Q: After a few months in my new house, it's time to figure out what sort of window treatment will work with my front windows. There are three of them, and they each swing in. Adding to this challenge, though, is the little fireplace nook and its ceiling. Any ideas on how to cover up these windows so no one can see in at night, but so we can also open them when the warmer weather returns?
Sent by Caiti
Editor: Caiti- great windows! It can be hard to put up curtains when your windows open in, but we can understand your desire for privacy if those windows face the street. If you only want privacy at night, then consider shades (possibly roman or top down) that are mounted on the windows themselves rather than on the trim. If you want to let light in but just mask the view, then you can mount individual sheer curtains to each window using rods at the top and bottom. Keep in mind that neither of these solutions will allow for both privacy and open windows. You might get more ideas by looking for examples of window treatments designed for french doors as the challenges are similar.
Readers what advice do you have for folks with casement windows that open into the house?
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what about a patterned window film? it would give you a little privacy but not cover up the windows!
My aunt has window just like yours and I think she has crane rods on some of them (the type of rods that swing out) and on some she has very thin rods that attach to the top and bottom of the window frame itself and hold a curtain panel gathered at top and bottom.
how about a fabric covered folding screen that stands in front of the window when you want privacy, and is folded and put in a corner when you want the windows open?
I would suggest installing one large roller shade with a valance (square or curved cassette or fabric) about 4" above your window casing. The right end of the valance will butt against your bulkhead. Select a light coloured valance or cassette for your roller shade; it will blend in to your wall colour and when the shade is rolled up you will see only the valance and beaded chain.
I've used this solution many times in client's homes and it's very functional but still looks great.
One more note...when the shade is pulled down you will see an inch or two of your window casing at each side, if this bothers you, consider painting out the trim to match your walls.
ALL the windows in my apartment are like this, which on one hand is wonderful since they're so pretty, but has been a bit of a nightmare as far as shades/curtains/etc go. I've settled on roman shades, with individual shades for each window. I mounted mine above the window for complicated and stupid reasons and I definitely recommend NOT doing that. Mount them on the windows themselves.
If there is enough room on each window, small tension rods could be used. I had a similar situation and used the rods with a curtain I modified to fit each window with a pocket for the rods on top and bottom.
I'm a sucker for leaving architectural details visible, and would vote for small, light shades/cafe curtains mounted to each window individually.
I have such windows. I put a large wrought iron rod with fancy finials about 6" above the window, extending beyond the windows sides by about a foot on each side. I then hung drapes. When open, the drapes clear the window. When closed, the room is dark (the drapes are lined) for TV watching. I also have inexpensive shades on each window, which I rarely use.
What's outside? Is it your yard? Can you put up a trellis or lathework ( like what is partly visible) outside and plant some evergreen vines? Not close to the house but several feet out? Then mount some airy lightweight sheers to each window. The combination should give you something nice to look at and still afford privacy without making the windows fussy or too weighty.
That's kind of funny for me - here in germany I do not know any room where the windows do *not* open in.
I would hang a rod for a nice pair of shades above the windows. It should be possible to open at least one of the windows with the shades closed for privacy. Another option wohld be roman shades mounted on the windows themselves, but in my opinion they would not harmonize with the dark, broad window frames.
A dark, rich color (dark red) would match with the dark wood, if you want a brighter look go for tans... i would not suggest bold patterns as the beautiful windows are an eyecatcher themselves.
If you're looking for an alternative to blinds then window film might be a good option - you can fit a one way mirror window film like the one linked to here which will give daytime privacy but won't work at night. Alternatively maybe a frosted window film like these which will give 24 hour privacy and still let a lot of light through. You could even just film the bottom section?
Privacy Shmivacy! Those windows are beautiful!!!
If anything, purchase blinds that you can pull-up all the way to enjoy those beautiful windows!
Hi and Thanks for the ideas! I will definitely look into the swing arms.. I had no idea about those.
On the second floor, there isn't an awkward ceiling, so I was able to hang curtains high and wide there. All my smaller windows also swing in... which is part of the reason I love the house and they are up higher on the walls than traditional windows so they are still private. My porch is in front of these windows and this spring/summer will be filled with yard work....and we may be able to incorporate the vine idea too :)