Architecture Festival

When imagining a dream house most people envision a structure with many windows, instinctively providing the house with the air and light that is so necessary to our well-being. From a design perspective, French windows are the ne ultra plus of apertures—generous, extravagant and aesthetically pleasing. Also known as French doors, these tall windows add a touch of class to both the interior and exterior of a house, and they are functional as well as beautiful.

When it comes to dressing French windows with curtains, there are numerous considerations. The first is whether the windows swing inward or outward. With outward swinging casements, there is not much to worry about, but when the windows swing in, space must be allowed for that movement. Another factor to take into account is what job the curtains are intended to do. Will they be used for privacy or to filter out the heat of the day, or will they be merely decorative?

If the idea is to prevent onlookers from seeing in during particular times of the day or to block sunlight, a roman shade or a blind works well. Affixed to the top of the window frame, this type of window covering can be raised and lowered easily at any time. For a more permanent covering, a panel that attaches to both top and bottom of the frame, perhaps in a sheer fabric or one that coordinates with the room’s upholstery, answers well.

Drapes provide a more dramatic look, and can also offer the benefit of insulation. Suspended from a rod above the windows with a panel on each side, this type of curtain can be drawn across from each side to entirely cover the window. When coverage is not needed, the panels can be slid to the sides and held back by curtain ties to form an elegant frame for the window and view it presents.

Remember that with in swinging windows, there must be enough clearance between the open window frame and the hanging drape, whether closed or open. Making the drapery rod wider than the window frame on each side ensures there is enough room for the drapes when open.

Combining roman shades with drapes creates a stunning, layered look and provides many options for controlling light and privacy. Another option, with cleaner lines, is to simply hang just a valance above the window frame and coordinate that fabric with the shade or blind.

Curtains on French windows can also finish the look of a room. Whether a particular color is chosen to blend with furniture, flooring, cabinetry or mouldings, or a look is intended to evoke warmth and cosiness via the choice of fabric, there are many options to dressing French windows with curtains.