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Design tricks to trick the eyes: solutions for difficult windows

Don’t know how to handle those oddly placed windows? Does that awesome new view come with a wall of windows and no privacy? Many of these awkward architectural design dilemmas can leave you perplexed and exasperated, but fear not, there are perfectly good design solutions for almost any window, regardless of its location, size, or style.

A cleverly designed window treatment can easily mask any discomfort from any window and shift the focus of the problem to an eye-catching window treatment. In deciding how to arrive at a satisfactory solution, we will need to assess the problem. Is it the shape and size of the window that is causing the problem? Some windows are too tall and narrow and others are too short and wide. Occasionally mismatched windows end up next to each other or on adjacent walls. Perhaps the window is in a difficult location? Is it too close to the corner or does the window meet the ceiling? Do you have an unusual shape or design that doesn’t make for a typical window treatment? There are a host of problematic possibilities, but once we identify what they are, we can come up with a smart solution.

The next important consideration is to determine the needs of your window. Is there too much light in the room? Is not sufficient? What is the function of the windows in the room? Is privacy what you want? Do you have an undesirable view that you want to obscure or simply want to enhance or modify an architectural feature in the room? Once you know your needs, we can approach each problem with imagination and skill.

Poorly proportioned windows can throw off the entire design of a room. Fortunately, window treatments are great at camouflaging flaws.

Visual Tricks

tall and narrow: As desirable as they are, some are too tall and appear too narrow, adding an unwanted element to your room’s design. For windows that are too tall, use a longer, fuller top treatment, such as a cornice or valance that has points or lines that draw the eye down, in essence visually reducing the length of the opening. If your window is too narrow, extend the curtain beyond the window frame that covers part of the wall. Use a low tie on curtains to visually add width. If you use shutters, mount them outside for a larger effect.

short and wide: To make a window appear visually narrower, use fabric the same color as the wall, hang floor-length side panels inside the frame, and use lined fabric to break up the horizontal line of the window. Mounting blinds and shutters within the window frame will emphasize the actual size of the window, making the window appear smaller as well. Another trick is to mount the curtain rod high on the wall and hang floor-length panels on both sides of the window, allowing the view to pan up, compensating for the short window. To visually reduce horizontal lines, use roman shades or cascading shades that adjust at different levels.

Mismatched windows: They are windows of different sizes, that are in the same room and that lack architectural focal points. If the size difference is too great, installing a valance above all windows at the same height will visually make the windows appear more alike in height. Mount curtains or blinds directly below the header. If the shapes don’t match, you can choose a different treatment for each window shape but use the exact same fabric. Connect them also using the same hardware.

Difficult Location- These are those windows that are in a hard place to come by. If the window is too close to the corner, choose a treatment that doesn’t have a pile backing. Use blinds with a swag or curtain tied at one side, this will offer a functional yet decorative approach. Another great idea for windows where two windows meet in the corner is to treat them as if the windows are next to each other on the same wall. Place the panels on the outside of each window and then one panel right in the center of the corner. Try pulling the exterior panels back with tiebacks to add interest.

Windows near the roof: Mount the hardware to the ceiling and cover it with a cornice. Keep the style simple and the fabric light because the hardware won’t be able to withstand heavy treatments. This will block the top of the window and visually reduce the height of the window.

sky lights: To reduce any glare or the amount of heat that a skylight sometimes generates, a cellular shade with side rails will be your best bet. They are held in place and flush against the window by the side guides. They also offer insulation and can be moved by hand or remotely if it’s too tall to reach.

Large Windows: With large windows, such as cathedral and Palladian windows, you can leave them untreated or framed with swag. Other possibilities are to loop the curtains over a crossbar or curtain rod along the bottom half and leave the transom unadorned. Try using vertical blinds and top them off with a swag or valance. For the transom, use a cellular shade or pleated shade that is anchored at the top and bottom of the window by rods.

When it comes to bay windows or bow windows, you need to decide how or if you want to group them together or treat them individually. For individual treatments, try matching blinds, shutters, or blinds to create a clean, modern look. Adding tiebacks will give them a softer look along with mounting curtain panels in the gaps between the windows.

Glazed Doors: (French doors, sliding doors or combinations of doors and windows) the main function of these treatments is to allow a passage through the openings. If there is little space on both sides of the openings, do not use a thick fabric. A curtain that is too full and ruffled can block access. Use a medium or light weight fabric that packs well in the back. On French doors or doors that swing in or out, they present different problems and should have a treatment that is secured above and below the glass of the doors, such as roller shutters, blinds, or drapes gathered on a pair of rods. Sliders are best treated with vertical blinds or shades on a crossbar and finished off with an optional cornice or valance. Door and window combinations should be treated as one large unit using the same guidelines as sliders.

With these easy-to-follow guidelines for difficult windows, you’re now prepared to tackle any troublesome architectural dilemma with several ways to deal with it.