Need help with window treatment ideas for lv rm window seat window

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

Hi, I am trying to give my living room a more polished, sophisticated look. I believe some sort of window treatment would help tremendously. I'd appreciate knowledgeable advice about whether to put drape panels on the outside of the window (type of bar, color, valance?), or something on the inside of window. Links to similar ideas as proposed welcomed. Where desk is and old lamp is, a midcentury modern buffet/bar is on its way. I should mention I have white muntin bars for the window as well.

Wall paint Ben. Moore Carrington Beige, trim Ben. Moore Simply White.

Thanks so much...here are pics from all angles. Other ideas for the room also welcomed, particularly if related to window treatment!
Jeff

Featured Answer

karemore55

10 years ago

Hi Jeffrey, The first thing that came to mind regarding curtains is a fabric available on a website called tonicliving.com. They sell pillow covers, as well as drapery fabric, and will make custom curtains for you. I think they are reasonably priced, but haven't ordered from them personally. The fabric is posted below and has some olive green in the loops,which I think I see in your rug. Having said that, the rug looks different in each pic so would you describe the colors for better reference? Will keep poking around for ready-mades for you, but in the meantime -'yes, curtain panels are the way to go and hang them on a brushed nickel rod that is halfway between top of window and ceiling, or even just below the ceiling. Make sure the rod extends about a foot on each side of the window, so that when the curtains are fully open you can see the whole window. You could then hang wicker blinds or maybe solar shades depending on light and privacy needs, and the curtains would be stationery panels.

Looking at the rest of your room, I love your choices, but the sectional looks like it could scoot forward about a foot so that the front feet are on the rug. It will look better pulled out from the wall a bit.

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Comments (32)

jeffreyh
Original Author
10 years ago
Here is a better exposure...
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Solar-screen-shades.com
10 years ago
Consider doing a solar screen shade in the fabric series Sheerweave 5000. You can see this fabric and more at http://www.solarscreenshade.com
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I think you can transform this kitchen on a low budget to tide you over for the next couple of years. I would do the following: Try painting a sample tile to see if it will properly accept paint. If so, I'd paint them a very pale cream to make them disappear, and remove the large section of tiling altogether near the door. Wipeable paint should be sufficient here. I wouldn't change the door handles - your ideas for bringing in a few industrial styled items will work quite well even if you keep these. Industrial style bar stools (black metal and wood) + black metal industrial style lighting will have great impact on the room and tie in with the cupboard handles and radiator you already have. Photo wall on the end wall behind the breakfast area is a nice idea - just be careful how you place the frames so they don't conflict visually with the lighting you choose when you are standing at the other end of the kitchen. You could actually do this photo wall over your nice charcoal coloured radiator instead to avoid visual clashes with the light fitting. I would go for a group of photos all in the same frame finish to keep it coherent - just modern slim black frames to link with the metal on lights and bar stools. Windows - if you are not overlooked I'd leave them without blinds. It is more in keeping with the pared back industrial style you are leaning towards. Are you happy with the colour of your walls? It might just be the photo but it looks a little on the dark side - and I'm not sure grey really sits with cream very well? You could paint the walls a lighter colour - maybe something similar or the same as the tile colour you choose which will make those tiles disappear even further. Perhaps there is a tendency for many of us to try to include grey with existing schemes because it is strongly in fashion when in fact it needs careful planning to avoid it either clashing or looking too cold. (just what I've observed from experience)! If you are planning on revamping the whole kitchen in a couple of years I think doing these small changes will satisfy you as to the existing with very little outlay. If the things you choose to buy now are going to be used in the new kitchen too you won't feel as though you've wasted too much time and money now. Hope some of these ideas might perhaps be useful- I don't profess to be a professional but I really enjoy interiors and making things work!
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karemore55
10 years ago
Looking at the rug some more, I'm thinking maybe it has some teal in it? You could jazz up the pillow patterns a bit to create more interest on the sofa, as well as place a lumbar pillow on each chair.

I think you will find, though, that curtains will make a huge difference, especially if you layer them with some blinds.

You have a nice living room, for sure!
karemore55
10 years ago
I'm also wondering if you could hang a series of pics in interesting frames along the back of the sectional on that adjoining wall. They don't have to be big - the impact would be more from the texture of the frames, and when hung close together they will almost read as one long picture. You would hang them so that the bottoms are about 6" above the sofa back.

I thought of these rugged frames because I think they would contrast nicely with the glass and metal coffee tables, as well as bring in some more organic touches.
lahawkins
10 years ago
Another option is plantation shutters. I would move rug closer to sofa and add some art behind sofa and by the desk. Add a throw on the sofa and pillow on other chair pulling from rug colors. Is the floor lamp by desk right next to chair? It looks like it's by itself in the corner competing with the desk light but it could be the angle of the pic. Not sure you need it. Maybe also add a larger object (vase?) on table behind couch to add some height, and change the candles to a color other than white to give some depth. Great room though!
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Inspired Spaces
10 years ago
Jeff, I would add stationary panels on each side of the window on the outside wall with a decorative rod. Do you need to cover the window for privacy or sun protection? Also add a custom made window seat cushion in a complimentary fabric.
jeffreyh
Original Author
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Thanks everyone so far. Window faces north, so I'd like to get all the light I can. Fixed panels on the outside leaving almost whole window open seems good. Gonna put art up once I figure out the window (large canvas prints of my favorite pics from Italy). Perhaps a three-parter over the couch. I can see I need to move my rug under couch! Keep ideas coming...very helpful.
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Sustainable Dwellings
10 years ago
I would use Roman shades, then full length drapes mounted near ceiling- to the floor...that would open to the outside of the windows.
myownaccount
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Love your room and doorway, your style of home, and mid-century style furniture too.

This isn't about your window treatment, as I'm challenged myself when it comes to my own windows, but I would replace the rug with a short shag of either a solid neutral color or a salt-and-pepper look of whatever colors you like in that room best ( a neutral solid shag that has little specks of something else running through it that gives it a little more sparkle and depth, but is still understated). I had trouble finding something just right to go under my modern dining table, returning area rug after area rug in frustration. Nothing looked right with my really modern table in a smaller space. Finally I put a shag like I described under it ( a neutral off-white with very faint brownish-blackish undertones) and it was perfect! It really made that space pop without being overwhelming.
Teri
10 years ago
Jeffery, I would do ceiling to floor fixed panels on each side. Since the window is northern exposure, you have the delightful option of focusing more on ascetics than function. (Unless privacy is an issue). The window is set deep....12"? Ish? Think about a seat cushion, layering fabrics and textures will give the room a cozy feel that is inviting and comfortable. Don't be afraid of some color either! And some drop dead gorgeous decorative rods will be beautiful but set you back a pretty penny!
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Masterworks Window Fashions & Design, LLC
10 years ago
Jeffrey, are you still needing advice?
Junee Bug
10 years ago
I love the idea of a bay window seat in that area since there is depth to it :)
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Loom Decor
9 years ago
Your mid century modern decor is excellent- what great furniture pieces! My suggestion to you would be to mount the drapes on the outside of the window to create a window seat area. It will make your room feel more spacious. I have hand picked a few drapery fabric options from our site. Take a look at all of our fabrics on the site & contact a stylist for personalized design advice free of charge! Happy decorating!
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Curtain Call
9 years ago
Hi Jeffrey. I'm new to Houzz and just saw your post. There are a number of things you can do. The drapery panels with a decorative rod are a great idea. I think a fabric Roman shade in a wonderful fabric would look terrific. These can be custom made. Hunter Douglas also has a selection of fabric Roman shades
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Pleotint LLC
9 years ago
Hi Jeffrey I think your living room could really benefit from our suntuitive self tinting windows. This will allow you to preserve your view, bring in natural light and reduce unwanted heat gain. You can check us out at pleotint.com
Maureen
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
The attached photo may be of some help in regards to your window. You can purchase the foam and some fabric to suit your tastes and have someone sew a custom bench seat.
Contemporary Bedroom · More Info
armchairshopper
9 years ago
If privacy is not an issue, I would not put up any kind of shade, shutter or tint on the windows, since the window faces north. Since panels on the outside are decorative and not functional, it seems to be an expenditure that you can postpone for a while. With that gorgeous deep window sill, I would definitely consider some live plants in beautiful ceramic containers with saucers to protect the window sills. The plants would help the indoor air quality and the containers and plants would add color and life to your subdued color palette.
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Gray & Walter, Ltd.
9 years ago
Does the room get a lot of light? Think about this before installing anything heavy. I think a nickel pole and finials would be nice. Try to get some patterned sheers that aren't too heavy or busy looking. Hang them from ceiling, they will finish window and still let in some light.
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Blinds Direct Canada
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Hi there,
I would recommend going with cellular shades with a top down bottom up option. This will allow you to control the light and privacy in the space. It also is a really clean sleek look it will fit perfectly inside the frame . I would also recommend staying away from drapery panels in this space. I feel it would be a bit heavy for the room.
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ResCom Designs
9 years ago
Seems to be the tv arera and thus you will need some sort of room darkening to blackout shade. Look at a roller shade with a pattern. This way you get the patterns of drapery with easy operation
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Shades IN Place
9 years ago
Plantation shutters and a window seat would be a great idea. The key to your project is "how much light/privacy" do you need /want?
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Unique Window Treatments
9 years ago
Hi Jeffery, For a true modern finish, might we suggest motorization. You can even use two sets of shades in conjunction with today's modern options. This will allow you maximum light control and style. A combination of a sheer and black out shade will serve you well and stay in style. Use, drapes to accent the room and add ambiance.
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User
9 years ago
Hi jeffreyh, You received a LOT of great advice! We agree with the idea of flanking the window on the outside wall with drapery panels, but would probably recommend a sophisticated, calm fabric pattern to coordinate with your preferred style. If you're still looking for the best solution (design, color and fabric selection), shoot us an email and we'll send you a digital rendering of our recommendation on your photo.
Andrea Bechore
9 years ago
this is what I made for a model home
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User
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
There's a lot of different ways you can go! I'd suggest some top down bottom up blackout shades. They'll let you watch the TV (assuming you have one in that room) without unwanted glare. When you want natural light in, you can lift open the top or the bottom of the shade.

Light blocking Black Out Shades · More Info
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Blinds Direct Canada
8 years ago
Hi there,

I would recommend going with a silhouette type blind. Its very modern and sophisticated. I would also recommend to stay away from curtains in this space. The window is very deep set and drapery could appear looking quite heavy .

http://www.blindsdirectcanada.com/blinds-toronto/hunter-douglas/silhouette-toronto.html
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Gallery Nelson LLC
8 years ago

Maybe something like this sketch of mine with a fabric that is less floral and more clean would work to finish the space off...
patrinkac
8 years ago
11/19/13 posting
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Mint Design and Development LLC
6 years ago
For formal sophistication consider Austrian shades, Regular or relaxed Roman shades for informal sophistication. For something more avant garde consider spray stenciling in a lacy or geometric pattern.
PRO
Beverly Hills Blinds & Shades
6 years ago
Hi @jeffreyh, I would recommend to use Roman shades:
tqtqtbw
6 years ago
Old post 2013