Blinds, Shades and Shutters - Options for Windows w/NO CASING
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althea102
09-15-05, 09:02 AM
We have recently built a new home, and I'm having some issues with deciding/knowing how to dress my windows....
1) We decided not to case or "trim out" our windows...they are recessed about 6-8" w/bottom trim only (stool/apron)...I did this for several reasons...we have beautiful tall pines surrounding our home, and I wanted the "view" to be the focal point, not the casing or trim around the windows, which I think sometimes can break up the "flow" of a room. We compensated by having crown molding at the ceiling, and nice baseboard trim (we didn't want a "cheap" look). However, when I see catalogs, pictures, etc. of window treatments, wood blinds...they ALWAYS show the window w/trim around it, and usually the blinds/drapery rods are installed into the wood trim of the window? Did I make a huge mistake by not trimming out my windows? If I end up hanging any drapes, they will have "covered up" the trim anyway, right?? :confused: What are my options for installing treatments into drywall?
2) Now that we are in the home...we don't need much privacy as we have no close neighbors, but for energy benefits, and decorating purposes, I have decided to dress the windows. I like the look of wood blinds, and draperies, in some rooms....the biggest issue is a window in my son's bedroom, in the front of the home...he has a large (6'x8' eyebrow arch window that will be a focal point from the outside as well...I would like a wood blind, perhaps? I'm trying to avoid a "custom" plantation shutter due to the cost...
Thanks to anyone w/advice :wall: ......
1) We decided not to case or "trim out" our windows...they are recessed about 6-8" w/bottom trim only (stool/apron)...I did this for several reasons...we have beautiful tall pines surrounding our home, and I wanted the "view" to be the focal point, not the casing or trim around the windows, which I think sometimes can break up the "flow" of a room. We compensated by having crown molding at the ceiling, and nice baseboard trim (we didn't want a "cheap" look). However, when I see catalogs, pictures, etc. of window treatments, wood blinds...they ALWAYS show the window w/trim around it, and usually the blinds/drapery rods are installed into the wood trim of the window? Did I make a huge mistake by not trimming out my windows? If I end up hanging any drapes, they will have "covered up" the trim anyway, right?? :confused: What are my options for installing treatments into drywall?
2) Now that we are in the home...we don't need much privacy as we have no close neighbors, but for energy benefits, and decorating purposes, I have decided to dress the windows. I like the look of wood blinds, and draperies, in some rooms....the biggest issue is a window in my son's bedroom, in the front of the home...he has a large (6'x8' eyebrow arch window that will be a focal point from the outside as well...I would like a wood blind, perhaps? I'm trying to avoid a "custom" plantation shutter due to the cost...
Thanks to anyone w/advice :wall: ......
Annette
09-15-05, 02:00 PM
no, you haven't made a mistake. your options are exactly the same (maybe more) as if you had trim around your windows. :thumbup:
when screwing into drywall, if the weight of the rod and/or fabric requires more support, simply drill a hole & install a little plastic wall anchor first (you just hammer it into the hole), then screw into the anchor. it expands & holds very securely, whereas without it, the screw would just pull out of the drywall. for lighter weight treatments, you might not even need the anchor (like a roller shade, etc).
and yes, most drapery treatments would've covered up your side mouldings, and any valance would've covered up the top moulding. i actually prefer windows like yours (and mine!), especially when using the decorative iron rods with the drapery panels hanging from the clip rings. there's no moulding to fight with the rod. it's a cleaner look.
2" wood blinds would be great for your son's room, and would look nice from the streetside view. when they're tilted open, they're hardly noticable. and they are a great less-expensive alternative to plantation shutters. here's a tip for you: on large 2" wood blinds, like you'd need, forego for the WAND TILT option, and order the CORD TILT. the wand is more difficult to work and takes 2 hands to do it. the cord is much easier. i know the wand looks cooler ( :rolleyes: ) and seems better, but i have both, and trust me, the cords are better!! i swear, a person could get carpal tunnel from twisted that darn wand!
any more questions, just post 'em! good luck & congrats on the new home - enjoy!
when screwing into drywall, if the weight of the rod and/or fabric requires more support, simply drill a hole & install a little plastic wall anchor first (you just hammer it into the hole), then screw into the anchor. it expands & holds very securely, whereas without it, the screw would just pull out of the drywall. for lighter weight treatments, you might not even need the anchor (like a roller shade, etc).
and yes, most drapery treatments would've covered up your side mouldings, and any valance would've covered up the top moulding. i actually prefer windows like yours (and mine!), especially when using the decorative iron rods with the drapery panels hanging from the clip rings. there's no moulding to fight with the rod. it's a cleaner look.
2" wood blinds would be great for your son's room, and would look nice from the streetside view. when they're tilted open, they're hardly noticable. and they are a great less-expensive alternative to plantation shutters. here's a tip for you: on large 2" wood blinds, like you'd need, forego for the WAND TILT option, and order the CORD TILT. the wand is more difficult to work and takes 2 hands to do it. the cord is much easier. i know the wand looks cooler ( :rolleyes: ) and seems better, but i have both, and trust me, the cords are better!! i swear, a person could get carpal tunnel from twisted that darn wand!
any more questions, just post 'em! good luck & congrats on the new home - enjoy!