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If you are considering installing specialty replacement windows (geometric shapes, eye-brow windows, patterned glass options) in your New York and New Jersey home, you may be perplexed on selecting window treatments. Are you wondering what type of curtains you need for your replacement windows, or even if you ought to use a window dressing at all?
At Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey & New York Metro, we want our customers to be 100 percent satisfied with their windows for many, many years, which is why we frequently post articles that focus on getting the most out of your home renovation projects. While we can’t cover all window shapes and styles in this one blog post, we hope the following suggestions will inspire you to get creative.
Choosing Curtains for Patterned Glass Replacement Windows
Patterned glass, sometimes called art glass or decorative glass, obscures the view inside to add an extra layer of privacy, where necessary (bathrooms, bedrooms, etc.). Some natural light still filters through the glass and you may notice attractive patters of light and shadow on the walls, floor and ceiling in a room with patterned glass windows as the sun makes its way across the sky each day. Of course, you don’t need to add any additional window treatments for light control or privacy, but you may choose to add side panels to complement the color and design of the pane or full curtains to block some light.
Many customers opt to leave their patterned glass windows “undressed” when they are installed above fixed windows, as sidelights for an entrance door and in rooms where they want to utilize natural light as part of their decorating scheme. Since patterned glass is available in both traditional and specialty windows, follow general decorating rules based on the shapes, size and placement of your window.
Geometric & Specialty Shaped Replacement Windows
From round and oval to trapezoids to hexagons, geometric shapes are fun and add visual texture to your New York or New Jersey home. While different window treatments work best for different shapes, there is one challenge dressing all non-traditional shaped windows – finding off the shelf window dressing solutions. Here are some possible decorating solutions for dressing your new replacement windows.
1. Cellular honeycomb shades are a great option for almost any window with an arched element. Top-down and bottom-up custom cellular shades are available, but in general, top-down shades work best with arch windows since the narrowest part of the window is at the top. Top-down shades work well with ellipticals, eyebrows, perfect arch windows, bullet arches and other shapes that are narrower at the top than the bottom.
2. Shutters and “mock shutters” can be built with horizontal and vertical slats that open and close to enable or block light and boost privacy. Some custom drapery companies even offer sunburst designs (or do-it-yourself-kits) that look spectacular on circle windows, ovals, and imperfect arch windows. Naturally you could opt to have grilles added to your replacement windows if you want the visual effect of a sunburst without having to invest time and effort keeping the window treatments clean and functional.
3. Tie Back curtains work well on larger elliptical windows. Just remember to use a curved or bendable rod so you can mold the rod to the exact shape and size of the window. Lightweight fabrics are appropriate for most windows, but you can use other fabric weights if you use the proper rod.
4. Vertical blinds constructed on a curved track are another option for arch windows.
5. Half curtain options work well when you have circle windows and hexagon shaped windows. By installing a fabric curtain that only covers the lower portion of the window, you allow sunlight to stream in, but add a bit of privacy, too.
Custom window treatments allow you to cover almost any window stylishly, but there may be times you want to leave your windows totally undressed. For example, when you have windows installed high on the wall under a cathedral ceiling, you won’t be able to open and close the curtains, shutters or shades unless you choose remote control options or you are willing to climb the ladder every time you want to make a change. Curtains and drapes help you tie your decorating scheme together, block light and add privacy, but they aren’t necessary for every window in every room.
If you are planning to upgrade your home windows, we welcome the opportunity to tell you about our non-traditional replacement window options that include a wide variety of shapes, styles and grille patterns. Maybe you want more information about patterned glass and accessories. Whatever questions you may have, we invite you to call us toll-free at (866) 609-5033. You can also fill in the short form on this page to request a call back if it’s more convenient.
Check out this post for more information on decorating your windows.
Learn Everything You Need to Know BEFORE Buying Replacement Windows