Window Treatment Ideas for Glass Doors & Casement Windows

So in the last couple of posts we have been talking about some suggestions to how you can dress certain windows. We have one last round for you. A type of window and door that can be pretty tricky - the glass door and the casement window. These both can be particularly difficult to treat because they both open outward instead of a regular window, which slides up and down or to the side.

With glass doors, choose treatments that stay clear of a door's working mechanisms. Some of the best solutions are doors treated with drapery panels or vertical blinds that can be pulled to the sides. We love horizontal miniblinds, bamboo shades or sheer fabric panels attached to tension rods at the top and bottom of the door. Bamboo shades may be one of our favorite window treatments of all.

Now, casement windows. For these types of windows you want to be sure that treatments don't interfere with function. A lot of the solutions that work for french doors, also work well with casement windows. Try hanging valances or panels from curtain rods installed directly on the top edge of the window. Hang side panels from a drapery rod that overlaps the wall and spans the window. You can pull the panels towards the walls when the window needs to be opened.

Window Treatments for Bay Windows

Bay and picture windows are gorgeous in any room and add a lot of light to otherwise gloomy areas. In fact, bay windows are probably one of the most popular styles of window out there. But many homeowners with bay windows may be wondering what is the best way to treat them. Here are some great window treatments for bay and picture windows. We'll start with bay windows first.

A wall-size bay window can look great with panels hung between the windows themselves. This look will keep interest inside and add warmth to wide-open spaces. Curtain rods with rows of double swags help to link the windows visually and help make the bay windows look like one unit entirely.

Here is another great idea for bay windows. Use a cornice or pelmet top treatment to visually connect a trio of windows. Using a pattern to span the length of the tops of the bay windows will help them flow together and create a cohesive look. On the bottom half of the windows, keep things simple by installing cafe curtains hung on tension rods installed inside the window trim. These curtains will help give privacy without blocking out too much light.

Now, here's a suggestion for picture windows. Install treatments across the top. Fabric shades that stay in place will look great and help to soften the glass expanses. Add height if you desire by beginning valances, fabric, painted cornices or swagged scarves about six inches above the trim.

Dressing Arched Windows

Arched windows are a beautiful and classy addition to any home. Sometimes though, you may run into decorating troubles with this type of window as it seems nothing fits quite right. You may find that you want to play down the curves and take the emphasis off of them. Here are a couple of options we suggest for you to solve this problem.

One option is to slightly define the arch. You can hang drapery panels from a rod installed straight across the top of the window and pull them up and back with tasseled tiebacks that are placed at the bottom line of the arch. It creates a sort of V-shape the entire window treatment and can look quite elegant.

If you'd rather let more light in and privacy isn't an issue, a second option is to start your window treatment below the arch, so that the arch is entirely exposed. Use a swag and jabot treatment hung from an arched drapery rod installed just outside the upper trim. If you would like privacy, hang sheer cafe curtains or shutters below the arch.

For eyebrow windows - windows that are just a narrow arch and have no window part below them - follow the form of the arch with a bendable rod and a span of fabric. Hang handkerchief-like pieces from decorative drapery pins or holdbacks installed in the window trim.

We hope you find these window treatment solutions to be helpful.

Make Your Kitchen A Better Place

The kitchen is a lot of homeowners' favorite spots in the entire house. Why? Because it's a place that brings the whole family together. It's where creativity occurs. It's a warm and inviting area. Kitchen design is very important in making your kitchen space a place to enjoy. One particular area you can focus on is your windows and getting them properly dressed to reflect the type of atmosphere you find desirable. Here are some great tips for making your kitchen window treatments look great with the rest of the room.

Stay simple. Get rid of the heavy window coverings you may use in other areas of the home, like the living and dining rooms. Instead of using dark, heavy patterned fabric, use a simpler design in a brighter color. Consider using just a valance.

Let the light shine in. In the kitchen, natural light is the way to go. Try using pleated shades as they provide privacy but still allow lots of light to enter the room.

Pick colors you love. Pick colors that make you happy. If your kitchen is small, light, cooler colors help to make it appear larger and brighter. Darker, warmer colors make a large kitchen look more inviting.

Texturize. Don't forget about adding an earthy touch by bringing in cool textures like bamboo, rattan and other natural fibers. Bamboo roman shades look great are are very trendy right now.

Incorporating some of these tips will help make your kitchen a more inviting and enjoyable place to be in. If you have any other fun kitchen decorating tips, please let us know.