Sheer Sunshine
Dear Joe,
I have a bay window in my livingroom. Up to this point, there have just been blinds on the windows. I am ready to do a drapery treatment, but don't want to block out too much light. Privacy is not a big issue since my home sits back far from the street. I am tired of the blinds and want to do something softer. What can I do to dress this up without losing all of the sunlight?
— Sunny
Dear Sunny,
For a softer window treatment, I would suggest using sheers on the windows. These will give a little privacy ( though they are transparent at night ) , and let the sunlight inside. Sheers can either be stationary or made to open and close. If they are to traverse in a bay window, a special traverse rod has to be custom made for the space.
I would then flank the three windows at the outside with drapery panels. These would be stationary panels that would not be very wide but gathered on a rod to give the illusion that they could be closed. If you have enough room beyond the windows, these panels could even be mounted to clear the windows completely. The panels can be mounted on decorative rods ( cut to follow the shape of the bay area ) or a valance could be created to finish off the top.
Dear Joe,
What is the best fabric for draperies?
— Anne
Dear Anne,
The question of what fabric to use depends on the effect that you want to achieve. Some fabrics hold pleats well ( like cotton ) others can't pleat at all ( like polyester ) . There are some weaves of fabric that drape better than others. Fabrics with certain ingredients, such as acetate, will shrink and expand with temperature and humidity changes.
Many people have come to me with ideas for using certain fabrics that would never work out for one reason or another. I constantly hear complaints from drapery workrooms about the inappropriate fabrics they are forced to try and turn into widow treatments.
My personal favorite is a cotton/polyester blend. This fabric blend generally pleats well and holds its shape. It is usually easy for the drapery workroom to sew and causes few installation problems. Because of these qualities, the final outcome is always on target.
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 23 years of experience, he specializes is 'hard to treat' windows. You can reach him at jos.riceinteriors@att.net, or Joseph Rice Interiors, Inc. ( 773 ) 271-2361