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Designer Bloopers FREE Decorating tips!

Our Decorator's Suggestions on Choosing the Right Treatment

  • TOO MUCH WALL, NOT ENOUGH WINDOW?...Proportion the window to rest of wall by the correct drapery planning.
  • IF YOUR WINDOW IS TOO LONG AND THIN...Extend the rods at the sides to give a full and luxurious effect
  • A SERIES OF WINDOWS?...Treat as a single window
  • WINDOW TOO CLOSE TO CEILING ?  Raise rod to ceiling - extend rod at the sides.If desired, bring the draperies to the floor
Measuring tips:
Before you order remember:  When you put up drapery you usually install the rod at least 2-4 inches above the window and extended it 3-4 inches to each side of the widow frame. The reason for is is that  you want the draperies, when to hang outside the window  frame;  as opposed to inside the window, which would take away light and viewing space.  In addition the brackets that hold the rod have to be attached outside and above the window.  Therefore:  Measure the rod width and height  and allow an additional  10 to 12 inches for return and overlaps.

Measure with a steel tape measure as cloth tapes can stretch
Measure every window you intend to dress, even if some appear to be the same size
Avoid costly errors; write down all measurements as you take them.

Length: First choose your drapery rod and consider where you would position it.  Decorative rods have finials, so be sure you have enough wall space. For draperies that will be hung directly on the rod, measure from the top of the rod.  For draperies that will be hung from rings, measure from the bottom of the ring.  The hem should generally be 1" above the rug or floor.

Puddling: Exact length is less critical but you should add at least 12" to the above length if you like the relaxed puddled look.  This look is recommended for our softer jacquard fabrics.

Width:  when mounting your rod, be sure to consider the "stackback", the space on either side of the window needed to hold the width of gathered drape when  Set the drapery brackets from 6-12 inches on either side of the windowng.  If you don't intend to close your drapes, width is not critical.
***There is a 10% re-stocking charge for returns so measure carefully!


Your Questions



Courtney L. wrote:
Hi, I have a hopefully an easy question but it has nothing to do with windows.  I live in a studio apartment that has an archway separating the kitchen to the rest of the apartment.  The archway is 96" x 71 and I would like to hang a curtain, that would most likely be held with tiebacks most of the time, in that archway.

My question is what kind of curtain or panel would you suggestion & what is the best way to hang it?

Mr. Blooper said:
I used same treatment  in an archway between my front foyer and the library.  The arch was only 4 feet wide so I held the drapery back to one side only rather than splitting it and having two tiebacks.

Because the library was rather formal, I used a 3" dark stained wooded rod with wood rings and hung the burgundy veltique drapery held back with a dark gold satin tassel.

Depending on the decor of your rooms, you could  use a stained  or painted wood rod, brass rod or even a
tension rod.     A pocketed sheer would fit over the rod  and could be tied back while still covering part of the rod. Rod rings could be used to hang heavier fabric to matching  your decor.



Rebekah wrote:
We are building a new home with a country decor.  In our family room we have two large 5x5  square picture windows (close together) looking out over 45 acres.  We don't want to obstruct the beautiful view and sunset, however the sun glares in at certain times of the day. Do you have any window treatment suggestions?  Thank you for any advise. 

Mr. Blooper said
I would suggest using gossamer sheers, which would diffuse the sunlight, but at the same time allow you to enjoy the view.  Above that you could use a scarf or swags and jabots to frame the window.



Julie Lassig wrote:

How do you stuff a blouson valance?

Mr. Blooper said
Normally people use tissue paper but I just came back from New York where I installed a blouson valance in my daughter's apartment and I did not remember to bring the tissue....so, I used the bubble wrap from the pictures I also brought.  It also works well with Bishop Sleeves, helping them to hold their shape.

I loved working withthe bubble wrap and it was much better than tissue.
It will not attract bugs and will keep its shape forever!



Fernpower wrote

MY HUSBAND AND I ARE BUILDING OUR DREAM HOME.  WE HAVE 4 LARGE DOME WINDOWS THAT FACE THE FRONT OF MY HOME.  2 ARE IN THE LIVING ROOM AND 2 IN THE DINING ROOM.  I DO NOT WANT TO COVER THE WINDOWS WITH TOO MUCH BECAUSE THEY ARE SO PRETTY.  ANY RECOMMENDATIONS?

Mr. Blooper said

The logical answer to your question is obviously scarves.  With a pinnacle treatment, i.e. start from the center of the top of the dome, swag down to the far right and far left of each window and then down to the floor.  You can either puddle the sides or bishop sleeves.  The fabric to use must be soft and pliable.  Call me at 1-877-BLOOPER if you have any questions.  Our hours are Monday thru Saturday 10:00-5:00 EST


Patricia wrote

I have a very "Country" style decorated home.  However, the windows are NOT. I have standard sliders to my patio, located in the living room.  There is also a fireplace next to it with a single window on the other side.  I can NOT find draperies that look "Country" I have tried so many styles.  They all tend to look, too formal or frilly.  I have very rustic style country furnishings.  Bear claw pattern wing back chairs (berry and cream), and a cream and berry plaid sofa.  The Dining room, which is attached is a mission style set, green distressed with green and beige plaid seat covers.  My question to you is (finally), What can I put on these windows to make them look country and NOT contemporary?  Without looking, Cutesy?  I do not care for ruffles and frills.  Seems like everything that is country looks like that.  Please help me find a window treatment that will fit my decor. 
 

Mr. Blooper said
Tap top or pleated draperies, in natural non shiny weaves, would soften your window look and conform with the rest of the decor.  If you have any questions please call us toll free (outside Florida) at 1-877-BLOOPER. 


Brandy wrote:
I hope you can help! (after reading your hints I am sure you can) 
I haven't the slightest clue when it comes to decorating. 

All the windows in my house are 6 to 8 inches from my ceiling and about 16 to 18 inches off the floor. 
They are all 36 inches wide and 64 inches long. 

In my living room there are two windows side by side and there is a single window on the opposite wall. 
Under the duel window is a radiator the whole length of the window.
All the other rooms have the same size windows and setup as the living room minus that  radiator! (only one other room has a radiator under the window like my living room )
I have neutral, multi colored furniture, and birch paneling. 

How do I decorate my windows to look more like a home than just a place to sleep? 
Right now, my house isn't "homey" 
It is more like a hotel room! 

Mr. Blooper said:
In your Living Room: 

Treat the two windows as one.  Purchase one pair of drapes 96" wide x 64" long (allowing the 6" to 8" from ceiling and l" off the radiator). 

Use the same treatment on the other wall to balance the look 
On these windows extend the width of the rod to 60" and order a pair of 72" wide drapes. 
For these windows, order full length drapes as there are no radiators.

Soften the look by using scarves or soft treatments on top.

Michele wrote:

OK, here's my dilemma.  I have two windows side by side in my dining room, each measuring 52 1/2" wide by 84" long.  The right window butts up against a wall so there is no space at all on that side of the windows.  Would an asymmetrical approach work here, as in a puddled effect on the left side and a short length on the right?  Bear in mind that these windows already have mini blinds on them.  My home is California casual so I would prefer a light type of fabric, nothing too formal.  Can you help? 

Mr. Blooper said:
You have hit the correct button! An asymmetrical approach using scarves is perfect for your dilemma. 

Start on the left side of the left window with a puddle, continue to top of window, swag over to center of the two windows, drop about 24", swag back to top of window and continue the the right side of the right window, and drop 24" there. 


Liz wrote:
We just bought a home that has a 12 foot expansion of pocket slider doors along the back wall,  and an 8 foot slider on the side wall with a slight bit of wall that meets the back wall. I hate verticals!   Would semi sheer draperies be too much, and how would I figure out the sizing?  Is the 12 ft too long to have a one way draw? How would the rod be supported? Your drapes look wonderful.  Thanks,  Liz 

Mr. Blooper said:
One way draw would be perfect for the 8 ft window, and also for the 12 ft window, each one meeting at the apex. 

If you have problems with the supports,  the track can be attached to the ceiling.

Semi sheer drapes would be excellent as they cover a wide space with little weight problem. 

Please send me a drawing and I will be able to help you more. 


D. Steiner wrote:
We have a new home and are having trouble finding curtains/drapes for our living room.  There are two windows.  They are about 90" apart (a couch in between them and fits perfectly).  There are also two end tables on either end of the couch.  These tables are thus under the window.  The windows are 82" tall and 22" wide.  The windows are 32" off of the floor.  Thus we need drapes that are at least 114" long which we can not find.  Please let me know what you have available in products that can work for these windows. Thank you, 

Mr. Blooper said:
At the present time, however, we are unable to supply drapes at least 114" long.  However, we would be very happy to supply you with yardage which you could have made up into drapes locally. 


Christine wrote:
I live in a double wide mobile home.  I am looking for ideas to help make my living room look taller.  My ceiling height is only about 7'.  I have two windows which are about 31" in width and they sit side by side.  My living room is very carpet is indigo blue and furniture is off-white with lots of pillows. I am thinking about putting pull down shades up, but I'm really not sure what kind of curtains would make the windows look larger/taller and what color I should use.  Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks! 

Mr. Blooper said:
Thank you for your inquiry Christine. Your problem is relatively simple. 

l).  Create an illusion of height.  Draperies should be ceiling to floor, no top treatments, which cut into height. 

2).  Color should be natural, which gives you a feeling of space - dark colors engulf you. 

3).    Mentally convert  your two windows into one.  You now have 62" plus frame x 84". 

4).  Order l pr. 72 x 84 drapes  in your fabric of choice, color natural, off white or a similar light hue. 


Debbie wrote:
We have recently added a great room to our home that is 30x24 with alot of  windows.  We have two 5x5 foot bay windows on one wall (the 24 foot wall) and on the other wall we have one 4 x5 casement window and an 8 foot sliding glass door (the 30 foot wall) and the other wall is a another 4x5 casement window and two 2'x4' awning (crank) windows.  Our Great room into the kitchen which has no windows.  We also have two skylight windows which have earth tone shades.  We plan to have a dark blue rug.  We have bright white walls and white window trim.  All the windows have window pane inserts (I'm not sure what they are called  - they are wooden inserts that make the windows look like the one on this page. 

 Problem is - I don't have a clue as to what kind of window treatment to use for these windows.  We prefer to have privacy at night and don't like having just sheers on t he windows.  Do I use all the same material for all the windows?  Do I leave some of them uncovered?  My biggest problem is what to do with the bays.  I have not been able to find rods to fit inside these windows. The rod will have to go on the outside of the windows, these are Anderson windows and there really isn't an inside frame where you could hang rods.  We want the great room to be cozy and warm.  Probably more of a country look.  Can you help?  PLEASE? 
Thank you. 
 Debbie 

Mr. Blooper said:
How can anybody refuse your plea.  However, a photo or polaroid would have been helpful..  The great room sounds exciting -lets begin with fabrics.  l). soft Ralph Lauren paisley @ 7.20 yd, 2). Jacobean style @ 7.20 yd.or 3).soft chenille tapestry @ 7.20 yd. 

Style - your two 5' windows should be decorated as one with a cornice covering right across the two ( or, of course, a valance or swags and jabots).  The sliding glass door should have a one way draw to the wall.  The adjoining 4 x 5 casement one pair drapes exactly the same length as the slider.  The two "crank" windows should have sheers with top treatments.

Bay windows are elegant - they just need thought.  Buy three wooden rods with rings.  Butt them together to the angle of your windows and use a plain matching fabric ( to match other drapery) to create a soft relaxing country look. 

Leave the skylights alone. 

I hope this has been of some help.  Let me know. 


 L.Williams wrote:
Help!  The patio doors in two of my bedrooms have one piece 60 wide x 95 long pinch pleated drapes on one-way pull hardware.  I need to replace them, but I don't know what size to buy.  I don't want pairs and the patio widths you list seem to be too wide.  What size should I buy?  One 144 x 95 pair and split the pair between the two rooms?  Help!!!! 
Mr. Blooper said:
Help is on the way. 
One pair 120 x 95 gives you 2 panels 60 x 95.  This is exactly the size you require.  If you want them wider, 144 x 95 will give you 2 panels 72 x 95. 


Frankie & Howard B. wrote:
I would like to raise the level of the top of my drapes all the way to the top near the roof.  What do I use to hold to curtain rods that have the sheers, drapes and the valance securely to the wall.  I have tried this before but they eventually pulled away, leaving a hole in the sheet rock.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.  Thank you. 

Ms. Blooper says: Go to  any major building  supply store  and get butterfly mollies to use in the wall.  Theywhen you screw them in to the sheet rock..and look sort of like a butterfly doing a push-up on a mirror.   They  can sustain more weight than a single screw set into a plastic shield and should hold an average sized window drape and valance. 

You don't mention the expanse of the window treatment (4 feet?  14 feet?) and that makes a huge difference in the weight.  For a triple treatment like you are using, you might need to use toggles from the ceiling to distribute  some of the heavy load (toggles are usually used to hang plants or lighting fixtures from a ceiling) 


Janice wrote:

Do you carry Dunmore Fabrics, I am looking for a price on Evergreen#70,Hemlock#7029, and Juniper #70, could you please e-mail a  price per yard. 

Mr. Blooper said:
Thank you for your inquiry.  We do not carry Dunmore Fabrics.   It is very difficult to keep track of all the names different fabric houses give their selections.  Many houses order the same fabric from the fabric  mills and then give it their own name.  So giving us a  name is hard to track.   However, if you would send us a cutting, we would be happy to send you a sample of the the closest match we have available. 


Kris wrote:
Hi.  I live in New England and own an 1879 Victorian house.  In my living room, I have 2 sets of windows (3 windows in each set, which curve outward as a 1/2 a hexagon). Because of the outward construction (they stick out of the house) I needed to have a rod for each window as opposed to one rod for the group of 3. My question is as follows:  how much fabric do I need to buy?  What I want to do is simply swoop a length of fabric into scallops....leaving plenty (24") of fabric hanging down on each end of each group of 3 windows....treating the group as one huge window. The group of three measures a total of 100" across....I want each each window to have its own scallop on top....meaning 3 scallops for the group w/ 24" of fabric hanging down each side of the group...which is being treated as one big window. 
Help!!!!! 
Oh, there is also a seventh window.  It measures 44" across, and is on a different window all alone. 

Mr. Blooper said

You live in beautiful New England and own an 1879 victorian house, with elegant bay windows- Kris you have it made!! I envy you. 

Now down to business. 

1).  Purchase 3 wooden rods or plastic piping from Home Depot, Loews or similar, when butted together, you have the illusion of one rod. 

2).  Make a rod pocket cover in the same fabric or contrast as the swags and cover the rod in the same, using triple the width of the rod. 

3).  If you desire a scarf, you need 8 yds. of fabric to create the effect you are seeking. 

                                              OR 

Purchase wooden rods from Home Depot or similar.  Sponge paint, stain or crackle finish the rods - don't forget the end finials - then purchase 3 x 36" swags and l pr. jabot from us (We hope) 

                                              OR 

Ignore the bay window, make a straight line across it, order l set of swags to cover the width and l pr. of side drapes to frame the bay. 

We could give you many more ideas if you supplied us with a photo of your problem window, also the coloring of your flooring, walls, furniture etc. 

What is your question????????????
Top Treatments can add drama to any window!

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