How to Dress Loft Windows - use curtains
Loft windows often are challenging to dress but with the help of some expert advice it is possible to dress your windows and make the most of it’s shape at the same time.
Take the photo below for example, I used a combination of eyelet curtains in the centre windows and some fixed dress curtains to the side panels giving the impression of luxury, full length silk curtains and tie backs and keeping the lovely shape of the window too.
http://www.curtainlab.co.uk
But every window is different and the picture below, for example, is of a loft window in a rental property. Where the requirements were slightly different. The client was keen to keep cost to a minimum whilst dressing with windows with full-length blackout curtains that could be used for both a playroom and or a guess bedroom.
We decided to combine a functioning pair of pencil pleat curtains hanging from a discreet Integra centre track with fixed dress curtains/panels to the side.
http://www.curtainlab.co.uk
I strongly suggest that you take a long, hard look at your windows and make a note of what is most important to you. What is it you want from your window treatment? Does it need to block out the light? Does it need to keep the heat in and the cold out? What style of window treatment most appeals to you? A good curtain designer will listen to you and should be able to design something that does exactly what you want.
And what if you don’t like curtains? There are many other options. In my next post I will tell you all about Blinds for Loft Windows.
If you any questions or comments about this post get in touch, I would love to hear from you.
Posted in curtains, Loft Windows, Roman Blinds, Soft Furnishings | 
Tags: Curtain Lab, Curtains, Kingston on Thames, Kingston upon Thames, loft windows, Richmond, Roman Blinds, Surrey | 
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The Practicalities of Lined and Interlined Curtains & Blinds
It is a well known fact that Lined and Interlined Soft Furnishings can appear more substantial, more luxurious and altogether more stylish.
Lining will protect the main fabric and improve the drape of curtains. The first defence against sunlight, fading and dirt is a good quality, smooth, sateen-woven lining. On sunny windows, for example, is worth getting sun-resistant lining. Although this won’t stop the fading process it will considerably delay the sun damage.
If you are a perfectionist like me and don’t like to see creased fabric, look into crease-resistant linings. It’s gorgeous and it will save you lots of time if you are making the curtains yourself!
Interlining your curtains & blinds will make them hang beautifully and give it that extra special look. Interlining is a blanket-type fabric which is sandwiched between the lining and the main fabric. Curtains can be lined with medium or heavyweight interlinings depending on how thick you want the curtains to look. Traditional interlinings are cotton but synthetic ones are also available (they don’t shed fluff). Whichever one you choose, always buy a pre-shrunk one.
When your Curtains & Blinds are in need of a little cleaning, remember that lined and interlined window treatments are best steam cleaned in situ as they hang. There are a number of reputable companies providing this service, it may cost a little more but you can be sure mistakes won’t occur in the cleaning process.
As the cold months approach, it is important to draw your curtains at night time. This will prevent heat loss and if you have lined and interlined soft furnishings it might save you a few pennies on the heating bill too!
If you like this post or would like me to cover a specific topic, let me know! I’d love to hear from you.
Paula Trovalusci
For more information or help in choosing your own soft furnishings contact http://www.curtainlab.co.uk, with Christmas round the corner you might want to act now.
Posted in curtains, Roman Blinds, Soft Furnishings | Tags: Blinds, Christmas, Curtain Lab, curtain maker, Curtains, Kingston on Thames, Kingston upon Thames, Richmond, Surrey | No Comments »
Shutters
Indoor shutters are one form of window treatment that is quickly gaining popularity, making a wonderful alternative (or a perfect match) to curtains on bay windows accentuating quality and style. Shutters have such a dramatic impact and it’s important to choose the right style, design, and colour
Using shutters allows you to control the ambiance and overall mood of the room by the way they filter, block or let in the light of hte outdoors. They also provide privacy, whilst allowing circulation and ventilation. Interior shutters offer a traditional look and can fit in with just about any home decor scheme from contemporary to country and elegant to Mediterranean.
The following companies offer great service and a wonderful range of tailor-made shutter solutions well worth looking into.
http://www.apollo-blinds.co.uk
http://www.theshuttergallery.co.uk
http://www.shutterlyfabulous.com
http://www.thecaliforniacompany.co.uk
Of course we would always suggest you pair your shutters with dress curtains for a softer, cosier look!
Posted in curtains | Tags: Bay Window, Curtain Lab, curtain maker, Kingston on Thames, Kingston upon Thames, Paula Trovalusci, Richmond, Roman Blinds, Soft Furnishings, Surrey | No Comments »
Full Length Curtains
There is nothing quite like a full-length pair of curtains. They look elegant, give visual height and even bring warmth to a room.
In their most basic form, curtains are gathered or made of pleated panels of fabric hanging from tracks or poles for privacy as well as insulation against noise and draught.
Give it a little more thought and what you will have is an opportunity to bring texture and pattern into a room. At night, curtains will make the room feel cosier and inviting.
We tend to think of curtains in pairs, but in the case of bay windows, you can make the most of its shape by hanging 4 curtains to create a sophisticated focal point and dress this otherwise awkward space.
Lots of factors need to be considered to make sure you get the best looking curtains for your bay. If the windows are large and sunny, choose a ‘Light Resistant’ lining as it will help your fabric last better and retain the colour for longer. Cooler rooms might benefit from a substantial interlining, as this will act as an insulating barrier.
To add a little ‘wow’ factor and drama try using either vertical or horizontal borders. For a softer approach you can use a leading edge in a suitable trimming – there are some great trimmings on the market i.e. bobbles, beadings even feathers!
For a more formal look you can hang the tie backs high up, of course, allowing the curtains to be drawn in a more swag like style.
The most important thing, however, is to embrace the shape of your bay window, celebrate its beauty and love the home you live in.
Image by http://www.housetohome.co.uk/
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Create a Custom-Built Seating Area and dress it with Roman Blinds
I like working with bay windows. They vary so much in size and shape that no 2 bay windows are ever the same and this is precisely what makes dressing a bay window so challenging.
What ever window treatment you choose it is important to work with your windows and not against it. Don’t disguise or hide them in any way. Make the bay area a focal point, bring it into the heart of your scheme and make sure that, as well as looking good, the bay provides comfort and extra storage space.
This type of project requires skill so I suggest you call in a professional! A good carpenter or joiner should be able to build a good window seat for you that is both stylish and functional. You can finish dressing the area with Roman Blinds for a tailored, smart look. Add a few cushions to the seat, a small side table and all you will be missing is a good book and/or a glass of wine!
A window seat can work very well with most bay windows including Square Bays, Bend Bays or Semi-Circular Bays. Go ahead, celebrate your bay window!
How have you decorated your bay windows? Let us know!
