I took a bit of a break from serious trend roundups in the last couple of weeks, I'll admit it. I had a lot of judgment pent up in me for some reason, so I did some cathartic unloading on a few unsuspecting decor items. It was fun though, and I'm good as new -- ready to get back at it! And back at it today, means window coverings. I'd like to go on a rant about how people don't pay window coverings enough attention, but in all honesty I think people do. They're just a bit muddled in the choice department. I find many people simply have a hard time deciding between the style, the hardware, the material... The choices seem so granular and yet, each creates a vastly different look in the home. To help those people out, (and hopefully entertain the rest), I've shortlisted my favourite styles and trends in the world of window coverings. Let me know what you think!
Roman Blinds
Ravi Design via RafterTales.com; Rolo Rieper Shop; BHS Curtains
These are back with a vengeance. They never really left but for a while there they receded into the background, behind Sun Shades and grommet drapery. Well no longer. They're everywhere and I know why: they're a custom option that's affordable, easy as pie, and the sky's the limit with fabrics (look at the sheer ones in the centre photo -- cool!) Because they fit into the window much less fabric is required than full-length drapes, and because they don't have to hang, the type of fabric -- cheap or expensive -- doesn't play so much of a role. They're a great way to add bold elements to a subtle room as in the photo to the far right and can be made to look formal, modern, traditional or super trendy.
Floor-length Ripple Fold Drapes
Eclipse NYC, PointandClickHome blog; TheShadeStore.com
I've been watching a lot of Mad Men lately, and so I'm extra in love with ripple fold drapery - it's very reminiscent of the Mid Century. But floor length only, or else it will look like a hospital window instantly. The ripple fold drape is usually a result of custom design, as not every fabric will lend itself to this type of hanging and you need to space it meticulously. But if you get a little advice from a good fabric store or a fried who has a friend, then you're ok to attempt this on your own -- the hanging hardware is available in most decor stores. The look of these is usually sleek and relatively formal. If not that, it's decidedly dramatic. No matter the length of your windows, if they're square, you can do this. Simply hang them from the ceiling and down to the floor. The ceiling will look higher, the room proportions bigger. It's such a beautiful look, but it can run you some $$, as you'll need a good amount of not-cheap fabric to get it right.
Indoor Shutters
Channel14.com
No idea how much they can run you, as these tend to be a specialty item, but I do love the look of them in the right space. Not as versatile as Roman blinds or drapery, they are however incredibly romantic. My favourite are the half-window shutters (on the right) on a French or industrial warehouse window. They do look best on a nice big window, so this is perhaps a bit of a stretch for most, but if you have the right walk-out or and older condo, the floor length ones are also quite fetching, especially if you paint them some eye-catching colour.
The (not so) New Blind
HunterDouglas.com, CWHeat.com, Brian's Blinds
Admittedly, these have been around, but they're still going strong because blind manufacturers have hit the nail on the head. I myself have the Sun Shades that look very much like the ones in the middle photo (except for the valance -- really not a fan of the valance) all through my house, and I love them. My home is old, so I'm truly grateful for the clean lines amidst my 100-year-old walls and 'occasional' clutter -- the only thing providing consistency in to the 'look'. Before I got them however, I did consider the Silhouettes. These are an interesting technology from Hunter Douglas and subsequently others, which is essentially aluminum-type blinds wrapped in silk. The result is a unique cross between the benign look of a blind and the softness of a sheer drape. As you can see above, they provide the perfect backdrop to any style, and their accolades with regard to comfort, light filtering, durability and options are many. (Follow the links for more info.)
The Future (from 2007, actually)
I love independent designers. Really, what would we bloggers do without their bright, quirky minds? Look at this drape for example, few of us can honestly say they'd hang this in their home, but would a post like this be complete without a little trip to crazy town? I don't think so. So today I'd like to thank Hanna Allijn, a designer from the Netherlands, who came up with this crinkle drape. You know how drapes can be bulky? Well they can be, especially when you're in a small centuries old Euro pad. For those who want to save on drape space, you can use this. Pull the string on one end and the technofabric crinkles up in a pattern, folding along those visible joints until it's in a space-like soccer ball in the corner of your window. Hanna, this is totally amazing, even if we the HGTV.ca community don't understand you. I mean it.
Anything to add friends? Please!
Previously on Top 5 Friday: Forgotten Gems
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