Does burlap work in contemporary decor?

Ideas for using burlap in crafty, country decor have taken over my Pinterest feed lately.  My own decor is a mix of contemporary and mid-century modern with a generous application of contemporary art.  Burlap just doesn't seem to fit with that mix.  But wait...  just tell me something doesn't work, and I am on a journey to prove otherwise.

 Currently in my art practice I am questioning public expectations for certain materials.   Perhaps that's why I am thinking about burlap.   All those country/homey pins for burlap  got me thinking about raising the ante, by taking burlap  out of its country comfort level.

So let's explore the question.

I like burlap because it ...

• has texture;
• is a natural fibre from the jute plant;
• is a renewable product because of its source;
• is  available in several  neutral colours and can be dyed; 
• is relatively inexpensive;
• can be used without sewing;
• accepts paint well;
• comes in a variety of widths and qualities;
• has an open weave for introducing  different materials into design. 

On the other side are several drawbacks...

• it is smelly; 
• cheaper varieties are very coarse; 
• it is usually stiff and doesn't gather well; 
• the weave is uneven

Here's a collection of commercially produced products using burlap.  Obviously, this isn't the burlap you wrap your trees with in fall!

There are also lots of options for DIYers or to purchase from sites like ETSY. 

Pillows 

source 

source 

Window Treatments 

source 

source 

source 

source 

 source 

Runner 

Bedskirt 

source 

Art 

source  

Now it's your turn....

Basement window solutions that wow

 While a simple window treatment might solve your  basement window woes,  there's a whole lot more you can accomplish with a little creative thinking.  Why accept mediocre when you can have spectacular!

If you think of your window as one aspect of a vignette, you can create stunning spaces where the window becomes part of a larger design.  This is a bit of a different way to consider tiny windows, but it leads to interesting ideas and solutions.

Create a centred layout between windows

Centered fireplace and seating

Christian Gladu Design

If you are lucky enough  to build a space give careful consideration to the placement of windows in basement spaces.  Depending on how your land slopes you can have sections where larger windows are possible.  Centering main structural elements between windows creates interesting designs.

Small windows, big impact

Bruce Johnson & Associates

Centre large peices of furniture under windows

Jennifer Hernandez

 A centered bed below a small window can do wonders to fill in the awkward space below.  Hanging drapes that also frame the bed adds an additional layer of interest to the vignette.

 

Disguise the size

If centering your layout around a window isn't an option there are other ways to make those cramped windows look more important.  Your next bet is to  "fake it".

Using a custom shutter to fill the space 

 Houzz

 

 This is a solution I  love. A simple treatment with no additional details apart from the shutters. But layering with draperies as you can see below brings the whole space up a notch.

Is that a shutter I see? 

Better Homes and Gardens

This shutter is added to the wall below the window to create a longer, more interesting area  for the draperies to hug.  Adding the table below this faux treatment finishes the look. You could also get the same effect with top down cellulars with  an outside mount or even a woven blind attached permanently below the window.

Go large or go home

Houzz

Shutters  can be used very effectively to give the impression of a large window. The drapes add a second layer of detailing and softness.

 Fake it totally

 

No window at all?  Don't let that stop you from having a spectacular space. 

This is one wow basement

Candice Olsen

Backlit  stained glass

 Bayview Donovan

 

Work with contrast

Window frame painted black

 Houzz

Sometimes you can use high contrast to actually make a small window work in a space.  It seems contrary to common sense, but it does work if you choose the right setting. If there was only one window in this room and it was smaller it would not look as spectacular. Of course, when using black it is important to have other black elements in the space to move your eye around. 

Dark drapes repeat the brown accent wall

Habitat Design

 I think this space could be further enhanced by having something  under each window.  I am not a lover of the dark lines and the blank wall showing between them. Check out the next section for ideas to further enhance this contrasted look.

Fill in empty space

Because basement windows are so high up on a wall, you have to deal with all that empty wall space below them. Am I the only one who is annoyed by this?  If it bothers you too, there are several ways to solve this problem.  

1. Use art to trick the eye

Art used to extend and replicate

Things That Inspire

How much do I love this space?  Lots. It is fresh, well conceived with extra sleeping and the art work added below the windows visually enlarges each window by convincing your eye to read both as one unit.

Display art to break up empty wall space

Asapela Home Design

Many basements have a half wall  created when the concrete meets the wood framing. This space  provides the perfect  spot for art display but you  just need to know how to use them effectively.  This might be a good time to say never highlight  this type of wall by painting it a different colour from the top portion because it chops the room in half and is not interesting!

Larger art fills this space beautifully

TEA2 Architects

The power of standard repetition... same size, same colour and layered over repeated shapes.  The repetition really works.

Beautiful drapes and art work together

 Pinterest

 I think this is a stunning space because of how the windows were treated. Isn't it well balanced and interesting?

Think about  image shape when choosing art

Sarah Richardson

Doesn't a circular motif soften the look of this artwork?  The dark frames relate to the accent wall pattern.

Large art  can be a great filler 

 Ziger/Snead Architects

I admit it, I am fussy. While I like this look,  I want  the art to be a tad smaller and less busy with all the books.  An art work needs breathing space and low visual competition from what is surrounding it. 

2. Use furniture and accessories 

The Decorologist

This is an interesting solution for a small window.  A second framed mirror was added below the window to fool the eye into thinking the window is much larger.  Then a chest of drawers and a lamp  was added to complete the look.

Working with bright accessories

 Ginger Freckle

I love the stools and the drapery fabric.  This is an excellent example of where a piece of art with vibrant oranges would work below the window or  I might add a more substantial piece of furniture. A fantastic start.  

Using every trick mentioned

Klang &Associates

The two windows are dressed with drapes, the bed is centered, artwork has been added as well as furniture and lamps, and we have a new solution too - paneling which mimics the framing on the night tables.

 3. Use paneling

Basement paneling should reach the windows

Remodelaholic

Window framing is part of paneling design

Houzz

4. Add built ins to integrate small windows

Using window size to determine shelving size

Charlie & Co. Design

Keeping all elements the same size adds consistency to the wall and helps to blend the windows into the construction.

Built-ins, art and accent colour together

Better Homes and Gardens

Built-ins and TV below window works well

Urban Ideas Inc.

And there you have it.  A collection of ideas from around the web that will ensure you don't have boring, small windows in your basement. Do you have a favourite from the ideas presented? 

Simple window treatments for basement windows

Basement windows are often a  challenge to decorate because they are usually small,  spaced, and high on the wall - a recipe for  decorating disaster.   This post provides solutions for these problem windows based on the premise that  simple is best.  Keeping things light and airy will not draw attention to the negatives of  small size and awkward placement.  All links  to these spaces can be found on my Pinterest board .

Shutters and  valances  work when windows are a little larger

This space would work equally well without the valances if you like a less layered look. Keeping everything light also detracts from the high placement as you can see in this space and the one below.

White blinds on a white wall

One of my favourite looks for a basement space is to keep everything light and add  darks in art or accessories. White faux wood blinds are very functional because they let light in and provide some privacy in the daytime.  In this room the floor acts as a great foil for all the lightness and the hits of dark in art and furniture break up the space.

Simple  light shutters add light and privacy 

Nothing works better than functional shutters in a basement. They are sleek and unobtrusive and look tidy.  

Etched glass or window film

What about  adding something directly to the glass?  Etching  glass is so simple these days with beautiful stencils and spray etching available. You can also buy so many window films that provide a degree of privacy without too much fuss. If you aren't sure if you would like the look of etching try window film first because it is removable. 

Stained glass provides interest and  privacy. 

Light walls and light draperies

Sometimes draperies work with short windows. I personally prefer that they are a similar colour to the wall, but there is a place for darker ones.  Because the sofa is below these windows it helps to break up the long expanse of wall below each window.

Sometimes you can add something vertical below the space to visually fill in the awkward space.

In my next post I will discuss more complex  basement window options that are sure to wow and  convince visitors that they are not in a basement. And what about your house?  What is your preferred window treatment for basements? 

Current trends in window treatments

 So what are the  current trends in window treatments?  The key words are simplicity and minimalism with an emphasis on crisp, clean lines. Gone are the days of heavy draped effects using jabots and swags; tab curtains or gathered valances. If you are wondering if  any type of valances are still in style this post will answer the question. 

Not a lot has changed since I wrote this post in early 2012.  Because it is so popular with my readers I thought I would add updates that reflect 2015 choices.  You might also like to check out Choosing Drapery Hardware.

 Layering

While layering is  popular, the overall look remains clean, and the palette is usually consistent for both treatments.  Blending colours rather than contrasting ones work best when you want to layer treatments. Any type of blind can be used under drapes for a layered look.

Layering drapes and Roman shade in bay window

Apartment Therapy

 This is an interesting look with drapes and two romans with the outer printed one stationary  I suspect. I am not a lover of the partial rod because it creates a chopped look and I never choose dark rods with light drapes because the rod becomes the dominant feature as it is above. You can purchase rods with elbows that allow you to span the width of a bay window. This is a much more finished look.


Pattern is hot
When you look through new fabrics you are bound to notice that textures and patterns abound. You can't go wrong with geometric patterns, trellis designs, large scale florals, bold colours, whimsical motifs etc.

Geometric designs are always popular

Stripes never go out of style

Floral patterns on light backgrounds are very popular

source

Banding
Vertical or horizontal banding is very popular and adds beautiful detailing and interest to any plain drape. You can add banding to good advantage if you want to add visual height or width to a space.

 

Vertical banding to match duvet

source

 Horizontal banding

 
Lisa Ferguson via Houzz

Wider drapes

Visual width added by mounting drapes beyond the window frame

Interior Design-Decoration Ideas

 Overall, drapes are  getting longer and wider to accommodate the trend to make windows appear larger in scale which is a trending look right now.  Lush materials like velvet and silk add to this look.

Tone on tone
The window treatments in the room below are simple, harmonious with the walls, and allow the view and the room to shine.  When deciding the colour of your drapes you should first consider the look/feel you want in your space.  If you want restful, choose solid colour with texture and keep to the colour tones in the room.

 Tone on tone draperies  for a restful look

 Rosemarie V. DiSalvo

Longer, looser pleats (5-6 inches)
While on a recent trip to Europe I noticed that pleats are getting softer and longer to provide a more contemporary and less formal feel in a room. There are many different headings to choose from to get the look you want .

Longer pinch pleat

You can't beat pinch pleated drapes.  They continue to be the industry standard for elegance. Pinch-pleated drapes characteristically retain their shape, maintaining a consistent appearance opened or closed and hang beautifully. 

Long looser pencil pleat

Long inverted (back) pleat

source

Cleaner look in headings

 
The inverted  box pleat (back pleat), my personal favourite,  is a soft but tailored look for modern decor.  It has been replacing pinch pleat styles when a more clean contemporary feel is required. Lighter colours and tone on tone add  softness to home decor.

Inverted back pleat is contemporary and tidy

source

Grommets have been around for  a number of  years and are definitely  still in vogue.  While some grommet drapes can look very informal, it is possible to have a more styled look too.  The banded grommets below are a great example.

 For grommets to look "lush" you need at least 7 or 8 folds at the top.  That means purchasing two sets of ready made panels or have custom fully closing ones. .If you plan to open and close grommet panels daily be warned that you will spend a lot of time fiddling to adjust them so they hang nicely. 

 Tineke Triggs via Houzz

Updated Sheers

Yes, sheers are still popular, but they are a world away from the fussy, frilly and lacy ones that the word sheer brings to mind. The "new" sheers have subtle iridescence and are interwoven with unexpected materials, or have embossed or printed patterns or contemporary headings as in the room below.

Contemporary look in sheers

Houzz 

Layered drapes over sheers with contemporary headings are still popular

Lisa Stevens & Company, Inc.

Printed/textured sheers add interesting light play

Global Living

Roman Shades

Roman shades continue as a  favourite for contemporary homes.   Who can resist their clean lines and  the options for amazing patterns?  Because they are a flat construction the fabric needed is much less than full drapes.  This allows you to upscale your fabric choice and make a real statement.  I can't say enough about Roman shades because they are my personal favourite.  Their flat surfaces are almost picture like and work especially well in kitchens, eating areas and bathrooms.

Roman shade with valance

House Beautiful

 A bold patterned Roman on patio doors

 Houzz

A more traditional Roman with banding

source 

Metal Blinds Return

Who thought we would see a resurgence in metal blinds?  It's driven by the popularity of stainless appliances, and other metals especially bronze in an industrial style loft living.

Metal blinds for lofts and contemporary spaces

 Kirch Blinds

Woven Wood Shades
The trend to more eco-friendly materials has prodded this design aesthetic along. most are made from sustainable materials including: grasses, sisal, reeds or  bamboo. 

 Woven wood blinds come in many colours

Red River Interiors

Cellular shades

Cellular shades offer great versatility

 source

Cellular shades are one of the most versatile window treatments available today.  They can be hung by themselves for a very contemporary look or layered with other treatments and provide additional insulation for your windows.  Options for cordless, corded, remote and top down/bottom up round out this very popular window treatment.

RollerShades 

Hunter Douglas patterned 

Modern and room darkening 

Roller blinds/shades are sleek, simple and very functional and economical as well.  I can think of no other window treatment that solves as many problems as the roller blind:

• they fit into tight quarters;
• can be used as an inside or outside mount;
• look great layered in a more traditional style or stand alone;
• are available in a  range of opacities from room darkening to almost sheer, and a range of colours;
• choose from plain, patterned or textured;
• are available in materials that are wipeable making them perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.
  
  

So many options for today's windows.  All you have to do is decide which works in your home.  Do you have favourite window treatments?