Shedding light on windows

Last week, I discussed awkward window shapes and, this week, I thought I would cover them, or maybe not!

We have so many styles and shapes of windows in our homes because of the different eras our homes were built in. The first recorded window was in the early 13th century and referred to a hole in the roof. Fortunately we have moved on from there and our skylights are now glazed with opening frames.

Windows were originally open holes in walls to allow light and ventilation to pass. The earliest known glazed windows were used by the Romans in about 100AD. The glass was crudely cast and opaque so you can imagine how little light extended into the rooms. Windows around the 14th century were glazed with flattened animal horn, and some in paper, but it wasn't until the early 17th century that glass was commonly used in more ordinary homes. Shutters were also used throughout these periods.

Window design and glass has come a long way. Today it is not uncommon to see double and triple glazing in new homes, aluminium and timber combined to give a home a more traditional look, or one colour of aluminium on the outside and a different colour on the inside. There are also windows designed that, at the push of a button, go from clear to smoky to add privacy.

Different window designs can be challenging when designing a treatment to cover them. The key points are: Do you need it for thermal gain?

Do you need it for privacy?

Do you need the treatment to enhance the view or the room?

Would a private courtyard be sufficient for privacy for an open bathroom?

I believe the window dressing should be thought through in the planning stage. Placement of windows and doors and how they are finished is important.

If we look at our options with a standard window, the finishing will depend on the style of the home or room. It needs to be kept simple as these are practical understated windows. Often curtains are too fussy, depending on the size of the window. Pleated blinds, timber venetians, shutters or roller blinds might be a better option. It will also depend on who occupies the room. Curtains might suit a girl's bedroom whereas blinds might suit a boy. Colour and texture also need to be considered.

Tall elegant windows found in our old villas need to be treated with elegant drapery. Classic headings, with classic rods or tracks and fabric that hangs well. Patterned, textured or plain fabrics need to be considered depending on the style of the room and how much pattern is required to create the right look. In more modern homes, drapery may also be required for tall windows but the heading would change along with the finish of fabric used.

Wide windows often give the appearance of a lower ceiling and wider rooms. Window dressings can be manipulated to heighten the ceiling and narrow the room. For wide windows in a modern home, my favourite dressing is motorised roller blinds mounted into the ceiling. This gives the appearance of no dressing as the blinds fit neatly into the cavity and are there for privacy when required.

For a more cost-effective blind, a chain control, inside fit or pleated blind might be a better option with a splash of colour. Either way the age of the house and style will determine what is required.

Windows with arches above them can be treated like tall elegant windows. There are two options for dressing them in fabrics.

The drapery is fitted at the top of the window so at night you lose the shape and the curtain remains elegant, or you fit the track along at the mullion between the two styles and leave the arched window exposed.

Blinds can also be made to fit these shapes so you still retain the look of the window.

Angled windows, I tend to leave undressed as I love the shape and interest they add to a room. But you can get blinds made to fit these windows.

Shutters can be used in a variety of windows or doors.

If you have any questions about issues discussed or product supply give me a call on 0276023298 or drop me a line on terry@terrylobb.com www.terrylobb.com (website under construction)