Decorating with Window Treatments

A twist on standard draping techniques by Victoria Larsen

When I set out to create the "Painted Ladies Bath" in our home in Everett, Washington, I wanted something different for the window treatment. So I began experimenting.

I began with 3 round, metal tie backs, placing one 12" above the window and one on either side of the top/sides of the window.

I purchased a long, sage green window scarf from K-mart. But as I draped it over the tie backs, it seemed much too heavy for such a small room.

With trusty scissors in hand, I split the scarf straight down it's center, creating two long, thin scarves. I hemmed them with iron on hemming tape which made the task super quick and easy and the tape simply disappears as you heat it. (I love that!).

I found the center of my first scarf and placed that over the center tie back at the top, then ran it straight over the two side tie backs.

The second drape, I gathered in the center to create a "rosette" and secured with a rubber band. I attached that rubber band right to the top of the center tie back.

Instead of draping the material "straight" over the side tie backs (as I had done with the first scarf), I let it "droop" or "swag" just enough to bring the bottom edges of both drapes (at floor level) to become the same length.

To finish off my new window design, I purchased a fancy tassel in deep creams and browns. I found the center of it's rope and hung it over the top tie back and down over the side tie backs.

It was super easy, super cheap and came out just beautiful! Many guests have now made me explain to them how I did it.

Designer's Tip: Accessorizing your window treatments can make your design truly a sign of your personality. Add trims, silk flowers, tassels, draped ribbons, braids, etc in various ways to add even more detail and drama to your design.

Click photo to enlarge

Exciting News!
Victoria's husband Dana has finally released his fabulous "Smooth Jazz" CD that includes Victoria's single "Gravity".

Give a listen for free at
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