Dear danica,
Initially we were looking at curtains to save us from spending on custom window treatments right out the gate but now we’re not sure if curtains are a viable option. The living room windows are right in front of a park so we need window coverings for privacy and saving us from the direct heat and light in the afternoon and evening. With the door to the backyard and then the three windows along the same wall, we are worried about blocking the door next to those windows, since there is limited space on the either side of the door.
Also, we were planning to have the tv mounted between the two narrow windows. Would we need to have shades there?
– Whitney
First and foremost, CONGRATS on your new home! I can’t get over all that natural light that is streaming in your living room. Instant serotonin boost! I actually feel very strongly about about whether you should do curtains or shades. I strongly vote for curtains…not because shades would be a bad choice, but because curtains would be AMAZING!
I’ve been in design for 9 years now and if there’s one thing I have learned through observation and trial and error, it’s that curtains (high quality curtains that is) make the biggest impact in a home. It’s worth saving in other areas so you can splurge on curtains. It’s the number one thing that elevates a space and it always seems to be the finishing touch. With your living room in particular, because there isn’t intricate trim work around the windows or window grids, I think it would feel a little unfinished or bare with just shades. The high windows and tall ceilings are begging for extra long curtains to show off the height.
For the wall with the three windows and the door, I’d use one curtain rod and one set of curtains for all three windows. Hang the rod no less than 12-18” above the windows. This will emphasize the tall ceilings and will be a showstopper when you walk in the front door.
You mentioned that you’re concerned about the curtains interfering with the back door, but I don’t think it’ll be an issue if the curtain rod stops just before the door. Normally, my rule of thumb is that if there’s less than 12” of space on either side of the window, opt for shades instead of curtains. The reason being is that you don’t want your curtain to cover up the window when it’s pulled back. But because your entire wall is essentially a giant window, you can afford to let curtains cover up a few inches of the window on either side so the curtains don’t interfere with the door.
So….I’d hang the curtain rod 18” above the windows and as wide as you can between the wall and the door.
As for the wall with the two windows that’ll flank your TV, I’d do curtains on these as well. However I’d opt for two sets of curtains instead of one. I’m all about balance and symmetry and I love when windows like this each get their own set of curtains. And besides, it’s another show stopping moment.
You mentioned that privacy and shade are important during the day so if I were you, I’d look into purchasing sheers that can tuck behind your formal curtains. During the day you can pull the sheers, and at night you can pull the curtains. I know when I mention sheers and curtains together, a lot of people visualize 90’s homes or cheap hotel curtains, but if you opt for a high quality curtains with high quality sheers, no one will think anything but wow! Take Anastasia’s living room for example, she used both sheers and curtains and it looks so high end!
That’s what I would do and I hope this gets the ideas rolling!
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If you don’t need them for privacy, leave them alone. I live in Florida and only have blinds or drapes for private spaces…bedrooms & bathrooms. Brings the outside in.