apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

bamboo matchstick roller blinds. Hang them half way between the top of your windows and the ceiling (about the height of the bookshelf) this will visually extend the height of your windows and make them seem in better proportion to the room.

I would do simple shades. The apartment doesn't need fancy window treatments. Its architecture stands alone. The apartment is beautiful though your furniture doesn't do it justice.

I'm also for drapes that start from the ceiling. The details are lovely but hard...wood beams, straight lines, brick wall. I think the curtains would add a nice balance with a bit of softness and of course distract from the low windows.

I vote for curtains hanging right from the ceiling in the living room ... it will emphasis the height of the room (which it looks like it needs) and will give heft to the smallish windows, making them seem more important than they are. Plus it will help balance the windows and the bookcase, given them equal visual weight. For the curtain fabric, I would use a heavy linen a shade darker than the walls ... simple panels, no bells and whistles, just simple and tailored. Check out Pottery Barn's website. The Peyton Drape looks like it could be what you need, or the Peyton Grommet Drape.

I vote for curtains (more contemporary than traditional style to go with your existing things) from the height of the bookcase to the floor. BTW, there is nothing wrong with your furniture as one comment above stated that it doesn't do the space justice. The furniture just needs to be arranged better. Why is that great dark leather couch oushed all the way up against a wall and a corner?? It's such a spacious room. It would look bigger and better if that couch was pulled out. Maybe even face it to the wall. Make a group setting with the other chairs there.

I have two small windows that I just put double layered curtains on. I agree with the comment to hang them level with the bookcase. It's an easy way to add some height in the room. I did not go for floor length curtains because they were simply too formal for my otherwise informal space. With tiebacks, they look very appropriate for the space and really improve the room.

Am I the only person who thinks that, while some kind of window covering is needed in the bedroom in order for you to sleep in past 6:00 am*, the bare windows look absolutely awesome as they are? If you're on the top floor, do you need privacy?

Your space is fantastic, by the way. I wouldn't change a thing.

*I'd use Roman blinds in white or unbleached canvas, installed discreetly within the window frame... similar to what it looks like you've already done.

I think we are neighbors! I recognize those beams.

Thanks to everyone for such great ideas. I am inspired and I think I will actually tackle the window treatments (after eight years!)

-MR

The apartment is beautiful though your furniture doesn't do it justice.

I like the furniture! Especially the big propeller!

I'll give Edina Monsoon the benefit of the doubt and assume she didn't mean for that comment to come out quite so bitchy.

i'm with Doppelganger, I think they look awesome as they are.
Especially in the bedroom, they remind of modernist architecture when they put in slashed windows in unexpected places. I think its silly to try and dress them any more than you have

If you have a top floor warehouse space, and you've lived without them for 8 years i don't think you even need curtains. Maybe if you feel inspired by a beautiful piece of fabric you could make some long panels for the living room, but I think your room looks finished as it is.

Pardon my ignorance, but are we certain that it's safe to have curtains hanging over heaters and radiators? I ask because mine are now pinned up in a very unflattering way to avoid risk of fire. We have long heaters that run along the baseboards. Am I being overly concerned?

The best thing is if you could get like a designer to come down to your home and they'll tell you what fits best for your place. I called a company I found on the net and they sent me down one person with all kind of samples and I got the best ideas right where they we'll be so this was the best for me. Their site is www.nywindowtreatment.com they come down for free consultation so try them I am sure you'll be happy.

Thanks again for the comments--all really good. I chose to ignore the one un-helpful one. After reading her other snide comments to others it seems to me that perhaps she could skip the Apt. therapy and just go for the therapy?..) However, it's true that all my furniture is not there in the photo. I have a glass top Noguchi table that had to be put away when my daughter was learning how to walk. (There is another good question: How to maintain style in a baby- safe environment!) Now that she's a little older, we are slowly adding pieces back. The table in the picture is actually my daughter's art table and chairs, which is now on the other side of the room so that there are two separate groupings of furniture. (An asute suggestion from "Orange Juice"). Now if I could just get that perfect Kilim rug for the grown-up grouping...

P.S. Glad you like the propeller, "Blandwagon". I bought it in Paris in a tiny store onthe Rue St.Paul. I carted it all the way back to NY and love it. It fell on my head once while I was cleaning..but I still love it.