There are so many options when it comes to dressing your windows. First and foremost, you must consider how much privacy you require and also how much natural light you want to filter or block out completely.
After those basic questions are answered, then it is all about aesthetics and budget. The more fabric involved, the more cost. Maybe you could layer your windows for a truly custom look and save a little money.
Many people are using shades or blinds for privacy and/or light filtering and then hanging a decorative pair of drapery panels or window topper to soften or frame the window.
Balance and scale are very important. Take, for instance, the before and after photos of a project I worked on.
Considering there was a beautiful grand piano, someone had the idea to showcase the stunning focal piece with some draperies that were tied back to create a “stage” effect. The height of the drapery rod was great, but the treatment did nothing for the room. It segregated that corner way too much and left the room feeling unbalanced.
Furthermore, there was a lovely courtyard patio that was an extension of the living area. The old treatment did nothing for that detail.
I designed a wall-to-wall treatment that hung mostly on the walls and left the windows open. This framed the courtyard view nicely and it balanced out the room very well.
The piano is still a nice focal piece; but the new look is clean and makes the ceiling look even taller. It draws your eye into the room and invites you to come relax.
The treatment could easily be pulled shut should privacy be needed.
Considering nothing else was changed in this space, the dilemma my client had with the room not feeling completely right became a very clear and simple problem to solve.
