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Hi Folks.

My first time here.

I’m looking for suggestions on ways to treat this window. It’s a semi bay window about 2 feet deep. (see attached photo). I want to replace these old vinyl blinds with metal blinds. I was thinking about white metal blinds to keep the look clean but adding curtains or something for to bring in color.

In this scenario would you combine blinds with curtains? Curtains and roller shades
As you can see in the photo, there wouldn’t be a lot of room for curtains on the sides of the windows (if the curtains are inside the bay). Should I consider curtains outside the bay from ceiling to floor?
Or would it be better to have:
No curtains?
Colored blinds?
Any other ideas on ways to best handle this window?

Thanks so much in advance!

Greg

Greg, is that a soffit above your lamp? Started to say full length panels outside the window but then saw that and changed my mind.

Do you plan to stay in this home for the long-term? Don't you have opportunities to add color elsewhere in the room, in somewhat less permanent ways? (Blinds can be a hassle to change out.)

If you don't plan to stay there for say, more than five years, I would stick with a fairly neutral color of blinds. Can't see your other colors (gold paint?). Assuming it works with the rest of the palette, you might consider a more fun neutral like possibly grey or silver.

What about the rest of the home? Other blinds? I'd consider any other windows and your overall color palette, too.

Good Luck!

P.S. Is that a seat underneath the window ledge? Panels may interfere with that.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: blueday,

Thanks so much blueday for your reply. Yup, this is our permanent home for a long long time.

Nope,not a soffit, it's the main support beam (1925 Twin, Philadelphia.

My problem is I tend to default to whites an modern (It's an off white living room) so my thoughts were either bright colored curtains or blinds or perhaps roman shades. The rest of the downstairs (just a kitchen and dining room) have the crappy vinyl shades which I'm hoping to change out as well but whatever treatment I do to this window, I'll probably replicate with the other 2 windows in the Living Room.

Finally, we may be painting this room down the road.

Also, is it typical to combine venetian blinds with curtains?

If I can get a moment, I'll add a couple more shots of the space.

Thanks
Greg

(Not a seat under the window ledge, that's a radiator cover.)

I have used curtains and blinds in our kitchen. White mini blinds with pulled back print curtains. Needed the blinds for light control and privacy.

Panels will take up part of the window. You could use a valance for color and softness.

Keep in mind what you do for other windows in the room. Also if this is the front of the house, you might want a consistant look with other windows on the front.

I also like sheers and blinds. May be in the minority for that.

do you have any weather conditions to consider? after 20 years of mini's we dumped them all, but did go to heavier drape because despite double pane windows, when it hits 20 here in mi you need every bit of protection...and on the flip side? when we lived in so ca needed something to block the sun...

actually i like it as is...have you thought about roman shades if you like the softness of fabric?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: sjf,

My preference is to never see blinds during the day. I have pleated shades at full-size bathroom windows. They are completely up during the day and hidden by fabric swags. At night they are pulled down for privacy.

You could use any kind of shade, unless you like mini blinds for light control. Some fabric at the top softens the look. I do not prefer panels on such windows. Many would not agree with me.

It is a very nice window!!!

Ok, Greg - same difference, the beam (IMHO) limits you. I love draperies of all types, sheers or you name it and frequently use them over blinds. The lack of width between the window and that beam would make drapery appear strange and stubby, to me. Personally, I don't believe it'd work.

Yes, you could use other types of shades or fabrics swags but the 2 windows were rather small. Sometimes the simplest window covering wins out. I would most likely select a neutral color (but fun/updated, like the silver I mentioned above) of blinds and allow the window itself to be the star.

Thinking about your other windows, I would most likely use the same type of blinds and probably the same color for consistency. That wouldn't stop me, however, from adding layers to those windows, if/when appropriate. For example, it wouldn't be unusual (IMHO) to use blinds then sheers and custom drapery over top - say for a formal living room.

Yes, it'd be great to see additional pics of this room and your other rooms, too. If the other windows are larger scale, I'd probably use larger scale blinds but remain consistent with the color and type, if possible. You can always use more color with your hard goods/furniture, pillows, panels or drapery over top (as mentioned previously) and/or in numerous other ways. If you plan to paint, then, yes, I'd definitely select the color with that in mind.

Hope some of that's helpful. Best of luck to you. All of the above is JMHO.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: blueday,

Thanks all for your very kind suggestions. I
'm still still processing your feedback and now my wife has entered the fray! I think we're moving in the direction of roman shades as a way to add color but I do like "adjustability" of blinds. I'll post our results when we get there. Thanks again!
Greg

You can mix blinds & curtain or drapes. Have seen photos done with drapes, could use a light weight fabric, to still let in light. The blinds you have help control light & privacy.

I combined skinny blinds with fabric (it was gathered on a tension rod. It was a spread, light weight made in India, very inexpensive.)
I kept the metal blinds to control the light in the room.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: noraj,