Hi Everyone,
Thank you so much for all of your kind observations and ideas regarding the den window treatment design. This is a continuation of the post, and a decision about what I’m planning to do. There’s also an update about the results of my kidney biopsy. That’s in part 2. However, if you’re just landing here for the first time or wish to review, please start from the beginning. But to skip ahead, please click the link below:
Part 2 Begins Here
Hi Everyone,
Happy New Year!
Okay, this is just a relatively quick post. However, I need to order some window treatments, so I’ve been working on this.
Oh my, it’s been quite a while since I designed some window treatments. There are numerous details to consider.
However, today, I have to decide on the basic design for the den window treatment.
Please let me know what you think in the comments.
I have decided to do the Brunschwig and Fils Le Lac Chinoiserie print for a Roman Shade. However, I think the room would look better overall with a simple off-white linen curtain, as well.
Above is the window with only a Roman Shade. To the left is how much fabric I’ll need. However, 99% of the time, the shade will go up as shown. I know. That’s a lot of very expensive fabric to have folded away. Oh, I forgot to mention this is one of the most expensive prints out there.
Natch.
Would I need to make the shade go all the way down? Strictly speaking, it should; however, if one is sure that it will never go all the way down, then I think it would be okay to do a shade about 66″ long on this 106″ long window. Then, we can get away with only two yards and hope the top part starts at a good point. To be on the safe side, it would be best to order 2.5 yards. There would still be numerous folds, and the shade could go up and down a few feet without looking weird.
What about doing a faux Roman Shade, Laurel?
So far, I’m not a fan of faux Romans because they usually look faux. Plus, there is no option to use them as a working shade. Effectively, they are a valance. However, there is only one exception that I would consider for a window treatment design, which I’ll get to in a sec.
That is if we must do an outside-mount Roman Shade. Get this. I’ll need at least seven or more yards if I do a real outside-mount Roman Shade. This fabric has a huge repeat, and because my window would need a six-foot width of fabric to make an outside mount, I need to add a piece to each end.
Now since most of it is hidden behind the curtain, could I cheat and use a solid fabric? This fabric retails for at least $500 a yard and sometimes more, so yeah, you can cheat all you want as long as the cheat is hidden.
The drape is a medium to heavy-weight off-white linen that must coordinate with the shade fabric.
I very much recommend getting a cutting for approval of both, if possible. If the color is a hair off, it’s okay because the eye will adjust for the slight discrepancy.
In addition, I prefer a linen that isn’t too heavy on the slubs, especially if one can see through it.
Both the shade and the drapes must be lined. My favorite lining, which I use almost all the time, is a thermal lining. Thermal lining is heavier than typical lining and has a slight nap, more like brushed cotton. It can be made of cotton, synthetic, or a blend of the two.
I ALWAYS use white lining unless the fabric is very dark or opaque, and it would look better from the outside to do ivory or another color.
The reason is that a cream color will make the fabric look YELLOW. Yes, it will. The same goes for cream-colored fabric. So, please be careful.
However, the thermal lining also blocks a healthy percentage of light. It’s not blackout, so a strong sun will come through, but not nearly as much as with a typical lining. Also, the thermal lining has insulating properties.
If it has been found over the years that using a thermal lining negates the need for an interlining, the exception might be for an exceedingly formal manor house with super high windows where an opulent look is required.
Let’s look at the alternative window treatment design (below).
This is the same inside mount Roman Shade as in the first image. I do prefer the first version, but here’s the thing: The perspective of this image is not accurate. That header is about 12 feet up the wall.
So, does it really matter?
Well, the view sucks. Ironically, the only nice part of the view is where the Roman shade is! Fortunately, no one will ever see this view unless they decide to stand right in front of the closet and look out the window. I don’t see that happening.
Could I do a top-down, bottom-up Roman Shade? (please see the example in the image below)
Sure, but I don’t see that happening. While the view is better higher up, that is also where I most need the light control. So, it would mean a lot of up and down with the Roman shade and I know I’m not going to do that. That style shade is good when the shade is mostly in one position.
Below is a fancier double border with a Greek Key corner. We could do the inner one in dark teal and the other one in black. I probably won’t do this, but it would be especially nice if there were no shade.
Laurel, what about the curtains with no Roman Shade?
Okay, great idea! Let’s look at that.
I like it better than with just the Roman Shade but not as much as the drapes and Roman shade combo.
Below is a widget with most of the items discussed in the post, plus a few other things I hope you’ll find helpful.
xo,
*********************************************************
Part 2 Begins Here
January 5, 2025
Hi Everyone,
This is a continuation of the post focusing on the window treatment design for the den window.
Man, it’s cold outside, but it is even colder where my sister lives in a northern suburb of Milwaukee. Still, even though the windchill is 14 degrees here, I walked an additional mile after I walked to CVS to pick up a prescription. The old Laurel would’ve come straight home.
That reminds me.
I do have some results from my kidney biopsy. Alas my fear that they wouldn’t get enough tissue to confirm a diagnosis is what happened. However, they were able to rule out Lupus Nephritis, and aside from some scar tissue, which we expected, everything looked pretty normal from the samples they acquired.
My nephrologist was concerned because my kidneys are quite small and ordered only two passes. The pathologist wanted a third pass but was denied.
Complications can happen with this procedure and usually necessitate a blood transfusion. However, my doctor confessed after I inquired that she once lost a patient from a kidney biopsy. Yes, that’s right. I went into this knowing a patient under my nephrologist’s care had died from the procedure. However, that poor guy had a bleeding disorder.
The good news is that the eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate improved a little since November.
Fluctuations are normal, but it’s upsetting when the numbers keep going down as they were. Still, if I weren’t going for my regular checkups, I would have no idea that I have stage 3b kidney disease. Stage 5 is when one needs dialysis or a transplant.
So, we can only keep testing blood and urine frequently to monitor the situation. My doctor, who was reluctant to have me undergo a biopsy in the first place, sees no benefit from having another one when it’s possible to cause further complications and still have inconclusive results.
Since my kidneys are small, there’s been some diminishment of tissue, but what’s there is still pretty good. That makes sense because I don’t have any symptoms of kidney disease.
So, there it is.
I’m drinking Cale’s beech bark, ginger, and turmeric tea daily. I also asked my doctor about hydrogen water, and she said there is no medical evidence that it helps but that some of her patients AND her mother swear by it. Lol. She says there’s no harm with the tea or the hydrogen water. So, I might as well try it. Do any of you drink hydrogen water? Please tell us if you do and if you think it makes a difference.
All in all, the news is about as positive as I could’ve hoped for. However, as a public service announcement, please get your annual checkups with bloodwork and urinalysis. Kidney disease is frequently asymptomatic until one day, a gravely ill person ends up in the ER with end-stage kidney failure and had NO idea they were sick.
Okay, back to the topic at hand: the den window treatment design. Thank you so much for your terrific ideas and observations!
Let’s take another look at the naked window. (The view is not helped because one of the buildings across the alley is totally encased in plastic.
I stuck my fabric sample onto the glass. Of course, it will be lined and won’t be as see-through. However, I love it so much!
Incidentally, the little area rug I got for the den has been in my bedroom for the last six weeks. When the furniture moved upstairs, it was so unbearably bare in the bedroom. So, I brought the rug down and love it down here! It really warms up the room and looks so beautiful in front of my bed.
Stepping back into the little vestibule, the window as seen on the way to the bathroom. I’m so happy my vintage coffee table worked out in the den.
I love sitting in this chair and looking into the den. So, the window treatment will be quite visible through both doorways. See the sun? This is just before it was about to disappear for the day. It can be quite intense and, over time, without some light control, there could be damage to the furnishings.
However, the perspective sitting in the den renders the window treatment barely visible.
Actually, these two images below do the best job of conveying just how huge this window is. I took these images the day after I moved in. A guy is installing my Verizon Fios, which I have enjoyed these past four years.
And there’s the old, seriously ugly brown roller shade. (and my darling Joe!) Joe was my beloved plant, who passed away in January 2022.
Please enjoy the video below where I go over some of the difficulties here.
So, where does this leave us?
Well, one thing I know is that I don’t want drapes. This will only make the window seem taller. Besides, I’m not doing drapes in the living room, so it might seem odd to do drapes in the den instead of the living room.
Then, the other day, Susan sent this gorgeous idea: a lambrequin with drapes underneath.
By the way, she did this on Picmonkey! Well done!
Years ago, I wrote a post about valances, including lambrequins and pelmets. The latter two are hard valances made of upholstered or fabric-covered boards. The terms can be used interchangeably, but a pelmet is usually more plain.
Still, I love the lambrequin idea. However, I wanted a more Chinese feel, so I doodled around and came up with this below.
Above is a lambrequin design in the Brunschwig Le Lac fabric and a roller shade with a pretty hem. I love this and was all set, but then I walked past my window, visualized the lambrequin up nearly seven feet over my head, and said, “Oh no! That’s not right. It’s too much, too high ,and looks like I’m trying too hard to do something cool.”
Then, I thought maybe I could do the same window treatment I’m doing in the living room.
That would be a valid choice, but I still think the den needs a pattern. However, I have a new idea—or, actually, a new version of one of the previous ideas.
Instead of the plain, flat Roman shade, this is a relaxed Roman, sometimes called a soft-fold Roman with tails. One workroom I used for over a decade called them fishtails. I did this style many times. Sometimes, we used a decorative piece of trim, either plain or with a pattern, to cover up the seam where the rings are sewn on.
This is my photo, above, from a window treatment job I did in 2010! It is a soft-fold Roman Shade without the tails. As you can see, we also did a drape and used the shade fabric as a trim along the fronts and bottom of the drape.
This is a terrific post that discusses Roman Shades.
I think this Roman Shade will look lovely from the view in the living room.
It will coordinate nicely with the living room shades yet be its own thing.
Please stay tuned for my window treatment for the living room! I’ve known what I wanted to do here for the last four years!
Also, my Chinoiserie coffee table is coming tomorrow, and one day this week, the sofa is coming. I should know more about that tomorrow!
xo,
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93 Responses
Sorry to hear about your kidney issues. I would confirm that tumeric is in fact an anti-inflammatory for you. It isn’t for everyone, for me it immediately irritates my digestive tract, it causes inflammation in my body. Even if you don’t feel symptoms, it’s a good idea to check.
I would look into using red light therapy. I use Leanne Vernier light box and apply it directly to the kidney area. The site is a bit quirky! Don’t be put off. Explore this option and LMK.
Laurel, As I read your news regarding the status of your biopsy, my reaction was this is good news. You know you don’t have Lupus Nephritis and you don’t have symptoms of kidney disease – to my mind this is good. So all the more reason to remain positive and take good care of yourself. So – I did not realize how big your window is and forgot just how high your ceiling is – drapes for sure would add to the height. So, I have changed my mind and totally agree with you that the roman shade is the way to go. And your fabric is outstandingly gorgeous. Looking forward to seeing what you have planned for your living room windows. PS – are you still planning on the harlequin design for your kitchen and entry?
Hello Ms. Laurel, as many of us who follow you, I am but an amateur (if at all) in interior design, but have found that your blog has helped me inmensly. This leads me to tell you about the anxiety the news about your kidneys caused me, because although I don’t know you personally, I can say you are my favorite designer. I am glad you had good news about your kidneys and I hope that they will remain healthy and performing for many many years. I can see that the relaxed roman shade with the border is the best option because it gives it that extra elegant touch to the window. I have read other comments and your answers and adding a rolling shade behind it is genius! Thank you for taking us into this wonderful process. Have a blessed Year.
Hi Laurel,
I’m sorry I didn’t get to comment yesterday. Thank you for sharing the news regarding your biopsy. And the PSA about being tested. I’m 70 & have never had a test done. You really do have to advocate for yourself.
Congratulations on deciding your den’s window treatment. It’s going to be lovely. Make sure you have the workroom save the scraps. Or maybe they can make a beautiful fringed pillow for George’s arrival this week. 😉
Deliveries are always so exciting. I can’t wait to see everything in place.
Curious as to the drop of the Roman shades you’ve planned. It all looks quite fabulous!
Happy for your positive health news. ❤️
Laurel, first, thank you for the health update. I’ve been keeping you in my prayers, and it’s nice to hear some good news! Your window treatment solution is lovely, and I like the relative simplicity of just having a relaxed Roman shade with that fabulous fabric. Also, brava to Susan for her Picmonkey rendition!
You have solved my own window problem! I couldn’t figure out what would look good and be functional, and one of your ideas is perfect for me. Thank you for including your thought process, because the one that will work for me is one you discarded 🙂
I step aside from your blog for a few weeks and the chartreuse satin curtains I ADORED in one of your earlier renderings of the den are gone without a trace! I’ll have to readjust.
Hi Cyndel,
I liked those chartreuse drapes, too.
What Tsippi said is very interesting – I’m glad I’ll never have to worry about having special shades made or wanting something that doesn’t follow the government’s “rules”. Watching your video I could better understand what you were saying about how high the windows are and how something, although pretty, might look funny way up there. My thought, when watching your view from sitting in the living room, was that one of those “top down, bottom up” shades in that beautiful fabric would look pretty cool when down for privacy (and I’d probably always keep them down LOL. A quick Google search said they don’t require more fabric but they do have a special lift system so cost is probably prohibitive. Your window casings are really beautiful though and they would still show.
Hello,
The fabric pattern is large — with a vertical repeat of 84 inches and a horizontal repeat of 50 inches. I have to wonder just how much of the pattern will actually be visible when it is made into a Roman shade? Muting the pattern in this way, however, would be helpful to your aim of making the window not a focal point. But it’s a lot of $$$ for something that is going to be heavily sun-damaged before long and which you will only see glimpses of the full pattern from time to time.
In the meantime, could you buy some sort of inexpensive and easily moveable screen to provide privacy when needed? And indulge yourself with something wonderful to cover it but at a lower price point?
Don’t get me wrong … we all want what we want and I think you know that we all want you to have all that your heart desires.
In this particular case, I feel that the decision is being rushed when, perhaps, it need not be.
Hi Penelope,
Perhaps you don’t realize that I’ve been in this profession since 1988 and before I became a full-time blogger helped at least 300 clients with their interior design needs. Most of those clients had window treatments.
That’s fine if you don’t know but why the “I know better than you, Laurel” attitude? Please have a little faith!
I don’t understand what you mean by rushed. I’ve been thinking and planning this home for well over four years. If this were a client job, I’d have maybe four months to figure everything out, and that would be for a large job. If anything, I’m embarrassed about how slow I am.
To address your other concerns.
1. There is a mistake made with the repeat which I just verified. It is 50″ vertically. I can prove this because of my ten foot to scale length of fabric in the rendering. I laid 50″ squares of fabric one on top of the other and they fit. 84″ does not begin a new repeat. In addition, the shade is showing the amount of fabric that will be seen. All of the elements will be visible. From side to side, in order to match one must either lose 19 inches off the width, or else drop the repeat down 25″. This is known as a half-drop repeat. So, if someone is using this fabric for upholstery of a sofa or multiple panels, there will be a fair amount of fabric waste either vertically or horizontally. It is best to discuss this carefully with one’s workroom before ordering an expensive fabric like this one.
In my case, my window is 46.5″ wide, so with hems, the 50″ wide fabric is absolutely perfect. If I order three yards of fabric, I will have plenty to make the shade with some left over for a pillow. I will need to discuss with the workroom where I would like the shade to begin and where the rings are to be sewn so that a small tail is created.
2.The fabric will not fade as it’s going to be lined.
3.Privacy is not an issue at all. I lived in that room for 7.5 months and spent thousands of hours in there before the renovation. I never felt the need to put the shade down more than about 2 feet or so, but that was only for light control. One cannot see in from the alley and the commercial spaces across the way are dark at night. In any case, there are few windows and they are not close enough to see any detail. But again, almost all of them are dark, or else have a security light on. There are no people around.
The biggest culprit is the sun which can shine quite brightly.
This is not a matter of “we all want what we want.” I do love this fabric and have admired it for a long time. However, it will look fantastic as a Roman shade and I think an oblong pillow on the living room sofa, if there’s some left over.
I forgot to mention, I may end up putting a roller shade to pull down behind the Roman shade.
Laurel,
I would have considered a Conrad grass shade to allow light filtration. Perhaps a separate roller shade behind for privacy if depth allowed. Could be hung with or without drapery panels, given the wall they would hang on I might opt for no panels but that’s a personal choice. I love the color drenched walls.
I truly enjoy your blog for its honesty and humor.
Cynthia
Retired design professional
Hi Cynthia,
I forgot to mention I very well may be doing a roller shade behind the Roman. The depth allows for both.
Would it help to let this simmer on the back burner and finish out the rest of the room with rug, etc. and then see if it would change your mind about anything?
In the first two pictures of part 2, the pendant light shade doesn’t look level. Is this just the camera angle?
Good news about your biopsy!
Hi Nelle,
I’m super happy with my decision. The most important consideration are what are going on the sister windows in the living room! However, we haven’t discussed that. Or, at least, not close up.
Yes, that is the camera wide angle playing tricks with the alabaster shade. It is perfectly level. Anything else would drive me nuts!
Hi Laurel, Happy New Year!
I’m a little late to comment on your window treatment topic.
-I think your den is really fabulous, however I wonder whether any patterned or decorative window covering would detract from the overall esthetic of your room. Would it make sense to use a very basic shade/blind within the same tone as the walls? For full disclose I’m a minimalist, but I also appreciate other design esthetics.
-On a different note, regarding historic windows, I was reading about vacuum insulating glass which is very common in Japan and used in historical renovations in the US. All the very best, Vanessa
Hi Vanessa,
You are not at all late. I posted part 1 on Wednesday and part 2, today. The living room will be an off-white shade with a trim to be discussed. My other option would be to do the same shade in the den that I’m doing in the living room, but with the saturated wall color, I really would like the den to be its own thing that coordinates. Please stay tuned.
Happy New Year Laurel and so relieved for you regarding the stable biopsy report. Love the direction you are going with the window treatment in the den and look forward to seeing your idea for the living room. The den sofa is so classy.
All the best, Leslie
Thanks, Leslie. I had found nearly the identical sofa on both Etsy and Chairish that looked to be available but it wasn’t which is so annoying. Then, I found this one, also on Chairish. I grabbed it for it could be years before another one comes around. This one is in pristine condition. However, the filling for the seat cushions could stand to be redone. One day.
I knew you would finally come around to the right choice. Why cover the beautiful wood trim with drapes and a plain Roman shade is too linear. Btw, glad your biopsy went to a positive slant.
Hi, I can’t get past the very first comment that says the government is now regulating interior design! Oh, my gosh! When will it end? Making it illegal to do certain window treatments is way too intrusive. The government has too many employees with nothing to do but find ways to make our lives more difficult! They have to go! Now, I love your idea and think you should not spend another minute debating. Also, where is your sofa? Is it still in NJ? When is it coming? You are so patient, I’d be driving there with a Uhaul to get it myself by now!
Hi Dianne,
They are trying to make things safe is all. We always put cleats way up high and instructed clients how to wrap the cord around the cleat for safety purposes. However, there are a lot of idiots in the world who let their cords hang all over the place and then, disaster can happen. The cord locks they require, we often did anyway. I do like the one that’s like a pulley that attaches close to the wood casing. I looked it up and that one seems to be okay.
Hi Laurel. Have you spoken with a workroom yet? The federal regulations changed in July (again) and window treatment hardware options are now extremely restricted. The Roman shades you used to spec are now illegal. Some of the big companies will not even sell you manual roller blinds if your window is taller than seven feet, and the new version of clutches and plastic chains are even uglier than the old versions, which I already hated. Also, everyone knows the new tension devices for manual shades will fail, and there is no DIY fix for them. Basically, everyone wants to sell motorized, without any thought to the dangers of having people our age climbing ten foot ladders to charge batteries. All of the above is why I’m still living in a home with zero window coverings. I’ll be interested in what your workroom tells you it can do.
Thanks Tsippi,
I’ll talk it over with them. Good point!
I like your final choice. It feels right. With such minimal use of this fabric, do you need to incorporate it somewhere else?
The video was eye opening! That window is so high! I get why panels of that length in an otherwise smallish room may be overwhelming. I’m still wondering how you will deal with privacy and light control when you have guests. Maybe I’m mistaken but I was under the impression that your son stays in the study when he visits.
I lived in there 24/7 for over seven months and spent thousands of hours in there before the renovation began. Privacy is rarely if ever an issue. It is mostly empty after dark commercial space. The sight lines are poor. I had far closer and many more neighbors in Bronxville, but never felt anyone could see in as I could not see into their apartments. That is except for two guys about 20 feet away. Their toilet like mine was in front of the window and I could clearly see a silhouette standing in front of the toilet. I moved my curtain so I couldn’t see them doing their business. lol
Love my Hydrogen Water. It’s the EchoGO+. Look up Gary Brecka for everything Hydrogen water. The door being a different height definitely factors into what to do for window treatments. I have a similar situation with my windows being lower than the 8′ tall doors. The windows are 7′ off the ground and go down to almost the floor. I’m referring to my master bedroom where I have 2 sets of french doors )1 leading to a veranda & 1 set going into our “workout room”. All doors (bathroom, closet, entry & 1 set of french doors) are 8′ except the french doors leading to the veranda which are standard size. The different heights of doors and windows drove me crazy. So my situation is opposite of yours but nevertheless I had to come up with solutions to get all the heights the same using window treatments and a transom (using antique glass, etc..) above that shorter french door. All the different heights made my eyes go crazy when I walked into the room. LOL. Sounds like you figured it out and it will be so pretty and from viewing in the living area. LOVE the fabric & have really enjoyed your journey thus far! Can’t wait to see the sofa on that beautiful rug.
Interesting to see my Veere Grenney-style chinoiserie pelmet suggestion mocked up here (by chance), and rejected because of the height problem! One thing we really need to make good suggestions is an indication of human size next to the ideas you present. Could you add a Laurel silhouette beside the image of the window to remind us of the scale? Your softer Roman shade certainly works better than the flat version.
By the way, Susan’s mock-up is terrific, really stunning.
Looking at this, I thought maybe a solution would be the inside-mount blind plus the plain linen curtains, but to add a pelmet in your hugely expensive fabric, à la Veere Grenney, with a shaped finish. But thinking again after looking at your thumbnail of the room, a pelmet would accentuate the difference between the height of the door and the height of the window. So not sure if this is an idea. I do think if you use the fabric for a blind, it would be a good idea to use a bit more on a couple of cushions (not too expensive, as the backs could be plain teal or green or other colour velvet) to add an extra touch of the pattern. Enjoying all the choices so far!
Laurel, I’ve been thinking of “short Romans” (instead of faux Romans), for the exact same reason. In my case, it’s not the price of B&F Le Lac fabric. It’s just that the window is SO TALL, and I will never fully close them. But faux Romans are just so faux. So I vote inside mount (don’t hide your gorgeous trim!) with linen drapes. omg! Your home is just so beautiful!
I am enjoying going on this journey with you and learning from you, especially as I chip away at my own home renovation.
One question about both the roman shades and white panels: as you have even painted the exteriors of the doors to this room in the room color in order to keep the unbroken depth of color, why break it with the window treatments? Why not match those to the walls, perhaps with the fabric used on the George Smith sofa, and use the chinoiserie fabric for upholstery?
Thanks!
Hi Jennifer,
That’s an excellent question. There does need to be some off-white as the sofa is off-white and the room needs white, in any case, And black, too. The new doorknobs are black! However, as I just wrote, I have decided against the panels for other reasons.
Hi Laurel! Your home is beautiful as expected from you! Really so polished and luminous. I wanted to share a suggestion for that den window of yours (and maybe your bedrooms as well if the view is an issue). We used an amazon frost film (like $15 and self-applied with a credit card and spray bottle) and that particular brand is phenomenal. It lets in ALL the light. But gives a uniform smooth appearance and doesn’t look cheap. You use a knife after applying to trim the edges off.
Laurel, I have enjoyed every post about your renovation, but now we are down to the best part! I love all the finishing touches, colors,fabrics,trim,decor. The choices of pattern and color are incredible. I agree with Beths comment, Joni Webb is truly missed and she had a wonderful touch with her design. I also like the outside mount with panels matching at the full height of the window. I am wondering if you would do a post on adding window treatments to homes that have plantation shutters. When we downsized we added them to our new home and now they feel so stark and lifeless. But they provide privacy and light control that is much needed. I look forward to more inspiration from your project. Thanks, Sherry B
Hi and Happy New Year Laurel, I love your blog and never miss a post.
I wonder if you might consider your roman blind done with an elegantly shaped (maybe a bit swoopy or Gothic) matching and trimmed pelmet and no curtains. I have this treatment in a top floor bedroom of this ancient English house. The walls are a strong but mellow Aconite yellow and the blinds are Colefax&Fowler’s “Jessica” which is an open and large pattern of leaves, flowers, branches on slightly tea-stained cream, lined with sun-blocking bumpf, no visible strings, just an almost invisible metal chain on the side to raise or lower them. They are gorgeous and curtains would just detract. I think your proposed Brunschwig blind is so beautiful against that wonderful teal that it should be left to its own splendour without a less distinguished fabric hanging close to it.
For me I happen to like the inside mount. But I would also like to see a little softness, a relaxed style on the shade. I also looked at your fabric choice and ran in the other direction. I’ll look forward to enjoying it in your home……..blessings!
Have you considered using the beautiful fabric just as a border on drapes? Although I love Roman blinds I find them difficult to reach and use on my tall windows.
Thanks for sharing, every design decision you have made is lovely as I am sure this one will be as well.
Best wishes for good health, peace and joy in 2025!
I vote for the outside mount with side panels. (The inside mount is “okay”). And yes, why not use a solid fabric on each side of the Roman shade. You’re the only one who will know. The Brunschwig fabric is gorgeous. Do what you love!
Go with what you desire, 10 years ago I purchased Ralph Lauren fabric for custom made pillows. Paid out $$$, nobody appreciates the beauty & design, and trim, but I do! (Mom of six kids.)
I have several roman shades throughout my home. Some I have with drapes and some without. They are all outside mount for 2 reasons. First I dislike a negative space between the shades and the drapes. I put bamboo Roman shades with all my drapery to elevate the height of the window and not cover the actual window. I don’t like to actually use the Roman shades because it is a pain to get them to lay perfectly if going up and down so I use linen put down shades underneath the Roman shades that cannot be seen unless I pull them down (which is just to block sun and not used often). On the Roman shades I have in my kitchen and in my spare bedrooms I do not have drapes. These stand alone outside mount Romans are with Brunschwig & Fils chinoiserie fabric (different fabrics of course for kitchen versus bedrooms). Bottom line is IMHO I prefer outside mounts with drapes to avoid negative space and I just prefer the look of outside mount if using Romans stand alone without drapes and my personal preference would be to use a linen (solid) Roman with drapes and put the beautiful fabric on pillows. If doing Romans without drapes then the fabric choice is beautiful! This is what I would do but with that said everything you’ve done is just beautiful and you’ve put so much hard work and all the details make the place a show piece so I’m sure whatever you decide will be gorgeous.
Hi,
I like to start my panels as far off the window as possible. Inside hem of panels just covering the window trim. And my outside mounted shades are always even with the drapery height to keep the eye focused up. This will enable a bit more of your fabric to show and allow the window to look larger. Can you buy directly from B & Fils and save a bit.
Laurel, have just caught up with this post and read all of the other’s comments. I am agreeing with those who say go with the drapes and inside mount shade. But, as much as I love your fabric pick – I would go with all solid. And repeat the black or teal border on the shade. I would use the Braunschweig fabric (which is gorgeous) in another application like pillows on the sofa or chair(s). My thought is that mixing the window dressing fabrics adds level of complication to an already outstanding room due to the gorgeous color of the walls. Just my thoughts.
Great home decor tips! The combination of Roman shades and off-white linen curtains creates an elegant and functional design.
Well, if you would have to buy two lengths of the Chinoiserie fabric for an outside mount blind, why not go all the way and make curtains of it? 🤑 If nothing else, the lovely pattern would be at eye level for you to admire!
This comment is only half serious. But in any event, curtains and window coverings add so much to a room. What ever you pick will be beautiful.
Hi laurel happy new year! I would do a faux Roman with an outside mount ( possible u will need to use two panels sewn together, it can be done beautifully and be barely noticeable, I have done it) and ur drapery panels underneath. That fabric is gorgeous!! Make it the star of the show!
Hi Laurel, I would definitely have the inner mounted blinds ending to just below the window – i.e. not all the way to the floor. I wasn’t sure if that is the 10 foot measurement? I have similar blinds and I have them down all the time in the evening for privacy. I also love your curtain design but, if cost is an issue, you could start with the blinds and get the curtains done at a later date. You have put so much hard work into your apartment and I think you will regret it if you try and cut costs on the blinds.
Laurel, do you remember Joni Webb? She has passed- I miss her! But her pet peeve was the negative space between top of shade and the drapery rod. Consider outside shade mount to fit under drapery rod. Your B&F fabric would really be star of the show.
Hi Laurel,
I can only encourage you to go, if possible, with the fabric you love.in the amount that you need. I’m hoping your creative instincts find the joy your heart desires.
Wishing you all that is good .
Happy New Year !
I vote for the inside mount roman shade with no curtains. If the door will be left open most of the time, wouldn’t it partially cover one panel of curtains? Also, that paint is too gorgeous to cover up with curtains.
Is the 11.5 a typo? The 3.5 yards of fabric equals 10.5 feet.
Looking forward to seeing what you choose!
Your neutral panels and fun roman shade will be absolutely gorgeous! The flat use of the print shows off the pretty fabric while also keeping the cost down (sort of like when you tell us to put our splurge fabric on smaller items like pillows). If you are able to get away with using a single-width of fabric on an inside mount, it will reduce the cost of the fabric as well as the cost of construction. It will also reduce the weight. Huge roman shades can get super heavy and can get hard to pull up if they are on the old-fashioned cords. I hear others telling you to go for it and make it the full length of the window, but they may not realize that the stack-back of the layers when drawn up would push out from the window quite a bit. It can start to look silly, especially if your fabric has a lot of bulk. I made this mistake in my own home one time. I ended up increasing the return on the panels and brackets, but the folds on the shades still bumped my panels forward a little bit. Oh well, live and learn! Your idea of a shade that looks like it could go all the way down, but is actually shorter and stays up permanently is the perfect solution. Can you tell that I have made many mistakes sewing my own roman shades? Yes, loads and loads of mistakes! One shade was so huge and so heavy that my kids knew to stand back when I let it down. If I didn’t have a firm grip on the cord, the shade would come plummeting down and the metal rod encased in the bottom of the shade would land on your head!
What about a beautiful pelmet in your expensive fabric and the trimmed drapes in the linen. No worry about shortcuts being discovered! Then use the expensive fabric elsewhere as well. I know you’ll design something classic and amazing!
I like it. Do exactly as you’re suggesting. Don’t cheap out and do faux anything you’ll regret in the long run!
The off-white drapes seem interruptive to my eye & call unnecessary attention to the the view. The rich room color and trim are too good to lose! I’d do a cornice from which a partial roman shade would descend (outside mount) either in your chosen fabric or another less expensive print.
Or, do the drapes in the print and make the shade a complimentary color. Also, make the drapery hardware richer. I just don’t get the wrought iron in this setting.
Your stuff is terrific and I enjoy watching your mind work. Keep it up!
The look of the outside mount roman shade in a shortened length with the lined linen panels would be my preference of the choices presented. It might also be possible to use your favorite fabric as a cornice/pelmet/valance and that would be striking also, with the linen panels mounted underneath, of course. More fabric would show which you might prefer, or it might not be the look you want. As I look at your mood boards, I think I prefer the fabric with the folds in the Roman shades over the flat expanse of the fabric, so that is a consideration. On the other hand, a cornice would use less fabric (I think), but then there would be the cost of having the cornice fabricated, so it might be a wash as far as the cost is concerned.
I like the outside mount short Roman shade option with the panels. Another option would be the panels plus full length very fine linen sheers which would allow light to come through but filter the view somewhat. But I don’t think that is the look you want, plus it may not give enough light control. The B&F fabric is beautiful and is more interesting used with the white panels.
I love the first one with the drapery panels and the outside mount valance. I have the same configuration in my family room, the off white linen side panels, only my faux valances are woven woods to keep it a bit more casual. My panels are ten feet long and the rod is black as well. I’ve had it this way for six years without one regret. There’s no need to have the roman shades go all the way down because these windows are north facing, and I only wanted valances. But you wouldn’t know they aren’t long enough because I had them made long enough to drape nicely at the bottom. I did get finger lift on the valances so my window cleaner can more easily clean the windows. They came with a long stick with a hook to adjust them. They do look a little messy at the back on my patio. But I have sofas with pillows and a coffee table with decor. So your eye really has no reason to go up to the roman shade backs. Anyway, I think your printed fabric will disguise the wiggly cords. Beautiful choice- And I think the fabric will be worth it! Your eyes will glance up there every time you walk by giving you lots of enjoyment. A bit like glancing down at a lovely ring on your finger! The best ones are always lovely to look at.
My vote is for inside mount shortened blind with drapes. 9 ft is a long blind and will be too many folds when it’s all the way up. And with lined drapes you really have no need to ever have it a the way down anyway. I sense this is where you are leaning and I think it will be fabulous.
Some food for thought….
Idea 1: replace the partial Roman shade with a cornice or pelmet. Since the expensive B&f material is the star , this would place it front center and top. The white panels with trim would rest behind. If you need privacy the panels could be on metal rings and rod to enable them and to open and close.
Idea 2: Go for a different print fabric less Uber doober expensive yet still gorgeous, one with similar colors and pattern to coordinate with that rich wall color… Then go for panels and Roman shade both in the other fabric. Depending on the fabric and what level of “more is more”, trim could be added.
Idea 3: color panels with the new fabric from idea2, but with a white Roman shade with color coordinated trim to tie in with the panels.
Regards and enjoy the zen of looking out the window!
Regards,
Nancy
As long as when it’s part way down, it looks like it could be lowered all the way down, there’s no harm done. You’re the expert, but, six pleats short sounds to me like someone could tell that it’s missing length when it’s partially let down . . . .
Happy New Year, Laurel. I know whatever you choose will be great, but my ridiculous thought is for you to not do the linen drapes, and just do drapes of the La Lac Chinoiserie fabric and to heck with the cost. It is gorgeous, and I think the white linen is unnecessary. Just my two cents!
When I look at the view through the window, all I can think of is how to camouflage the view.
I also think about is how much you love that fabric? Is it really your dream fabric that you want at all costs? If not, I would do some real shopping around.
I just don’t feel comfortable with that view out of your beautiful room. I would piss me off everyday.
I don’t understand about only needing the light control at the top of the window, so please explain.
Would a sheer roman shade (the cords are hidden in the tape along the edges) which was left down essentially all the time work?
This obsessive fabric shopper is going off to find you a more reasonably priced alternative.
I really dislike the idea of a truncated shade. It just bothers me no end.
Hi Ramona,
No worries about the view. When sitting down on the sofa, it’s entirely different than what I showed. Also, I hope to be able to get rid of the prison bars this year. I am still recovering from the 16 month ordeal and so things are slow. Here’s the important thing to remember. I did not buy this place because of the view, or lack of it. Having beauty inside stops the eye from going out the window.
In the summer, the ivy view from the living room is prominent and lovely. When standing in front of the den window what pops out is the John Hancock building two blocks away.
Light control is needed at the top because that is where the sun is located.
There is no reasonably priced alternative.
If the shade is never let down more than a foot or two, no one would ever know that it doesn’t cover the entire window. In fact, it could be constructed so that the strings prevent it from going down more than than a total of four feet from the top of the shade.
If you have two windows, don’t forget about the ‘drop match ‘ like in wall paper to match the Roman shade horizontally with the other window.
Hi Kris,
I haven’t forgotten. lol Fortunately, it’s only the one window.
I am not sure what furniture will be in this room. As you said the view is not the best, I think having the Roman Shade in the print will draw attention to the window and view. I know you love the print and I am wondering if you would consider having pillows made out of the fabric for our seating area? It would take a lot less fabric and you would still have your print. Then maybe use another color that is in the fabric for a roman shade, since your walls are the color of the print in the fabric you love. The current design plan sort of reminds me of the Waverly drapes and wallpaper that all matched. Yes, I am old. I have seen silk roman shades that look really nice.
I do think that the half window roman shades will lay a lot nicer that having all the folds if you do a roman shade for the full window. Well that is my two cents worth. Again you live there and have to do what makes you happy and completes your vision. Best wishes.
Hi Dawna,
Sorry, I’m not following the Waverly analogy. I am 100% anti that type of decorating and have written about it recently.
There are many shades of green and teal in the fabric. The wall color doesn’t match any of them perfectly. It looks beautiful in the room. Yes, pillows would also be nice.
How beautiful, I definitely prefer the look with the outside mount shade. I have a much less experienced fabric pallet and budget, so if it was me I might think about doing a pretty valence and drape border in the special fabric (if the pattern could be appreciated on the border). However, you wouldn’t have the option to just block out the light from the upper part of the window then. And of course, if you have the budget, do what you love! I would imagine the shorter blind might look nicer as well with less pleats. Coincidentally I’m trying out my first roman blind construction this week; there are so many pretty examples out right now. I love some of the relaxed and London examples.
I am trying to picture a custom valance (made out of the B & F fabric) over the drapes and maybe some pillows made out of the same gorgeous fabric. To frugal me it just seems like the expense of a short shade you don’t intend to ever let down is kind of pointless. I really love that fabric!
what about custom plantation style shutters that cover the unsightliness of the view outside, and yet can be tilted for light etc. And then add panels as you love to do! The roman shade beauty will be lost with all of the wires and bars showing from the outside!
Hi Mardi,
I don’t think that will work for me, but thank you for the suggestion, anyway.
Since the shade is not for functionality, I would go with the shorter length. I invested in expensive fabric shades for most of my windows and have never had my shades pulled down more than a foot or two—if at all—and I’ve been in my house for 10 years. I don’t believe in regrets.
Hi Laurel,
Hi. My name is Mary & I am a fabric addict. I know how it feels to want an expensive fabric. I’ve seen a lot of them since I sew my own window treatments, pillows, & do my own reupholstery.
I have a full tub of samples.
I know that I don’t want to go into debt because of my obsession. I also like to be able to sleep at night. Whenever I’m in your boat I keep searching for a fabric I still love but can afford.
If I was you I would get your panels & keep looking for a different shade fabric. Maybe have some pillows made with your dream fabric. Or find an ottoman & have it recovered in your expensive fabric. Your life will be the same with affordable shades.
If the room is used for guests, you need some way to completely cover the window. I think the short Roman shade with the plain curtains assuming the curtains can be drawn completely over the window for privacy and light blocking.
Hi Mary T,
Absolutely. The drapes will close off the view entirely.
Roman shade only…otherwise the moodiness created by your painful (to us only) process of color selection for the walls and trim would be negated
Hi Gilda,
Oh, sorry, I thought it was only painful for me. haha. I do think that wall will benefit from an off-white drape breaking things up some. I really love the new vintage off-white sofa!
Beautiful fabric that I hear crying out to be a notched cornice. I’d then add subtle texture with a natural fiber blind. Best quality and prices for those that I have found is Payless Decor out of Atlanta.
Hi Dana,
Do you mean a cornice like Miles Redd does?
Probably the least popular opinion, but I prefer just the curtains! Could you incorporate that beautiful fabric some other way perhaps?
Hi Shaleen,
Yes, I could!
The fabric you have chosen for your window treatment is gorgeous!
The side panels with the trim are very elegant. However, I noticed that with out the roman shades,the trim and the iron bars on the window compete with each other. The roman shade draws the eye away from the iron bars. I agree with Susan about saving for what you actually want instead of compromising.
Hi BJ,
I am looking forward to an alternative to the unsightly iron bars. I will need permission, however. There’s such a thing as a film that renders break-ins impossible.
Go for proper drapes entirely in the B&F fabric. I know you purchase at Designer Cost and since you need so much and it costs so much, you may be able to get an additional discount from Kravet on the yardage. We just redid a condo with a designer, and the bedroom chair fabric was $$$. (yours is $$$$) We were going to go with a less expensive (way cheaper) look alike and then my husband asked the decorator to see if Kravet would give us more discount and to our surprise they agreed. They may have wanted end of year sales, but dont ask, dont get I always say. I bet you will not ever regret having those drapes in a fabric you love.
Hi Gerri,
I have seen Le Lac done as drapes and the pattern is completely lost. Plus, we’re talking a twelve foot drape. I would have to have a panel and a half and because of the huge repeat, I would need 15 yards. I might get an additional 10% discount for personal use. That would make the fabric at least $300/yd. So, the answer to that is not favorable. However, thank you for the idea. I’m not opposed to a print for the drapes, but not that one.
Have you given any thought to paneled historic inset shutters for any of the rooms? Could go nicely with the panels below the windows.
Hi K,
I love those, but that is an architectural feature that would not be possible with my windows as they are not deep enough. There are buildings in Boston that do have them, however.
Dear Laurel
Happy New Year!
At this point of the design process, why not go ahead and get exactly what you envision…
Totally agree with Susan Sims opinion on this…
I know you’ll ultimately come to the right decision… you always do!
Have you thought about a woven wood with a sisal rug to warm things up?
Hi Elizabeth,
Yes, to the sisal or rather seagrass for me, rug. While I love woven woods, I don’t feel it’s right for this room.
Hi! I’m not sure what you are looking for an opinion about. However, in the event you decide to do the Roman shade, I would not skimp on the length to save money. Years from now you won’t remember what you spent, but you will still be looking at the shade. If you can afford the difference, afford it. I am always of the mind to save for what I actually want, instead of compromising on quality and settling for something short of what I want. Darn champagne taste!
Hi Susan,
I don’t disagree with you. However, doing a shorter shade might be for the best, no matter what. I know for sure I will never let the shade all the way down. Plus, the window is NINE feet high not including the casing and sill. If we do an inside mount, it will be 46.5″ wide, otherwise it will need to be nearly five feet wide.
Doing a shade that goes all the way down will also be quite heavy which means the strings will be more likely to break. Plus, the bigger shade will also be very expensive to make. This is a compromise between doing a totally faux Roman which I am having trouble recommending (unless someone can show me one that is believably real) and one that is 9 feet long that I know I’m never going to let down all the way. The look will still be the same. It’s like the difference between nine pleats and 15 pleats. No one is counting and you can’t see them individually when up, anyway.
Now, if this were a more typical window that was five – six feet high, I probably wouldn’t recommend short-changing the shade under any circumstances.