Recently I talked about what to do with towering ceilings. Well, that issue usually comes with another particular obstacle: towering windows. While window coverings provide a variety of purposes including privacy, light control, renewable energy conservation, UV protection, attractiveness — when you’ve got towering sets of them, it’s often tough to choose how to treat them. Here are some options to consider.
Douglas Design Studio
Full policy. This is an especially good solution if you’ve got tall buildings nearby which overlook your property. If you do not wish to wave to your neighbor on your skivvies, install full-height curtains and inspect the policy at night from beyond the window. Many window coverings offer the illusion of privacy but really reveal far more than desired. For optimum light blocking and privacy, utilize blackout lining.
Margaret Donaldson Interiors
Partial coverage. Cut costs by employing window coverings only where required. If you like to wake up to the morning sunlight but want some privacy, install window treatments only on the lower part. This double-high wall of dividers would happen to be visually overwhelming.
Studio Durham Architects
No policy. In case you’ve got extra-high windows in a transition area, like this stairway, consider leaving them nude. Insert a detail such as stained glass, direct work or an arrangement of windows to get variety without obstructing the view.
Slifer Designs
A multilevel alternative. Do you require complete room darkening only sometimes? Install blinds or shades on the top and lower portions individually to control light wherever and whenever required.
Friehauf Architects Inc..
Mixing strategies. This box valance combines functional drapery panels which run the complete height of their windows. Meanwhile, woven blinds offer shade for the lower half. This combo allows for a flexible decorating approach in addition to a two-part strategy for controlling light.
Kate Jackson Design
An up-down alternative. Versatile window coverings such as these are ideal for tall windows, because they allow you to block or invite sunlight into an area based on how low or high the sun is in the skies.
Yaniv Schwartz – Photographer
Adding play. On a wall this high, upper windows can resemble a lonely add-on. Sheer panels loosely tied back will offer a counterpoint to the hard borders. The best part: They will not break the bank.
Corylea Interiors
Enhancing a linear look. Notice how a ceiling cove conceals the drapery hardware here. This really is an excellent architectural treatment you can use if you’ve got high windows. The absence of fuss on top enables the eye to focus on the lower half.
Regas Interiors, LLC
Bringing down the attention. High chairs can make a room feel cavernous. Adding detailing in a contrasting fabric that relates to the reduced part of this room can help bring the focus down and make things cozier.
Bates Design Associates, LLC
Sending the attention up. For a dramatic impact which celebrates height, go in the opposite direction: Send the dressed-up detailing to the very best.
Fox Custom Builders, Inc..
Using UV window film. If you truly don’t want coverage but find the room too bright, UV film is a superb option. It behaves like shades for your windows, cutting down on glare. It enhances thermal properties and protects your furnishings from fading and corrosion. Silk, for instance, is vulnerable to sunlight rot. UV window film helps shield silk curtains.
Cravotta Interiors
Placement. A fantastic guideline when you have high windows and no crown molding would be to set the drapery rod halfway between the top border of the window and the ceiling.
Liz Williams Interiors
Whenever there’s crown molding, I like to set the rod below the molding, leaving 1 to 2 inches between the surface of the rod and the bottom of the molding. Doing so can emphasize the height a little. If you would like to downplay that, bring the rod to the peak of the windows.
aamodt / plumb architects
Think outside the window. Sometimes the solution lies outside. Use conventional awnings, shutters or a filtering display such as this one to lessen light intrusion.
aamodt / plumb architects
An ornamental filter display has another benefit: It produces a stunning pattern of light inside the home.