apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

How about ceiling mounted rod going across to overlap about 3" on each side of the wall. That way you will get continuos coverage and it will look more monolithic. Make sure you get drapes that are long enough to touch the floor.

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/track-rod-window-hardware/?catalogId=69&bnrid=3380801&cm_ven=Google%20Base&cm_cat=Shopping&cm_pla=Feed&cm_ite=Google%20Base


sorry here is one

Roman shades

nail a shelf above the window ledge to lend more storage for books or collections. This will draw the eye upward making the space feel higher.

Second, hang floor to ceiling drapes in a light airy fabric, nailing the rod into the room wall, not in the window nook.

Hang a second fabric with a tight opaque knit (in a color close to the first fabric) behind the airy layer to block out a street light or other outside light. Keep the curtain rod close to the ceiling to permit the easy removal of objects from shelf. Window ledge can become a spot for an herb garden, another book shelf, etc.

I kinda think it looks nice the way it is. Maybe replace the mini blinds with matchstick blinds, or something similar?

Looks like it will be difficult to install brackets for curtain rods.

I would do a tension rod and cafe curtians - it will offer privacy without cutting off your natural light, which I'm sure is a rarity in your attic appartment.

I also like the recommendation of adding a shelf for additional storage.

I like it too. I wouldn't hide a nice architectural feature by placing curtains over the outside of it. I'd take littlePieces advice to install a shelf above, clampers suggestion to install a classier blind, and then give some thought to an object grouping on the sill.

Perhaps add a shelf to the space above the window, and then hang curtains from the bumped out wall on each side of the window. Does that make sense? Then, even though you have an odd space above the window from the bump-in, you can 'cover it' with a few decorative accessories above it!

Laura
http://www.justalittlebit.net

Just looking at it quickly, if you wanted drapes, you can mount a compression rod in the window opening.

I would so love to have your windowsill. I'm with those who say maybe some nicer blinds and a shelf above.

http://www.umbra.com/ustore/product/243002/c038/chroma_tension_rod.html

I use these all over my house so I don't hide the pre-war details.

I would use roman shades hung from the very top of the window nook. I also like the suggested use of tension rods.

Maybe replace the mini bliind with a nice two inch width. Add a decorative tape and they become very cool. Check out 'justblinds'.....
http://tinyurl.com/nwlxor

I think the shelf above the window is a great idea. The window has nice architecture around it. I don't think hiding it behind acres of fabric is going to fool the eye much and may suffocate the whole wall. Give the window it's own glory, cool shade, shelf, maybe paint the trim or the indented wall space a different color. Paint is always worth a try, especially in such a small space. You could try all kinds of colors.

If the room is that small it's probably the best idea to make the window look as big as possible. Curtains will make the window look smaller, and you'll lose quite a lot of light. So I think sticking with a blind is the best idea. I too would suggest a Roman blind, hung slightly above the window (but not right up to the ceiling) so you won't lose too much of the window light. Another advantage of a blind is you can use the windowsill for storage, even when the blind is closed, and in a small room that's pretty valuable.

Even with the deep sill and the sloping roof, the way to make a small window look bigger is to go with floor to ceiling drapes. They don't have to be dark or heavy--sheers would be best. A short rod that hangs outside the inset, but doesn't come too close to the sloping ceiling, is best.

Also, paint the inset an accent color.

You may consider hanging small mirrors (decorative frames) on the sides of the inset. Some people may not like that look, it depends on the person, but it will reflect the light and make the whole space brighter and lighter.

I'd go with romans or woven blinds (I got mine at Target). Simple is definitely best.

If it's the softness of fabric that appeals to you, get a fabric roller shade and forego the drapes. Mount the shade near the ceiling and don't skimp on quality. It will be much cheaper than drapes anyway.

I agree with all who said that the inset is a nice feature that should be visible. It's also deep enough that it's adding visual space to your small room, so covering it with drapes mounted on the closer wall would ruin that asset. Good luck!
http://inspiredroomdesign.com

I would use a roman shade mounted at the ceiling. This will give the illusion that the window is much larger.

I actually think drapes would be too much for that space -- it looks like they'd get tangled up at the side of the bed.

What about putting up a bamboo or fabric shade in place of your vinyl blinds, but hang it from the top of the inset rather than the top of the window?

Hi, it's Kate. :)

Thank you AT for posting my question! And especially a big "thank you" to the AT readers for their *wonderful* suggestions. I've taken all into account, and I think I'll forgo the drapes hung directly on the 'closest' wall. That's mainly why I posted, the room is tiny (only 7'x12') and I was afraid of making it look smaller. I do love the the softness of fabric though, as farmhousemoderne pointed out.

Anyways, I come from a "traditional" European home, where every corner and crevice is embellished with some sort of knick knack or tassel - so I think I want to stick with something simple (ie clutter-free). Plus, I think the tiny attic apartment demands it! ;)

Gosh, I have many more questions with trying to tackle this particular apartment. For example, the fridge door doesn't open completely! Sometimes I wonder why I'm renting it?! (But the view is too pretty to give up!). I'll post pictures of the window after I've dressed it with your suggestions. Thanks again, this helps immensely!

Kate in Vancouver. :)