Draperies and Top Treatments - Help!!! We Have No Decorating Sense!!!

Hi, my husband and I bought a house in December of 07. To this day the only thing we have had on our windows are the miniblinds and sheets. I like privacy so I was thinking about going with wood blinds, but I also want some kind of sheer or something so it doesn't look so plain. You can see my colors for the carpet and paneling. I don't even know if it's a crime to do wooden blinds with paneling? I really need help, I have posted some photos on photobucket. I have several other windows to do, but we're going to do this one at a time. One of the other windows we have to do is straight across from the window you see in the picture, but it's in the dining room, what should I do? Do I need to have all matching windows treatments? Does it look tacky if you don't, I'm not good at this, but I cannot afford to have someone come in and decorate. We are willing to spend money on the blinds and curtians. My measurements for this window are; inside 71 1/2 long by 42 wide; outside 92 wide by 76 long. I do want the blinds on the inside of the window, that's were they're supposed to be, right? Thanks for all your help! Teresa and Rob.

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Good morning, Teresa,

I think your instincts are good! I would agree, wooden blinds are probably not best used with paneling.

Shadieladie will undoubtedly be along with some decorating magic for you.

Connie

Hi Teresa, I honestly don't know if there's a rule against using wood blinds with paneling, but I think as long as there's a contrast, it should be fine. I think matching the trim, in your case white, should work fine.
Blinds can be inside or outside mounted, but for windows like yours, either mount them inside or if you mount them outside, I'd mount them to the wall and either hang one large blind or one rail with two blinds, side by side.
It doesn't look like there's a lot of space next to the windows, so if you hang panels, you won't be able to stack them off the windows much. Sheers should be OK, but if you want to clear the glass at all, maybe just hang a valance above the blinds.
If the DR is kind of like an open floor plan and the two rooms are very visible to each other, it would probably look best to treat the windows the same or at least have some element to connect them.
You might want to consider getting rid of the paneling one day. When we bought our house, there was paneling in two rooms which I hated. Finally one day we ripped them down, put up drywall and painted, and what a difference!

Dear Shadeladie,
So our shades should match the trim, is that true with every window in the house? One more question, I want a bit of color without tearing down the paneling, we'll eventually get to that one of these years, what do you suggest we do? Ok, I have more questions! The reason I was thinking wood blinds was for the darkness, but if I go with white I have a lot more options than wood. I don't like the mini blinds that are up there now, they look cheap and don't fit, I want something unique, or different than most. I don't want to have to worry about sagging because they're so long, and yes the dining room is open to the living room. I do want to hang them on the inside of the window, that question was for my husband who said they go on the outside, so no problem there. Thanks for your expertise, your making this easier than just staring at the window saying to ourselves, "What should we put up there?".

Teresa, wood blinds do come in white, or you can get an off white for some warmth, rather than a stark white and yes, you can go with any kind of blind or shade. Unless you have dark wood furniture, and don't mind a dark looking room, I'd go with a white and match the trim. I also wouldn't go with a light wood color or you'll have too much of that color going around on account of the paneling.
I'm not a color expert, but if you want color, just pull a color or colors from your other furniture or rugs and hang a fabric treatment on the window. Pillows can add lots of color, too.
As long as you have room to inside mount, either inside or outside is acceptable. It's a matter of preference and if you want to hang a valance or curtains, it's best to mount them inside so the layers don't stick out into the room that much.

Your windows do not seem like the best candidate for inside mount blinds.. there is very little depth and your window cranks will be in the way of your blinds..

If you choose a blind or a shade I would certainly do 1 single shade as an outside mount..

For some reason I even think a 1'' verticle blind would look nice in that room.. 99% of the verticals you see are 2''.. The 1 inch uses twice as many vanes and comes off looking much more modern and sleek..

no matter what you choose, be it a wood blind, pleated shade, drapes, verticals, or any of the dozens of other styles, you could always dress it up with a cornice board you make yourself..

I think I agree with the vertical blind, thanks!

Ok, I've decided to go with vertical blinds, but I still want something a little different. I want to do the 1" vertical blinds, but cannot find them anywhere! I'm tired and giving up for now, if anyone can help please do! Thanks!
:gmorning: