Arch Window Treatments

Add Style With Right Window Treatments

Classic wooden shut-ters are arguably one of the most popular window treatments today. Ranging from the operable wide-blade plantation shutter to the narrow fixed-blade hi-fold shutter, they control light and privacy very effi-ciently and are available in several materials and nu-merous finishes.

Since the advent of applied technol-ogy, wooden shutters can be replaced with ones made of polymer and resins. Shutters may never again be in need of paint or stain. These new materials even have the wood grain pressed into them.

But shutters need not always have blades for light control. Frames can be fitted with other materials: Frosted glass, fabric and woven cane panels will provide both light and privacy. Japanese-inspired shoji screens can lend an exotic feel. Nowadays, shoji screens are made with a new acrylic material that looks like rice paper but is much more durable.

Blinds, like shutters, allow light con-trol and privacy. Fitted within the window frame, they repeat the horizontal line of the log walls when closed or partially open. By simply pulling up the blind, the blades are tucked under the fitted valance, enabling home owners to chance between an uninterrupted view or the option of privacy. Like shutters, blinds also are available in a variety of finishes. A decorative tape can be used to con-ceal the string lift mechanism while adding a touch of personality.

Entering the realm of shades, we be-gin to see the blurring between archi-tectural and decorative window treat-ments. Trim and functional, yet constructed of fabric, shades offer the best of the two categories.

Roller shades are quite straightfor-ward. Consisting of fabric on a spring. loaded reel, they give an architectural and fitted feel. Any fabric—patterned or plain—can be used to continue die room's decorative theme. Whether mounted on the inside of the window frame (inside mount) or over the casing or molding (outside mount), they provide a visually clean window treatment. The Scan-dinavians are known for their use of un-constructed roller shades. Imagine the soft northern light filtering through unlined ax-ton and dappling pine floors. This is cer-tainly a look appropriate to log homes.

For a soft look, there are Roman shades and the even softer balloon and cloud shades. I like to mount these types of shades just below the ceiling. This al-lows full window exposure when the shades are drawn up.

Roman shades can be of two types, the flat or the soft-fold version. The flat shale is simply that: When it is in the down po-sition the shade is simply a lined fabric panel. The soft-fold version has looping folds when it is unfurled. Decorative contrast-ing tapes and trims are an easy way to add a distinctive touch to these simple shades.

Balloon and cloud shades are often mis-taken for one another or their terms in-terchanged. They do look similar when they are in the up position, but are quire different when they are let down. A bal-loon is a flat shade with inverted pleats and a gathered bottom. This allows the fab-ric pattern to be showcased in between the pleats. The cloud shade is much more unstructured. It has a gathered heading like a drapery and usually a ruffled bottom.

When the shade is drawn up, it forms a loose cloud-like shape. Soft delicate fabrics work best for these shades. Seen best in the context of a feminine space, balloon and cloud shades are especially appropriate for girls' rooms or bathrooms. The best-known and hardest-work-ing window treatments are the drapery and the curtain. The term "drapery" refers to a floor-length window treatment. Most likely a drapery will be used in a more for-mal area such as the living or dining room. It usually is lined. Curtains are more informal, unlined and made of lighter fabric. They usually are used to cover smaller windows. Hearty, textured cottons and linens seem to be the most appropriate fabrics for log home draperies. Their texture and coloration are a natural extension of the earthiness found in a log home. Couple that with rustiQued iron poles and rings and the look is complete. The same applies to cur-tains. Simple open-weave fabrics, like cotton and linen, are easily cluttered by a breeze, adding to their casual charm.

When deciding on your window coverings there is only one rule to remember. Truly good window treatments don't call attention to themselves. They should qui· etly go about their duty. Whether this is to control light, provide privacy, frame a stunning view or all of the above, they should fit just as cornfortably into your log home as you do.

Log home living