How to Choose the Best Hardware for Your Window Treatment Project

Have you encountered challenges in choosing the right hardware for hanging a valance or drapery? Have you picked out some pretty hardware to go with your window treatment, only to get home and realize you don’t have clue how to hang it? Don’t feel bad. We have gone into homes to ‘fix’ hardware that was hung by professional contractors and handymen….they didn’t have a clue either!

If you can’t hire a Window Treatment Professional to install your window treatments, consider these tips to get the best bang for your buck!

1-Lockseam Curtain Rod:

Lockseam curtain rod

These rods can be used for rod pocket valances. You could use them for rod pocket drapery if there is a valance covering the top of the drapery. You don’t really want to see the rod, as it isn’t very pretty!

Be careful with these because if you get wider than a single window, you will need the center support that comes with it. You will then have to cut a slit in the back of the rod pocket so the center support can get to the rod without distorting the look of the valance.

If you don’t have a stud for the supports to screw into, the rod will not support a very heavy valance.

2- Traverse rod:

Traverse Rod

This type of rod is used for drapery that opens and closes. This type of hardware will come with instructions, so take the time to read them….yes, I’m talking to all you men out there!

It is best to have a stud to install the brackets into, so that it has maximum support. If not, you will need to use toggles.

Because of the many deaths and near deaths of children (and pets) strangling on window treatment cords, it is best to remove the cord and use batons to move the drapery back and forth.

As with the Lockseam rods, they aren’t attractive, so you’ll want a valance or cornice covering the top.

3- Medallions:

Medallions or Holdbacks can be a beautiful and creative way to hang valances or drapery. Carefully plan the location of each medallion, as you will be installing several. If you goof, you’ll have extra holes to fill.

Flower Medallions

The chances of hitting a stud for each and every medallion is slim to none. You will need to use toggle bolts or plugs. Only use plugs if the valance is lightweight. I would definitely use toggle bolts for the drapery.

Toggle Bolts

Plugs/Anchors

The best medallions/holdbacks to use will allow the base to separate from the post and medallion for ease of installation. Do not use ones that have a single screw coming out of the base. If you cannot find a stud you will not be able to install these.

Best option for Medallion/Holdback

4-Decorative Drapery Rods:

If you do not want a valance above your drapery, a decorative drapery rod is recommended since it will be seen. There are many sizes and types to choose from…wrought iron, wood, aluminum, etc. Diameters usually go from under an inch to 3 inches. The decorative rod is a way to add another layer of uniqueness to your window treatment.

Wood Drapery Rod

You will encounter the same issue as with installing the medallions. If you know that you will be installing brackets into studs, most any type will work. However, that doesn’t always happen depending on how high above the window you are installing. So, it is best to have a bracket with a separate scussion plate (metal plate with screw holes) that will allow you to use toggles and then connect the bracket once the scussion plate is installed.

Bracket with scussion plate

Scussion plate separated from bracket

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With a valance, you may be able to get away with using the plugs in the drywall to anchor the bracket. But, drapery is heavier and generally extends down to the floor (where it can get pulled on). It is wise to use the toggle bolts when you don’t access studs.

Decorative Drapery Rod

There is such a wide array of options for hanging beautiful window treatments. They can be hidden or in plain view to add another layer of beauty and uniqueness to your window. However, installing them can be a little tricky. I’ve given information to help you decide on the appropriate type of hardware to make your installation successful. If you still feel the project is too complex, call a professional. The most beautiful window treatments can look terrible if not installed correctly.

 

 

 

Window Works Studio, Inc. professionally design, fabricates and installs all types of window treatments. Please contact us if we can be of assistance with your project.

Elegant Drapery for Kitchen Remodel

So, here they are! I mentioned in my last blog post that I would share photos of the drapery I made for the breakfast area of my kitchen. Here is what the area looked like when we first bought our house 11 years ago. I, of course, made the valance. Notice the “builder’s beige” walls!

Previous window treatment

 

A couple of years ago I took down those window treatments, painted the walls and purchased a new rug….

Stage 2 of project

I love the color on the walls. It’s blue, but has a hint of green…hard to tell in this photo, but a beautiful color that changes with the light. It is Sherwin-Williams ‘Interesting Aqua’.

Have you heard the phrase “A Cobbler’s children has no shoes”? Well, it’s like that at my house! I own a window treatment company that designs and fabricates custom window treatments and yet can’t seem to find time to make my own window treatments! C’est la vie!

Finally, after a prolonged amount of time, I got linen, embroidered fabric from Duralee’s Suburban Home collection and ordered custom, wrought iron hardware from Helser Bros. (love this company!).

AFTER!

View from kitchen

I love the fresh, modern look of the fabric! I used a ‘Dovetail’ pleat. The drapery are blackout lined and interlined. The interlining adds body and richness that is a hallmark of custom drapery. I almost always add interlining to window treatments and I almost always use blackout. The blackout lining keeps the sun from shining through the fabric, which helps to protect it, but also keeps the color of the fabric true throughout, day or night.

Closeup of Dovetail pleats

So, what do you think of my ‘new’ kitchen?

My Kitchen Remodel

Last fall my husband and I (Amy Meinecke) decided it was time to update our kitchen. Our house was built is 1998 and we bought it in 2001. The kitchen was small, but we didn’t have the budget for a complete overhaul. We wanted to do what we could with our budget to get the maximum impact. Notice the laminate on the counters was extended to the backsplash. Blahh!

Kitchen Before–love those brass knobs and anemic colored laminate counters!

The first thing I did last year was replace the round brass knobs with more contemporary brushed nickel knobs. Amazing the difference a small, inexpensive change can do. Here’s a photo showing the new knobs. This is during the remodel and all the new appliances had been put in and the laminate counter tops had been taken out. With the brushed nickel knobs and stainless appliances, it already looks better!

Awaiting the new countertops and back splash

The new granite counters are from The Stone Resource in High Point, NC. They did a great job and were very easy to work with. I love the look of subway tile. So clean, crisp and contemporary looking. Yet, it works in traditional decor as well as contemporary. The tile is from Imagine Tile, located in the Home Design Center in Greensboro, NC.

We tried to do what we could to save money by taking out the counters and backspash ourselves, but I was not going to have a DIY quality job on my tile and counters. I asked the crew with Ned Eldridge, Inc. to do the installation. They do a beautiful job and are a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend them for any remodel project!

Remodel complete!

View into the Breakfast Nook

On the wall opposite the stove, I added another DIY project that I can handle! I cut foam board into 12″ squares and adhered scrapbook paper (that comes in 12″ squares) to the board with double stick tape. Then I applied black grosgrain ribbon along the edges. Voila! Inexpensive artwork that works beautifully in my kitchen.

Artwork from scrapbook paper

Click here to see what I did with custom drapery to make the breakfast area look fab!

Southern Ideal Home Show-2012

We had a great time putting together this adorable nursery for the Southern Ideal Home Show in Greensboro, NC. We sponsored a designer room this year. Reanza Murray with Designer’s Attic worked with us to provide the furnishings and accessories. We created the bedding and window treatments for the room.

Sherwin Williams- Indigo

We just love how this nursery turned out! The blue is a dramatic color for the walls and the vibrant colors in the fabric work perfectly. The details make such a

difference in any design..

Comforter details

Cordless Roman Shade details

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Cordless Roman shades were a hit as well. Lift and lower the shades with your hand! Very easy to use and no cord choking hazards for children or pets.

Nursery Designer Room

The bedding in the crib was made for the show. We would love to see someone be able to use it. If you are interested in purchasing the full bedding set, please send us a message or give a call at 336-854-6085.

What do you think about the nursery?

 

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We are pumped and ready to start the Southern Ideal Home Show in Greensboro! The show starts Friday March 23rd and lasts through Sunday March 25th. Read more HERE.

This year, we have designed an AIDP Decorator Room with Reanza Murray, Designer’s Attic. Re has been great to work with! Our theme is “My Blue Heaven” and is an adorable nursery. We designed and fabricated the window treatments and bedding and Re provided her talent and expertise to pull the room together with furniture, artwork, etc. to create this lovely piece of “Blue Heaven”!

Here’s the room after the painting was done…

Here’s a tiny peak at some of the components going in the room…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stop by and see us! From the main entrance, we are right in the center as you walk in. The AIDP designer rooms are located with the ever popular landscape area.

We have 3 FREE tickets for admission to the show. The first 3 people to call us can have them. Call us at 336-854-6085. You must pick up the tickets at our studio before 5:30 pm Friday March 23rd.

Restoration Runway 2012: Timeless

Last year, Amy and I were honored to be one of the sponsors for Restoration Runway. This is a fashion show put on by Restoration Place Ministries to raise money for counseling service. This is a non-profit organization providing Christ-centered counseling and support services to women in Greensboro and surrounding areas who are suffering in ways directly related to their femininity. This center is filled with a wonderful group of professional counselors that offer a vital service in our community.

Since the fashion shows theme this year is Timeless, there will be apparel shown from several decades through the 20th century to the current decade.This year, Amy Gilbert is serving on the Fashion Show committee. She is helping to pull together a variety of apparel representing the different eras. Amy will also design and construct some of the apparel you will see in the show.

Angela Thomas will be the Emcee again this year. She did a terrific job last year! The entire event was a huge success and a testament to God’s work at Restoration Place Ministries. If you would like more information about Restoration Place Ministries and the Restoration Runway 2012: Timeless, go to Restoration Place Ministries.

Consider attending the fashion show, donate, and/or becoming a sponsor.

Which design would you choose?

Before

We recently worked with a client in the living room shown above. They wanted a more dramatic treatment than what they had here. We discussed 2 story drapery panels along the outer sides of the windows with fabric going across the tops of the upper windows only. I gave the clients’ three options. They chose one they were happy with and those treatments were sewn in our Jamestown studio. We installed the treatments this summer. They were thrilled!

AFTER

The plan was to install shutters in the upper windows at a later date. They recently called and inquired about how cornices would look over the upper windows. I sent them a rendering showing the look and offered some other ideas. The clients are husband and wife…they have different opinions! We created computer renderings to illustrate the options. Take a look at them and vote for the one you like best! Just vote by commenting  below…

Option #1: Shutters

Option #1: Stained Glass

Option #1: Wrought IronOption #1: CornicesLet us know which one you would choose….