No matter the height of your home’s ceilings, you’ll want your space to live up to its potential. While you may not be able to change the height of your ceilings in order to complement your aesthetic, there are some ways that you can give the impression of height without breaking the bank. This article will provide an overview of how to create the illusion of height simply by choosing the right window treatments.
General Window Treatment Tips
Before we get into the finer details of finding window shades that’ll make your home’s ceilings stand out, there are a few things you should know when installing the shade. You might be tempted to simply install the hardware against the window frame, but there are times when the positioning of the fascia or cassette can play a role in how high your ceiling appears.
For standard drapes (those that hang on either side of a window), you’ll want to mount the curtain rod at the halfway point between the top of the window moulding and the ceiling. Note that this rule of thumb only applies if there’s more than 12 inches of space between the trim and the ceiling. This will add a bit of height but most importantly, this spacing won’t create an odd “no man’s land” of empty space above your window.
If you already have high ceilings, install the rod approximately four to six inches above the window, measuring from the top of the trim. If, however, your home has ceilings of conventional height, you’ll want to install the curtain rod no less than two inches above the window trim (this distance represents the minimum distance between the window trim and the curtain rod).
Bear in mind that the placement of the curtain rod can contribute to the illusion of height so try installing the window treatment hardware as close to the ceiling as you feel comfortable.
Window Treatments for Low Ceilings
Unless you’re planning a very major home renovation, there’s very little you can do in terms of altering the physical dimensions of a room. However, there are some ways to create the illusion of a space being larger than it is—and it all begins with the right combination of window blinds.
In small spaces, light, sheer materials will not overbear the room the same way a thick fabric will. The obvious drawback here is that there will be a reduction in the amount of privacy you can expect in that room. A great way to negate this drawback is to pair shades with light and airy drapes of your choice; the shades can be rolled up during the day allowing natural light to enter the space and lowered in the evening when privacy is required.
Colour also plays a major role in creating the illusion of space. If you’re working with a room that’s on the smaller side, employing light colours and soft patterns can expand a room more than you might think. Basic colours such as white, cream, light grey are all acceptable palettes that can achieve this effect.
You may not be aware, but even the style of the window treatments can help you create the illusion of a larger space with higher ceilings. For example, “puddling” the drapes on the floor at the base of the window is a great style choice to use in larger rooms, but the same can’t be said for smaller spaces. Instead, opt for curtains that frame the window well, rather than those that extend all the way down to the floor. Vertical blinds, panel shades and roller shades are all great options that will frame your windows without taking up extra floor space.
Window Treatments for High Ceilings
If your home already has high ceilings and you’re simply looking to accentuate the height, you may find that you have more options when it comes to selecting the right window treatments. When choosing window treatments for high ceilings, consider the following:
- Use shades rather than curtains to emphasize the dimensions of your windows. Since drapes and curtains tend to frame or cover windows, you may inadvertently make your windows seem smaller than they are. Shades can be stylishly installed within the window frame, thereby allowing your windows to be unobstructed and appear larger.
- If installing shades in rooms with high ceilings, choose a shade that has a design element at the top. Not only will this create an area of visual interest, it will pull the eye up the wall, further making the room seem bigger.
- You can opt for no window coverings at all, but doing so runs the risk of looking dull, as well as potentially compromising privacy. Should you opt for no window coverings, you can easily create visual interest by painting your window frames in a bold dark colour.
- Hide the curtain rods by hanging your drapes so that they appear to be slightly touching the ceiling.
Whether your home naturally has high ceilings, or you’d like to give the impression of having them, the window treatments and arrangements you choose play an important role. If you have additional questions, be sure to check out Elite Window Fashions for window treatments that can complement any window or ceiling height.
