One of the common challenges in window treatment design is addressing windows that are at differing heights in the same or closely adjoining rooms. For a pleasing feel, we want the rooms to be close to the same so we can have a smooth visual transition. In the same room, and especially on adjoining walls, it helps with the balance of the room. It’s not always possible, but here’s a good example of how to blend the windows into one unified feel.
The client wanted some privacy from the street as well as some color to tie in her rug and pillows. You can see the fireplace and arched windows on the main wall draw the eye up and highlight the differing window heights. The strong picture molding also accentuates the difference. Our goal was to minimize the window heights and give the room a warmer, inviting feel.
SKETCH #1
First, I sketched out the different ways we could hang the hardware to see how it affected the room. It’s nice to see it sketched out sometimes as it gives a good idea as to how the draperies will look in a space. The first picture shows the hardware at different heights, following the breaks in the moulding and accounting for the arched window. While it does give a warmer feel to the room, the fireplace wall is still the larger focus and the other wall seems secondary. Your eye is drawn first to the hardware heights, instead of enjoying the overall feel of the room.
SKETCH #2
The second picture shows the hardware at the same height. The fireplace panels have to hang above the window and below the arch in the space provided by the moulding. Carrying that line across to the other wall we end up bisecting the moulding, but that is minimized by the fact that the windows now feel connected.
We chose a simple sheer to filter the light and give some privacy from the road. The blue silk pulls in the colors from the rug and throw pillows and gives the big white walls some warmth. The panels are interlined to give the silk body and a lovely hand. They are also blackout lined to protect the silk as well as block the light that will come in at different levels.
The finished room is now balanced and inviting, the initial impression is one of welcome into a cohesive space and the differing window heights are not noticeable at first glance. Time for a cup of tea with friends and family!
BEFORE
AFTER
