Take a new look at window dressing

Take a new look at window dressing With daylight saving time and spring weather upon us, we'll soon be opening windows for a little fresh air. Only the fabric you need A few years ago, Burnham says, many designers favored piling on fabric to create dramatic windows. "Medium and larger patterns give the most bang for the buck," he says. "We're not swagging. Now, it's best for fabric to "just kiss the floor. Subtler patterns work especially well in a bedroom, Burnham says, "where it's nice to have something calmer. If you're using a print, "always think of how far away you'll be from your window treatments," he advises. Sheers and naturals Mathison increasingly prefers to use sheer curtains on their own, instead of pairing them with thicker draperies. "There are a lot of sheers now that have a subtle pattern in them, a tone-on-tone stripe or wavy design that adds a little bit of interest," Mathison says, but still "looks simple and light. Burnham sometimes favors that approach, bringing in pattern through texture instead of color: "It's nice to find a rougher linen, just not a plain flat cotton," she says. That, he points out, will add to the cost. Draperies and shades can mask old windows that look weathered, buying you time before you need to replace the windows. They can also block excess light, keep warmth from escaping through drafty windows and block sound from outdoors. The same rule goes for Roman shades: "A simple, pleated style, not too much fabric" has become more popular than billowing shades. And phony curtains are out: "Don't put up two panels that do not actually close," Burnham advises. Adding a thin, organic cotton lining to a sheer curtain panel adds a bit of privacy but keeps "that sort of flowy, gauzy look," she says. Furniture also matters: "In rooms with mostly solid décor," Flynn says, "I turn to window dressing to add pattern. Don't forget strategy For all their decorating value, window treatments of course have practical purposes. Take a new look at window dressing Trade News selected by Local Linkup on 10/03/2012