Dear Joe,
My livingroom has three windows, each with a different height ( 82, 85 and 79 inches ) . There are mini-blinds in each window. The differences in height bother me, but a friend says that I am being too anal about it. What do you think? Is there any solution to make them look balanced?
— Vertically Challenged
Dear Vertically Challenged,
I have to side with you on this one. It always bothers me to walk into a room and see the windows at different heights. I find this situation frequently in my work. Sometimes this happens with remodeling in older homes. What I can't uinderstand is why architects let this happen in new construction!
My first impulse in this situation is to try to unite all of the windows in terms of height. It is really too distracting to have the eye jumping up and down on an architectural feature that should follow one straight line.
Because this is so common with my clients, I have developed several tricks to camouflage or, at least, minimalize the situation. Here are two choices that may work for you.
The first way is to create one horizontal line with all of the windows is to put up a valance or cornice on each window. These would all be of the same depth and mounted at the same height off the floor. Obviously they would have to be deep enough to cover the differences between the windows, allowing at least a few inches below the trim on the lowest of them. Draperies or shades of different varieties can be added to this treatment.
Another solution is to simply hang draperies on each of the windows, all at the same height. For example, all of the draperies could be 87 inches long. Since you will see the different window heights when the draperies are open, it won't completely hide the problem. It will, however, help to draw attention away from the windows themselves.
Dear Joe,
I work odd hours and usually sleep late into the morning. The problem is that the sunlight pours into the room and disturbs my sleep. I have sunblock pull-down shades, but the light still comes in at the edges. What is the best way to block out the sun?
— Late Riser
Dear Late,
There are several options for solving this problem.
One way is to have custom draperies made. These should be lined in a special blockout lining that will eliminate all sunlight filtering through the drapery fabric. They should be made large enough to extend beyond the window on either side and at least several inches above the window frame. This way there will be no sunlight creeping in at the edges.
Another less costly way would be to use sunblock roller shades, as you have done. To block out the sunlight that is bleeding through the sides, install ready-made curtain panels that extend several inches beyond the window frame. Adding a valance that extends several inches below the top of the window frame will help eliminate the light at the top.
Dear Joe,
Are people still using sheers under drapery treatments?
— Linda
Dear Linda,
Yes, very often.
Many of my clients request them—not so much for the sake of an elaborate window treatment as for practicality. Sheers provide the advantage of letting light into the room and maintaining visibility to the outdoors.
The main purpose of sheers is to help filter out the light during the day. This helps to protect furniture, carpets and wood floor from sun damage. They also provide some privacy, more during the day than at night.
Please e-mail your questions to jos.riceinteriors@att.net . In the subject box, fill in 'WCT Design.'
Joseph Rice is an interior decorator who offers full decorating services. With 24 years of experience, he specializes in 'hard-to-treat' windows. You can reach him at Joseph Rice Interiors 773-271-2361, the above e-mail address or at josephriceinteriors.com .
