Asked on Aug 16, 2017

Window Treatment Suggestions Please

Kathy
by Kathy
Hello Friends.

My son purchased a 60-year-old home and all of the window treatments need to be replaced. Any suggestions for the odd size windows in the living room and bedrooms? Thanks in advance for your help!
Living Room - Full wall, south facing
Bedroom(s)
  42 answers
  • Karen Tokarse Karen Tokarse on Aug 16, 2017

    Since it's a south-facing wall o' windows, direct sunlight will not be an issue. So, if privacy is also not an issue, I would just use valances in order to get as much sunlight as possible. If privacy is an issue, use toppers on the top and half curtains on the bottom half.


    For the bedroom, I would take the toppers to the top of the ceiling, so it would look like there is a full window instead of this dinky half window. Because this window is so high up, privacy is not an issue. Send after pics. This is a beautiful home with a beautiful canvas.

    • See 3 previous
    • Bkj10939445 Bkj10939445 on Aug 26, 2017

      Or is this a basement window and on ground level?

  • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Aug 16, 2017

    IF his taste is contemporary, the simple verticals are a good base. Otherwise the next step "up" would be plantation blinds but they would be extremely pricey. Another thought is pleated blinds from the bottom up.

  • Shehnaz Shehnaz on Aug 16, 2017

    Replace with anything but wooden slat blinds. You matter how much you clean. They always appear dusty. They are dust magnets.

    • See 1 previous
    • Beth Beth on Aug 26, 2017

      With the faux wood blinds, being on a window with a lot of direct sunlight, not only do they collect dust, but they fade.

  • Doesn't matter if odd sized or not. All mine are funky sizes except the slider in the kitchen to the back yard. I did double rods with sheers underneath and curtains on top. Do a room at a time, I have had excellent luck at Target - wait for a sale which they have every few weeks. Or Bed Bath & Beyond and use the 20% off coupons. Walmart used to have a decent textile section but they did away with most of it when they remodeled to do all the food, but in other areas they have a decent selection.

  • Susan K Mullins Susan K Mullins on Aug 16, 2017

    Usetension rods on the inside of the window to hang curtains.

  • Sharon Sharon on Aug 16, 2017

    Is your son going for the mid-century modern look in his new mid-century home? I would sure pick a more modern ceiling fan. The bedroom window, I have the same thing and I used non-adhesive decorative window film. It comes in all kinds of patterns from stained glass to leaves. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69axemMuM3g I used... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HJG363G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    Living room windows depend on furniture style and taste. If he is going mid-century here are some reference photos... https://www.google.com/search?q=pictures+of+mid-century+window+treatments&client=opera&hs=Hoj&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwimxt3sn9zVAhXkzlQKHVhuCyYQ7AkIgQI&biw=1366&bih=629

    • Kathy Kathy on Aug 20, 2017

      Thanks, Sharon. The pictures are from the last homeowner. He is painting the living room and his bedroom light gray and he's replacing all the fans. The biggest problem is the last owner was a smoker, so everything has to be scrubbed down, removed and/or replaced. I never thought about window film, but I'll pass along the suggestion. I appreciate the links!

  • Linda Linda on Aug 16, 2017

    i have the same windows in my bedroom. I put room darkening roller shade and then just valence. The living room well the vertical blinds are coming back!

    • See 1 previous
    • Sarah E Carroll Sarah E Carroll on Aug 25, 2017

      Although the blinds are smoke stained, they can be cleaned .. disassemble and soak in a bathtub with laundry detergent and a cup of Baking soda Start with the water as hot as you can manage and go after them with a scrubbing bush, My kid brother decided to try it in a home he purchased before spending any money and they cleaned up well. . Since the 'fabric' is not absorbent the grim is on the surface.

  • Julie M. Julie M. on Aug 17, 2017

    I like how they dressed all these windows the same though they are different sizes. https://www.houzz.com/photos/718176/Traditional-Living-Room-traditional-living-room-orange-county

    • Kathy Kathy on Aug 20, 2017

      Thank you so much for the links, Julie! It's so helpful to have something to show him. I was leaning toward the Roman shades, but now we have so many more options to consider!! These are all beautiful.

  • Bro21551463 Bro21551463 on Aug 17, 2017

    I used room darkening drapes !

  • Emily Emily on Aug 17, 2017

    I'm kind of surprised that someone who can decorate as nicely as your son, needs advice on the windows! I understand you to say that the windows in the living room get light from the south, Is that correct? What kind of view does he have out the l.r. windows? How much need for privacy? Long plantation shutters would be elegant and very flexible. The d.r. part window can be treated differently. In the bedroom with its uneven window, something should be done to extend the window (even if only pretend) to create balance. (white moulding to make another "window" would work, just leave the wall blank and then add curtains, shades, shutters, Roman shades etc. Just a comment on valances. IMHO most rooms need greater verticality. In a long run of windows, like in his l.r. a valance just makes the ceiling seem even lower. It might be nice to adds some pattern in his living room as long as it isn't too wild or dominant. A nice geometric print, not too dark could be good for curtains or draperies.

    • Kathy Kathy on Aug 20, 2017

      Great ideas, Emily! Very clever suggestion about creating another "window" in the bedroom. The pictures show the house as it was staged by the seller. He is changing everything and going with grays in the rooms that you see. He removed the carpet to reveal beautiful red oak underneath. First he has to clean and paint to get rid of the smokey smell. My husband and I are helping him remodel from top to bottom, so it will be a while before it's done. We'll be sure to post pictures when it's completed!

  • Ana Bacallao Ana Bacallao on Aug 17, 2017

    I recently visited a house with similar windows as the ones in your son's living room and they had installled ceiling to floor pleated sheers that covered the entire area but could be open to provide access out. The hardware was not visible and it made quite a statement. I think in the bedroom I wouse stick to plantation shutters like the ones below.

    • Kathy Kathy on Aug 20, 2017

      Hi Ana. Sheers may be all he needs to provide some privacy in the LR. He doesn't want to feel like he his living in a fishbowl! The shutters are very clean looking, especially with the white trim and gray walls. They may collect dust, but I think that's true about most window treatments. Thanks for your help!

  • Nancy Bogart Nancy Bogart on Aug 17, 2017

    Have him check out the IKEA Kvartal Curtain System. Easy to install and a good variety of panels for a great look.


    A home designer sugguested this when I wanted to ditch my vertical blinds.

    • See 1 previous
    • Nancy Bogart Nancy Bogart on Aug 21, 2017

      Really like them and modern. Hated the vertical blinds. Bali has a system too, but pricey. I chose these panels to let some light in but they do have panels with no show through. We can see outside but no one can look into our house. I sprayed my panels with UV protector from Joann Fabrics. The have bars that attach to the bottom of each panel to give them weight and hang perfectly. I can also swap out the panels if I want to change the look.


      Both IKEA and youtube have good installation videos.

  • Barb Barb on Aug 19, 2017

    There is a few ways first a large tailored valance with side sweeps panels that cover two windows on each side and the rest open but the dinning room window needs to match that fabric being its an open floor concept. I think mustard and red would be a good color choice. Second plantation stutters stunning with tailed valance. Third hang panel for each window being separate. I have photos

  • Sharon Sharon on Aug 20, 2017

    He should get some Kilz Max primer to do all the walls and ceiling. It one of the only things that seals that odor in. I used to manage an apartment complex and we primed everything, cause once that nicotine is in the walls it will keep exuding out. We also ripped all carpeting and drapes out. To wash the walls for prep, go to Dollar Tree and get the Awesome Orange in the half gallon, and a bottle of the degreaser for stubborn spots.

    • Kathy Kathy on Aug 21, 2017

      Hi Sharon. We didn't know about Awesome Orange but made our own concoction to clean the walls and ceilings with vinegar, Dawn and Oxy Clean. We primed everything with Kilz before painting, and it's much improved. We were even scrubbing nicotine off of porcelain!

  • Kathy Kathy on Aug 20, 2017

    Thanks, Barb. He is painting the room gray, so he would have to go with different colors. Your pictures are so helpful!

  • Barb Barb on Aug 20, 2017

    For the bedroom try panels making it appear larger and here are another few photos. The first photo would be stunning in that room Being how your son has his furniture arrangement!

    • See 1 previous
    • Doreen Dwviniczuk Doreen Dwviniczuk on Aug 23, 2017

      Wow, I love the look of these pictures, just wish I could make them larger to see the total effect. Would love to do this to my family room.

  • Sootie Sootie on Aug 21, 2017

    I'm not much for curtains, but in the living room I have a large bay window that I needed covered at night for privacy, I attached vintage curtain rod brackets, then used metal piping with metal curtain rings with clips to hang your basic painters drop cloth. So easy to open and close and looks similar to Barb's photo above.

  • Kathy Kathy on Aug 21, 2017

    Thanks for your suggestions, Sstockdale60. I'll check out the vintage look online.

  • Jewellmartin Jewellmartin on Aug 21, 2017

    Lovely house! I hope he chooses his family's favorite colors for some rooms. To walk in and see a color you love makes you feel welcome and safe. Best wishes 😇

    • Kathy Kathy on Aug 21, 2017

      That's so true, Jewell! Kevin wants to be involved in the design decisions, but he does better with fewer choices. I've been trying to offer a few choices based on his suggestions. Naturally, I'm not showing him anything I wouldn't use myself!

  • Susan Read Susan Read on Aug 21, 2017

    Further to what another reader wrote, about creating a ;bedroom) fake window: I've seen this done on basement windows - extend the window moulding further down the wall and create the illusion of a larger window. Dress the actual window with a blackout roller or other choice, then dress the entire fake window as you like. Just makes for more traditional balance. Lucky guy to have such helpful parents. Nice home, too.


  • Kathy Kathy on Aug 21, 2017

    Thanks, Susan. I really appreciate the suggestions for how to make everything look larger. That will be helpful, especially in the smaller bedrooms.

  • Jewellmartin Jewellmartin on Aug 21, 2017

    My son Kevin is the same, and he knows it. Luckily, my DIL is more decisive and she presents only a few choices. As I do with my husband! My Kevin is an artist and a procrastinator.he wants things perfect, but has a hard time deciding what perfect is. Nest wishes on your son's house.

  • Barb Barb on Aug 21, 2017

    Oh I'm so happy and I look forward to seeing the finished project, I do a lot of friends of friends, co-workers and family home make overs and of course wedding venue's. They say I missed my calling.

    • Kathy Kathy on Aug 21, 2017

      It will probably be a while before we get to the window treatments, but thanks to all of you we're beginning to have a vision! These things don't come naturally to us so we are grateful to the kind people on Hometalk!

  • DEE DEE on Aug 21, 2017

    on the living rm.... unless privacy is a big issue i would take down the blinds... out of style.. do nothing... move the couch in front of the windows ...bank chairs on either side of the couch... this would fill up the rm nicer..... on the bedrm. --hang ceiling to floor drapes on both windows,,, extend the one window with the same size drapery rod as the double window... this would give the illusion of a larger window on ea wall... leave bed same position but turn the chest of drawers onto the wall with the window... this would balance out the area.... good luck... have fun

    • Kathy Kathy on Aug 22, 2017

      Hi Dee. The pictures shown include the furniture from the last owner. All furniture, window treatments and light fixtures are being replaced. Instead of carpeting he will have hard wood floors. We're not sure how his furniture will fit, but we plan on trying all of the many great ideas we have gotten! Furniture is mostly hand-me-downs. Thanks for the ideas on the windows!

  • Naomi Anctil Cline Naomi Anctil Cline on Aug 22, 2017

    Plantation shutters on the bottom of the living room windows would give privacy but still allow plenty of light to brighten the room.


  • Barb Barb on Aug 22, 2017

    i would love to see a photo of the placement of where the tv is for better furniture design

    • Kathy Kathy on Aug 22, 2017

      Hi Barb. The TV in the living room is on the wall to the right of the couch. The chair near the front door is facing it. He has a couch and a couple of wing back chairs that we are still trying to figure out placement. In the bedroom the bed will be flat against the wall with the smaller windows and the TV is on the wall opposite it. There will be a low dresser under the TV. Not sure where the tall dresser will fit yet. We have so much furniture from friends and relatives and not a whole lot of room!

  • Jean Thompson Jean Thompson on Aug 23, 2017

    Use Queen or King Flat sheets as Temporary drapes.. My mom used them for her sliding glass doors and they look fine... especially on the South side of the house where the sun really gets Hot coming through the large picture window.

  • Roxann Douglas Roxann Douglas on Aug 23, 2017

    Pretty sheets hung with ring clips or if not too tall beautiful shower curtains. Even painted drop clothes if he's artistic

  • JOHNNY JOHNNY on Aug 23, 2017

    A trick,as the picture above reflect's verticals look great , but are dated . the trick is to recess them. This can be done by buying the standard 6 ft patio blinds which are about $30 each, and disassemling them and customizing them to your opening. if you pay for this it is pricey, it is simple, you will need a cut off saw & a file, a drill. not hard, takes about 45 minutes per opening. advantage is no dust, looks modern

  • Maxine Waller Maxine Waller on Aug 23, 2017

    I love sliding panels. They're a great modern alternative to blinds and drapes.


  • Ro Ro on Aug 23, 2017

    The room darkening & valances up to the ceiling are both good idea. Add floor length curtains & VOILA!

  • Anita Beck Anita Beck on Aug 23, 2017

    I have a whole wall of glass on the south side of my house. We are very shaded in the summer so I can use sheers & I have one dark curtain where the windows are separate. I had to buy 14 sheers to cover the whole wall. Then have room darkening panels on a rod if needed.

  • Mfbandit769 Mfbandit769 on Aug 25, 2017

    Window treatment business owner here. As a designer and being in the business for over 30 years, PLEASE do not use verticals, "toppers", wooden blinds, or valances. These all scream 80s and 90s! Hire a professional to provide some options for drapes.

  • 2dogal 2dogal on Aug 25, 2017

    Actually, I'd take everything down - and leave all window treatments off. You have a beautiful view - why hide it? South side? Plant a fast growing shade tree outside the window.

  • Connie Connie on Aug 25, 2017

    The wall on the right could use some balance. Hang pictures to mimic the length , width, of the Windows on left side.


  • Bet29265449 Bet29265449 on Aug 25, 2017

    If you really want window treatments there, use a very short valance. Unless direct sunlight is a problem, I would follow Sal85902's suggestion and leave them open.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jul 30, 2022

    Shutters might look good! You could fold them back out of the way, when not required or leave in lace and adjust them according to the light or leave them half folded like a room divider.