Floor-to-ceiling windows in a new light

Floor-to-ceilingwindows in today’s condo market are pretty common. We get caught up with the amazing light and view they provide, but we often overlook how this architectural element can create a cold and stark contrast to this cosy space you want to call “home.”

Here’s why window coverings are essential, and how you can use them to soften the bold contrast of architectural glazing (windows).

Access your needs

Floor-to-ceilingwindows in condosprovide a fantastic light source, spectacular views and access to the outdoors from our urban oasis. When buying your condo, it’s important to assess your lifestyle and the realities of the unit. From there, you can determine your decorating needs by looking at the direction your unit faces, noting whether you will have morning light or afternoon light, indirect light or nosy neighbours.

If your unit faces east, it will be showered in beautiful morning sunlight. While this may be a blessing for the early bird, it might not be for those who prefer to sleep in, or those who do shift-work. You will have to deal with the realities of trying to sleep in a sun-filled room. Black-out privacy blinds and/or drapery will be required. Perhaps a west-facing unit will provide you with better rest and allow you to enjoy the sun when you wake from your slumber.

If you are nestled among a pocket of condo towers, you may not require sunshades, but perhaps privacy blinds. A general rule of thumb: if you can see your neighbours, they can see you. Privacy blinds will block the view in and out of your suite while helping to passively regulate the heating and cooling. They also protect your furniture, possessions and electronics from direct sun damage. If your purchase agreement does not include blinds, you will need to factor this expense in your overall budget. You will also need to inquire about the rules and regulations about window coverings from the condo board in your building.Most buildings regulate the colour of window treatments from the outside. Usually they need to be white or off white from the exterior. The interior is where you get to have some fun!

A place to call “home”

Once you have addressed your lifestyle and practical needs, it’s time to look at how you can soften floor-to-ceiling glazing. We encourage our clients to hang privacy blinds and then layer drapery or window treatments over top. Investing in blinds is a good idea and great for resale value, since the window coverings typically stay with the home on resale. Drapery treatments, if done well and neutral in colour, can also add value to your condo.

If you don’t want blinds, consider drapery, sheers or side panels to soften glazing. This will add the comforting “hygge” we are all looking for in a living space.Drapery also helps to insulate the windows from the harsh winter winds and the extreme summer heat.

Drapery valances are another way to help hide inconsistencies in window heights and bulkheads. They also help create a cosy atmosphere in your space, by visually closing in the space. Designers and decorators alike have been reinventing valances, and the Internet is a great place to look for inspiration.We completed a project where we had a valance laser-cut in mirrored acrylic to create visual interest, balanced with layered sheer side panels behind. The result is jaw dropping!

In concrete condos, which can experience sound reverberation, drapery panels provide needed attenuation. You will instantly notice a difference once panels are installed.

Drapery styles are abundant and can be executed in modern ortraditional and masculine or feminine styles. For a modern or masculine, clean look, try a simple S-track system that is ceiling mounted and creates neat and tailored folds. Crisp roman blinds may also give you the simplicity you desire.Transitional or traditional interior styles are plentiful: pinch-pleat casual headings on exposed rod and rings to French pinch pleats and beyond.

Consulting with a local decorator or designer can help ease the overwhelming number of decisions that you need to make regarding the appropriate window treatments. A consultant will be able to help you find the right manufacturer, retailer, style and colour to create a cosy space to call “home.”