Dressing the windows in a house is typically the final step in the renovation/decorating process. Now that the paint has dried and all of your decisions are made, you are left with a fish bowl of a house. Those paper blinds have been super helpful, but they have served their purpose! Time to move on. But how?!
In a farmhouse, the windows are sometimes (most of the time, really) a big part of the room. They add character and charm, whether large or small. They can speak to the era of the home. The windows can also share certain qualities that may not be available any longer (and if available, very expensive). I shared our attic window design in an earlier “The Art of Repurposing” post. Keeping the shape of these windows was very important to us for all of the reasons listed above. Once the look of the home/room starts to feel complete it may feel as if adding a little something to the windows is a must. Maybe because the room calls for a bit more privacy or maybe because adding another design element to the space will truly round-out the room’s decor. No matter what the reason, deciding on window treatments can be a challenging task. It can also be expensive! Buckle up, here’s a bit more to know to help you through this.
If you choose a fabric shade, research local seamstresses. You can call your local fabric store and see if they know of any at-home window treatment experts. You’d be surprised at how many retired seamstresses continue making window treatments out of their homes. They are typically less expensive because they don’t have the overhead costs as some other professionals.
Now deciding on a window treatment style…this, to us, is the fun part! We’ve broken down a few of our favorites below. Once the seamstress checks out your project, they will share how much fabric will be needed to complete the design. Start searching for a fabric that works with the rest of the décor and speaks to you. The seamstress can then give an idea as to how it will look based on the fabric pattern (the repeat of the pattern and where it will fall may change disrupt any design ideas, so definitely check on the pattern repeat specifications ahead of time!).
Here are some simple, yet stylish window treatment options that will stand the test of time, especially in a modernized farmhouse…
- Plantation shutters – functional, easy to operate (for little hands as well!), partial or full privacy options. They are versatile and easy to design around if you haven’t got a clue the décor route you will inevitably be taking!
- Valance – This offers the least privacy, but we love a good valance. The charming farmhouse windows can really stand out with this option. There are so many different style selections (balloon, flat, pleated) and they will give you the opportunity to add a pattern, color, texture to your room in a simple way. Down the road you may decide to also incorporate a shade on the window and then your window will really be dressed up.
- Roman Shade – they come in different style selections as well (roller, matchstick, venetian, flat, relaxed, pleated, balloon…). Just another way to elevate your room. If you go with this option, remember you will need to close these completely to gain any privacy needed since they will come down from the top of the window.
- Draperies – this really dresses up your room, but can also add a shabby-chic vibe. Sheer or lined draperies (or both in combo) are a solid option. If your room or window are small, double panels can overwhelm. In this case, your best bet is to pick a lightweight fabric or go with a single panel.
Before making a final decision, consider how the shades will physically need to be hung. Some windows only allow for an inside mount, others an outside mount. Making this decision may also alter the overall design plan completely. Dressing windows is a cost commitment, but once all is said-and-done they add such a warmth and aesthetic to any room. Farmhouses are meant to be homey and comfortable. Adding a little something to the windows helps form a welcoming tone and a consistency throughout the house that will not go unrecognized. And sometimes leaving them bare is all the warmth needed as well!
