a></small></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/29645/Global-Living---Bluefish-Home---Showroom-eclectic-living-room-atlanta" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Global Living / Bluefish Home - Showroom eclectic living room" border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/29645_0_8-3938-eclectic-living-room.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Printed/textured sheers add interesting light play </td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/atlanta" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/globalliving/global-living" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Global Living</a></span></small><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /> </span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Roman Shades</b></div></div>Roman shades continue as a  favourite for contemporary homes.   Who can resist their clean lines and  the options for amazing patterns?  Because they are a flat construction the fabric needed is much less than full drapes.  This allows you to upscale your fabric choice and make a real statement.  I can't say enough about Roman shades because they are my personal favourite.  Their flat surfaces are almost picture like and work especially well in kitchens, eating areas and bathrooms.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPUs7Un3dCgwa1OMfkgYTmheUNG-L7GXFbmmd4nzFz6irK-E2wscBoJhcH0mRG_y2oMCw6g-_cZn8k8nLNncCfgjECcpgj72FqgMQOF-xa-oPTdE_zON4UK_PKFd3Z-pSRUuRd3pjnY2e/s1600/5-hbx-modern-traditional-kitchen-painted-pattern-floors-0212-harper05-mdn-21162065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="window treatments Roman shade valance " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPUs7Un3dCgwa1OMfkgYTmheUNG-L7GXFbmmd4nzFz6irK-E2wscBoJhcH0mRG_y2oMCw6g-_cZn8k8nLNncCfgjECcpgj72FqgMQOF-xa-oPTdE_zON4UK_PKFd3Z-pSRUuRd3pjnY2e/s400/5-hbx-modern-traditional-kitchen-painted-pattern-floors-0212-harper05-mdn-21162065.jpg" title="Current trends in window treatments " width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roman shade with valance </td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/house-pictures/color-decorating-ideas-0212#slide-5">House Beautiful</a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/52346/Bay-Area-green-building-and-design--nursery-non-VOC-paint--mural--eco-furniture-traditional-kids-san-francisco" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="window treatments Roman shades patio door" border="0" height="266" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/52346_0_8-3022-traditional-kids.jpg" title="Current treands in window treatments " width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> A bold patterned Roman on patio doors</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Houzz</span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFQpnXV18Xm-Zt8z6FmEGXPsEfhVjMGcTlIZQt5iTEwthtmDQmbxelLKTPF4ggsNWLSVd9p7yd4MUkvq1WvHa0Thrko4nhYSopmKQMpiq0uYdmt4CFCWi3Tax4FHz5TJU9psM7-EtHVzu/s1600/draperies-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFQpnXV18Xm-Zt8z6FmEGXPsEfhVjMGcTlIZQt5iTEwthtmDQmbxelLKTPF4ggsNWLSVd9p7yd4MUkvq1WvHa0Thrko4nhYSopmKQMpiq0uYdmt4CFCWi3Tax4FHz5TJU9psM7-EtHVzu/s640/draperies-3.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A more traditional Roman with banding</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://blog.loulousdecor.com/featured/add-style-with-custom-window-treatments/">source  </a></span></div><br /><b>Metal Blinds Return</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="contentarea">Who thought we would see a resurgence in metal blinds?  It's driven by the popularity of stainless appliances, and other metals especially bronze in an industrial style loft living.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtCLS-BuFZCSqo15lKH6t07J6bgg1GB2Vxe3bBK_RSiZO3gxeLxwUba1bKTLCrtsgRbSwsImj0P-swCUsMn_m27MX7XVUFUNZBt7_ZEWG3SJJt4HBhLvSDuA0SHekUkWTnR0RIFpAH-Fw/s1600/metalblinds-kirsch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="window treatments metal blinds " border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtCLS-BuFZCSqo15lKH6t07J6bgg1GB2Vxe3bBK_RSiZO3gxeLxwUba1bKTLCrtsgRbSwsImj0P-swCUsMn_m27MX7XVUFUNZBt7_ZEWG3SJJt4HBhLvSDuA0SHekUkWTnR0RIFpAH-Fw/s400/metalblinds-kirsch.jpg" title="current trends in window treatments " width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Metal blinds for lofts and contemporary spaces</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blindshadeshutterco.com/"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Kirch Blinds</span></a></div><br /><b>Woven Wood Shades</b><br />The trend to more eco-friendly materials has prodded this design aesthetic along. most are made from sustainable materials including: grasses, sisal, reeds or  bamboo.  <b><br /></b><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOzRsSxa2INJkff95ay2clDz31fwQhNy-ga3I_nHdPE7PQ-fUAaXBJDAddYWKYA7kIuQVOOY5PaCs2ubTkVX-2o9COFPWZb2Add0KTxbqBELArE-ghnFKaotUfXebuqGikqMNqm6CrrBC/s1600/redriver+decorating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOzRsSxa2INJkff95ay2clDz31fwQhNy-ga3I_nHdPE7PQ-fUAaXBJDAddYWKYA7kIuQVOOY5PaCs2ubTkVX-2o9COFPWZb2Add0KTxbqBELArE-ghnFKaotUfXebuqGikqMNqm6CrrBC/s400/redriver+decorating.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Woven wood blinds come in many colours</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br /><span style="color: #888888; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://redriverinteriors.blogspot.com/2010_12_01_archive.html"><span style="color: black;">Red River Interiors</span></a></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><br /></div><div><b>Cellular shades </b></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="window treatments cellular shades " border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPu46PSBX33w0CigwsCWDtBzFTZg5t4f6c8z15IT_HKrqvdQqqAbrQRHm61T2j5dgctGIq20zxrgrcuER5wQCTOCFKZtrGMAKDuivBgQlbX2hyphenhyphenMz95I0yJZY1LL1fXzDOxnFCoaEs-PGS/s1600/cellular-+shades-drapes.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Current trends in window treatments" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cellular shades offer great versatility</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.blinds.com/control/product/productID,98324"> source </a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Cellular shades are one of the most versatile window treatments available today.  They can be hung by themselves for a very contemporary look or layered with other treatments and provide additional insulation for your windows.  Options for cordless, corded, remote and top down/bottom up round out this very popular window treatment. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><b>RollerShades </b><br /><b><br /></b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGSmwo1JQ39Ki3_l3Ijpip9MEf0wmZlGjqcB9MIPDmrcTzWq5xWR0_te507TnikZ_9K5nbeHob_oCgDKHGKGtR7ew_7hnBQxljIue_qezTJrl_bV8p8VHH7QPW3dPPj29tt5nvTadyYKM/s1600/pattern+leaves+roller+blind+Hunter+Douglas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGSmwo1JQ39Ki3_l3Ijpip9MEf0wmZlGjqcB9MIPDmrcTzWq5xWR0_te507TnikZ_9K5nbeHob_oCgDKHGKGtR7ew_7hnBQxljIue_qezTJrl_bV8p8VHH7QPW3dPPj29tt5nvTadyYKM/s1600/pattern+leaves+roller+blind+Hunter+Douglas.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hunter Douglas patterned </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3ltmzXWSAjRnZeusN1sZMkbYj3v2AMfjWt4BU-HcEQWyA6zMmOsag8fyH9_CK0jRbjK-FebL7mfZcCbGDLeJkRfEwAJRgoymaXkD8O-bTcXsUI6GzZIakQk3jcTZzHf-pQZ1Uipu03J4/s1600/black+roller+blinds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3ltmzXWSAjRnZeusN1sZMkbYj3v2AMfjWt4BU-HcEQWyA6zMmOsag8fyH9_CK0jRbjK-FebL7mfZcCbGDLeJkRfEwAJRgoymaXkD8O-bTcXsUI6GzZIakQk3jcTZzHf-pQZ1Uipu03J4/s1600/black+roller+blinds.jpg" width="336" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www1.americanblinds.com/FrontEnd/FrontEnd.View/alliances/9f7ce52a-5c8c-4147-9915-ca8b26d2f743/InactiveProduct.aspx?productId=8776&orgUrl=/blinds/roller_and_solar_shades/P-8776">Modern and room darkening </a></td></tr></tbody></table><b><br /></b>Roller blinds/shades are sleek, simple and very functional and economical as well.  I can think of no other window treatment that solves as many problems as the roller blind:<br /><br /><ul><li>they fit into tight quarters;</li><li>can be used as an inside or outside mount;</li><li>look great layered in a more traditional style or stand alone;</li><li>are available in a  range of opacities from room darkening to almost sheer, and a range of colours;</li><li>choose from plain, patterned or textured;</li><li>are available in materials that are wipeable making them perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></li></ul><div style="text-align: left;">So many options for today's windows.  All you have to do is decide which works in your home.  Do you have favourite window treatments?  </div></div></div>

Current trends in window treatments

  So what are the  current trends in window treatments?  The key words are simplicity and minimalism with an emphasis on crisp, clean lines...

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