Q: I have a three-section casement window with a crank handle in my kitchen —the only natural light. I don’t want to compromise the light or the ability to open the side windows. I love plantation shutters, but with the crank, this treatment won’t fit. I’m not sure if I should treat it as three separate windows or one big one. Help! I’ve been in my house for three years and still have a naked window! —Jennifer O’Sullivan, Verona
A: Casement windows can present a design challenge, but a crank handle can be replaced with a T-handle to make room to mount a blind or shade inside the window opening. Depending on the size, I recommend you treat it as one large window, using a single shade or blind to create a cleaner look. Honeycomb cellular shades work well in kitchens. They come in different sizes, colors and textures. Another treatment that looks great and won’t compromise your natural light is 2- to 2½-inch wood or faux-wood slat blinds, also in a wide range of sizes and colors.
Q: I need help with window treatments in my two-story family room. The wall in question meets a sloped ceiling and has a beautiful stone fireplace in the middle. On each side, there is a window with a quarter-round arch on top. We live in the middle of the woods and love the view (no neighbors to worry about except for the fox, deer and turkeys!), but I’m not sure how high to hang drapes or if I should get two panels for each window. I’m also unsure what type of fabric pattern to use so it doesn’t compete with the fireplace. —Kerry Maslanka, Clinton Township
A: With challenging, two-story windows, I usually recommend starting with a drapery panel at the very top of each window. In your case, I would start it just below the quarter-circle arch. Many times when two windows flank a fireplace, it’s best to place a drapery panel on each, pulled to the side with a tassled tie-back. This way you’re not compromising your view, but rather you’re adding some color and warmth to the room with fabric. As for the pattern, I’d select a solid or lightly textured drapery that won’t compete with your stonework.
Q: About 14 months ago, we converted our screened porch into living space. There are two double windows and a sliding glass door. The room is adjacent to our kitchen, which also has a double window over the sink. The space isn’t large—maybe 10 feet square—and we enjoy the brightness of the bare windows. We don’t need privacy, but the room just doesn’t look finished. I would also like a coordinating window covering over the sink.—Jen Smyth, Nutley
A: Converting porches into living space can create challenging window-treatment options. However, bringing in a pretty accent fabric can definitely tie the rooms together. I’d opt for a fabric valance or cornice on the double windows in both the living room and kitchen, and a coordinated print for stationary side panels on either side of the sliding door. The use of coordinated fabrics will bring harmony to the space and unify the rooms. At our store, we have thousands of discounted fabrics by the yard to choose from and a huge selection of window hardware.
For more ideas on dressing up challenging windows, visit Metropolitan Window Fashions’ Pinterest page. Metropolitan Window Fashions also has a free, no-obligation shop-at-home service.