Ideas for Single Windows

In our last post, we discussed the types of vertical blinds and other window treatments that work best for corner windows. But what about single windows? Read on.

A lone window doesn’t have to look lonely thanks to these tips:

• Address size first, and make sure the window treatment is proportional to the rest of the room.

• Give a single window the royal treatment by using an elegant valence and fancy curtains. Just make sure the window is high enough to avoid water damage if it’s in the bathroom or kitchen!

• If your lone window is narrow, cheap vertical blinds will do the trick. Plus, you can splurge on pricier material since you’re not covering a lot of surface area.

• Sometimes simple is better. Linen or cotton panels work well on single windows with Roman shade tapes.

• Use coordinating fabric to make the window seem like part of the room. A single window can also be used to add to the theme of the room.

• Just because it’s a single window doesn’t mean you can’t make it dramatic with floor-length draperies.

• To make a single window appear bigger, choose draperies that are wider than the window frame.

What to Do with Corner Windows

Having a hard time figuring out what type of window treatments you want for your corner windows? Corner windows can be tricky, but when outfitted with the right kind of coverings, they can really make a room. Follow our tips for making the most of your corner windows:

• If you want to hide a corner window, choose draperies that can extend beyond their edges so one panel covers the corner.

• On the other hand, if you want to highlight a set of corner windows, hang a swatch of valence fabric on pegs to bring attention to the area.

• If you’re dealing with larger windows that span two walls and meet in the center, think about using a repeating top treatment—a bold color works well.

• When dealing with a pair of casement windows that meet in a corner, choose simple blinds for a streamlined look.

• To anchor a space with tall corner windows, gather your custom curtains at the center.

• Connect windows that are separated at a corner but too close for separate window treatments with a single drape. Bonus: it will make the room appear larger.
Check back and let us help you solve another window treatment or decorating dilemma!

Helping You Choose Window Treatments

When it comes to choosing window treatments, the possibilities can seem endless! Let our guide help you streamline the process.

• Name your function. Sure, style is important, but deciding the main function of your blinds (whether it may be to provide total darkness, to protect your furniture from the sun or merely as decoration) will limit your choices and make the process less overwhelming.

• Fabric choice. Is your space formal (choose dry-clean only fabrics like velvet or heavy silk) or casual (dry-clean only linen or crushed velvet work well)? Do you want to choose a practical fabric? If so, cotton sateen and rayon blends are often washable. In general, cotton and cotton blends or wool or wool blends will work in most spaces, whatever the décor.

• Color choice. First, decide whether or not you want your custom curtains to stand out (go for a similar color to the walls but a few shades darker, or a soft shade inspired by the flooring) or to blend in with the décor of your room (make them pop by choosing a bold color choice). Another thing to keep in mind is that if the sun will be shining through your window treatments because it will affect the color.

• The solid-patterned ratio. If you have solid-color bedding or furniture, think about printed curtains. If your bedding or furniture is busy, on the other hand, stick to solid-color blinds or curtains.

Cleaning What’s Behind the Blinds

Now that we’ve gone over how to clean your window blinds (read this post), here is a tutorial on how to clean what is lurking behind the blinds: your windows.

1. Spray your frame, sill and hardware with a multipurpose cleaner and wipe with a microfiber cloth.

2. Slather regular mayonnaise (the oils will dissolve the adhesive) on window decals and scrape off using an old credit card (which won’t scratch the glass).

3. Spray window pane (starting inside) with multipurpose cleaner. Don’t have one? Make your own using one part white vinegar to one part water.

4. Wipe pane clean with microfiber cloth (or newspaper if you don’t have one), working from left to right and top to bottom.

5. Repeat steps 2 through 4 on all window panes you can reach, inside and out.

There you have it! What’s the point of having beautiful window treatments if your windows are a mess? Whatever type of windows you have, from bay windows to arched windows, and whatever type of treatments you have, from bamboo roman shades to sheer fabric panels, they will look a lot better dressing up clean windows!
An extra tip is to try to clean your windows on a cloudy day, to avoid streaks.