Design Solutions

Swing Time

Study the type of window you're working on before you design its treatment.

by Sharon L. Anderson

CHALLENGE: I am designing window treatments for a client whose home has various types of windows including windows that swing into the room. It has proved a challenge, as the different types of windows operate differently. I have sketched each window and noted the type of openings each window has in its element. Please help me identify the basic types of windows and the best way to design a window treatment for each. SOLUTION: There are three general types of windows to classify. They are: 1. movable 2. stationary 3. a combination that allows the window to be either. Each window has its own unique peculiarities, as you have discovered. In addition, the glass panes may be framed by plastic, wood or metal, which provide their own challenges for designing window treatments. Consideration for the window's framing is important as to the way each will perform under certain weather conditions such as humidity, extreme heat and cold. These all-important considerations will affect the overall performance of the window treatment chosen, as well. Within the general types of windows noted above, different specific types may be identified as: double-hung, in-swinging casement, strip window, French doors, single pivoting pane, jalousie, awning or louvered, angled bay, bow bay, double, picture, clerestory, corner, slanted clerestory, dormer, skylight, arched and sliding door. Windows that swing into the room take an extra effort as to the design capabilities of the treatment. Your first step should be to "profile the window." Take a good look at the entire window area and sketch all the important details around it, such as electrical outlets, that may be in the way of the window's operation. Here are some questions you should ask yourself before starting your project: • How deep is the casement around the window? • How far does the pane swing into the room? • What is the clearance from the top of the window to the ceiling? • How much wall space is there between the top of the window and the ceiling? • How much space is there from the outer portion of the window to the end of the wall? • Is the window open all the time? • Is there easy access to the window? These are just some of the important considerations Depending on the style your client prefers, you may consider a valance that starts at the top of the wall at the ceiling line (based on an eight-foot ceiling height) and stopping the valance right below the casing where the window frame begins to swing open. This will not obstruct the moving pane. An hourglass treatment on the movable pane may be a nice addition, or a shirred panel of fabric that will give the room texture and color at the same time. As you design the window treatment, the most important point is to design one that is compatible with the room design and allows for the free movement of the panes that open into the room. Sharon L. Anderson has more than 20 years experience as a professional interior designer in both commercial and residential design. She has taught at numerous colleges throughout California and currently is an educator at Moorpark college in southern California. She is a published author and frequent public speaker.

More Design Solutions  More Articles by Sharon L. Anderson 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 666 Dundee Rd., Ste. 807 Northbrook, IL 60062-2769 Fax: (847) 498-0231 E-mail: DesignSol@dwcdesignet.com