Vertically Challenged?

Those who know me might say that I am "vertically challenged". That may be so when reaching for a box on the high shelf in the grocery store comes into play, but I love to be challenged when it comes to treating a tall wall of windows!

New construction just loves them. Consequently, buyers love the drama. Those fabulous two story family rooms, living rooms, foyers or even dining rooms can be jaw dropping and show stopping! They sell the house! Then you move in and are faced with the question - do I just treat the first bank of windows? That takes care of the privacy issue and that is where your eyes are normally focused. But, since you bought the house because of that incredible two story room, why don't you address the entire room? Do you have the courage to make such a bold statement?

Walk into this home and this stunning dining room treatment is the first sight you encounter. Basically, this is a very simple, traditional window treatment incorporating simple sheers, side panels and cornice. Cover an entire two story wall and the impact is undeniable! Had this homeowner chosen to be more consevative and scale the treated area to just the first bank of windows, the effect would be less than spectacular. The botanical print for the panels is charming, but the results are much more impressive when you take it up another nine feet!

Price is a factor to be considered. Two story side panels need more width in addition to the height or they'll be out of proportion. That will add some $ to your bottom line. And either a chunky rod or a top treatment (cornices work well - a bold pop of shape and color without breaking the bank) help bring a horizontal line to give your eyes a place to rest. More $. As seen above, the extra long sheers will draw the eye upward with their vertical line, achieve privacy and soften the window. Once again more $. However, if you weigh the extra investment versus the end product, you'll find that over time you'll forget about the dollars. But the drama you'll achieve and the compliments you'll receive make it money well spent!

My biggest challenge with two story treatments is capturing them with the camera. My talents with a camera do not seem to do justice to the impact on the room itself. Whether I shoot from up or down, the result is never as great as seeing it live. In the end, the best thing to do is to do it yourself. Take advantage of that two story room: be bold and GO VERTICAL!