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DESIGN SOLUTIONS
Making the Case for Treating
Casement Windows
How a window operates and where it is located are important
factors for designing the right treatment for your client.
by Sharon L. Anderson
CHALLENGE:
My client has new windows in her home. She also has casement
bay windows and is having a difficult time deciding what type of
window coverings to use for these windows. Any suggestions on the
advice I should give her?
SOLUTION: Casement
windows refer to any of several types of operable windows usually
hinged on the sides so that they swing outward. They are good for
ventilation as they usually open fully. It is not unusual to find
them on either side of a large fixed window, or on both ends of
a bay window combination.
You definitely should ask your client how the window operates. A
crank at the bottom corner of the window is the typical method.
You also need to know how often the window is opened so that any
treatments you help your client decide on won’t interfere
with either the method used to open the casement or the ability
of your client to reach the crank handle!
As with any type of window, it may be trimmed with wood molding.
If your client’s windows have any type of decorative wood
molding around the window, she may not want to take away from this
excellent focal point around the windows. If you are able to mount
inside the window casing, I would suggest any type of soft shade
treatment or consider a lightweight sheer fabric pleated at the
top. This depends on the area allowed inside the window for mounting
hardware and also the interior style of the room.
CHALLENGE: I have
a client who is a homeowner contemplating casement replacement windows
for her living room. There will be two of them with a picture window
in the center.
Her concern is choosing a practical window treatment that will provide
maximum privacy, but will not make noise caused by the wind blowing
through when the casement windows are opened.
I’m a bit stumped myself. What type of window treatment would
you suggest?
SOLUTION: The easiest,
and perhaps the best, solution I could suggest would be a vertical
window treatment. That way, if the casement windows are open, then
the treatment can stack to one side or the other leaving an opening
for air, but covering the rest of the window.
Shirred sheers are another idea. If mounted onto the window frame
with a simple rod, be sure to include a rod pocket at the bottom
of the sheers and attach the bottom to the window frame as well.
This way, as the window opens, the treatment will open with it and
stay put!
If your client likes the idea of draperies, and if there is enough
room on either side of the window, feel free to design draperies
to hang from a beautiful decorative rod, but specify a rod that
will be long enough for the drapery panels to stack completely off
the window on both sides.
Do not rule out treatments that operate vertically, however. Products
such as soft shades, wood blinds and horizontal blinds could work
for this type of window, and they seem so much more popular these
days. With these treatments, when the casements are opened, your
client will be able to raise or lower the treatment as needed.
You might want to consider installing the treatments above the windows
and the frames so that when fully raised they are completely off
the window area. The same consideration can be made of any top treatment
your client might want.
You also should be able to order a hold-down bracket for whichever
treatment your client chooses that would be installed at the bottom
of the window to hold the shade or blinds in place while down.
Nearly any combination of the above treatments will provide the
daytime and nighttime privacy that your client is looking for.
CHALLENGE: My client’s
windows in a “prewar” apartment pose a problem. There
is little or no space on one side of the window for the curtain
rod and the curtain panel itself. The window is in the corner of
the room and right up against the adjoining wall.
There also is a problem with a radiator that obstructs the possibility
of a window treatment in that area of the floor and wall.
SOLUTION: Your second
challenge is the most important—it involves the safety of
your client and her family!
You definitely do not want to place any type of fabric near or around
the radiator heating unit. My suggestions would be to incorporate
an inside mount window treatment consisting of either blinds, wood,
soft shades, roller shades or a Roman shade. If the heating unit
is anywhere near the window and window treatment, I would make sure
it would not pose a safety issue.
Editor’s note: This is a continuing series of articles
written by Sharon L. Anderson that will answer some of the many
questions we receive at Draperies & Window Coverings as well
as questions Anderson has encountered in her own business. If you
have a question you would like Anderson to address, please send
it to:
Design Solutions
c/o Draperies & Window Coverings
1724 E. Grand Ave.
Lindenhurst, IL 60046
Fax: (847) 356-9013
E-mail: SharonAnderson@adelphia.net
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