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A Closer Look at Windows
I’ve been discussing windows quite a bit lately – with colleagues, in my last Luxe & Lucid post, on Tiktok, etc. – in reference to café curtains and their installation. So it’s important to note, that they are so much more than a backdrop for drapery treatments, and can be everything from pragmatic to extraordinary. Nerd-out with me and let’s take a closer look at windows.
Anatomy of a Double-Hung Window
A double-hung window is the standard of American homes and the receiver of many a huntleyco curtain. As you can see by the diagram above, it’s far more complicated than its pedestrian reputation would suggest. Knowing all its parts may not seem critical, but it’s certainly useful when conversing with builders, selecting window treatments, and simply understanding how it functions.
FYI: The difference between a double- and single-hung window? Both the upper and lower windows function in a double-hung, whereas the top is fixed with a single-hung.
A Directory of Window Types
There are numerous window styles from classic to modern, everyday to ornate. Seeing them grouped together helps one see the variety that’s available, and how different they all are.
row 1 (L-R): Casement, double-hung, and transom windows; row 2 (L-R): Hopper, Palladian, and picture windows; row 3 (L-R): Awning, oculus, and center-pivot windows; row 4 (L-R): Gable-dormer, lunette, and eyebrow windows.
The Why of a Window
- Transom: Historically a transom window served one or two functions. One, when operable, it provided ventilation in the era before air-conditioning. Two, in narrow row houses, it illuminated dark central hallways by allowing light to pass through from the perimeter rooms.
- Hopper: Hopper windows originated in the 19th century, designed primarily to keep dust and debris from dirt roads out of homes while still allowing fresh air to circulate. Their inward-opening design was ideal for trapping dust as it settled, while the lighter, clean air could flow upward into the home.
- Center-Pivot: This particular window’s main goal was likely a dramatic and modern appearance, but as a center-pivot it also provides excellent ventilation due to the large open area when rotated, and makes cleaning easy with full access to the exterior glass.
- Gabled Dormer: A triangular-shaped projection from the roofline, the gabled dormer brings natural light and ventilation into an attic or upper floor. It also makes the space more liveable with additional headroom, and can break up the expanse of a roof creating a more pleasing facade.
Learning about the reason, history, and/or function behind architectural elements is always fun. I ate it up as a child, grad student, designer employee, and even now. I could never know enough and hope it continues to thrill me.
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The Right and Wrong Way to Hang Cafe Curtains
Café curtains are one of my favorite window treatments. Equal parts practical and charming, they provide privacy without cutting light, and can look sweet or elegant depending on the fabric, length, hardware, etc. They are almost a no-brainer, but not quite. How you hang them makes a difference. There is a right way and a wrong way, so take notes!
The Wrong Placement
A lovely bath, no doubt, and installing cafe curtains was the right choice. The clients have privacy, plenty of light, and can push the curtains aside if they want to enjoy the landscape outside. What would have made this a home run, is if the curtains were hung in alignment with the metal grid – either with the muntin above or the rail below. Currently, the hardware and the window framework are in competition, creating a busier than necessary viewpoint. Sidenote, black or oil-rubbed bronze should have been the obvious hardware choice here instead of brass.
The Right Placement
The windows above and below all have cafe curtains installed with the architecture of the window in mind. It’s a detail that conveys the thoughtfulness behind each space’s design.
A pistachio living room by Nicky Kehoe.
Caveats
1 | Two Approaches
There are two schools of thought when it comes to exact placement of a curtain rod. One, align the rod itself with a muntin/rail. Two, install the rod high enough, so the top of the curtain header aligns with the horizontal element. My opinion is that it should be determined on a case-by-case basis. When the hardware is darker, I think it’s better if the rod aligns, and therefore, disappears. If the hardware is lighter and the fabric is more pronounced, then I align the curtain header with the rail or muntin.
2 | Single-Pane Windows Sans Rail
And what if you have a plain, plate glass window without muntins or a rail? At Huntley & Co., we won’t install cafe curtains in these situations; I think it looks awkward and too forced. Instead, I opt for short drapes that are hung at the inside top of the window as shown in the Huntley & Co. bedroom elevation at right below.
3 | Ready-Made Problems
If you purchase pre-fabricated curtains, you need to be mindful of their measurements. The window dictates the length of the curtain, not the other way around. If you can’t request a specific dimension, order them slightly longer and hem them. Otherwise, your window will scream, “I bought this on Amazon” like (case in point) the kitchen below.
FYI, not only the wrong length, but the wrong fabric, wrong hardware, and wrong placement.
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Ironware’s Designer Spotlight
In an interview with Ironware International, Tricia answers all your burning questions including what inspires her, what’s on her bucket list and whether she prefers 70s soul, country music or contemporary pop (hint: all of the above).
Ironware Q&A
Who is a designer you admire and why?
Muriel Brandolini. I admire her creativity, fearlessness, passion for craftsmanship and ability to mold her very particular look into something traditional or modern.Where is your favorite travel destination?
Italy. Rome and Florence are favorites – The Boboli Gardens particularly in Florence.What or who has inspired your work recently.
I recently watched the documentary ‘Agnelli’ about the life of Gianni Agnelli. His style is legendary. His clothing, grooming, homes, cars, art, mannerisms—all were impeccable, incredibly glamorous, and yet, totally effortless. He embodied midcentury Italian style.Is there a special detail you always add to your projects?
Bespoke furnishings. We always create custom furniture, lighting and/or softgoods for our projects.What is the most common mistake you see in interiors?
Uninspired art. Seeing a well-executed interior with art that’s decorative or pedestrian is soul-crushing. An artwork collection should be a mix of genres and price points; some should be thoughtfully curated pieces, others should be “finds” from vacations and flea markets. It shouldn’t be too perfect, too much of the same or purchased based on what your friends own.What is most exciting to you in your career at this moment?
The landscape of our industry is constantly shifting and it’s become an ongoing challenge for designers. The good news is that I love a challenge. I never thought I would have to explain or defend my professional value at this point in my career, but I’ve come to realize that it ups my game in many ways. I continually pursue new levels of excellence in design and business. That keeps my job exciting and interesting.How would you best describe your style?
Eclectic yet edited. I like unexpected pairings and a bit of tension wrapped in a thoughtful, comfortable envelope.Describe a favorite piece in your personal home
I purchased a vintage coromandel screen last year and installed it in my dining room. It has a rich warm wood finish with slightly colored carvings. It has great scale and is both very elegant and a bit weird. It’s flanked by crystal Swedish sconces with my dining table, pink leather chairs and brutalist chandelier completing the arrangement.What are three (or four!) things you can’t live without besides family, faith and friends?
Comedy radio, cursive handwriting, my Swell water bottle and Nina, my beloved Norwegian Elkhound.Name something on your bucket list
Going on safari in Africa.What music are you listening to right now?
70s soul, country and the Sia station on Pandora.Why do you choose Ironware for your projects?
Ironware has substance. Playing the textural and sculptural against clean lines is part of what makes a Huntley & Co. interior. Ironware is the perfect counterpoint to more tailored furnishings.Ironware x Huntley
(L to R): the Alicia table in an Annapolis project; the Huntley-designed Celine pendant; a master bedroom features the Diego bed. The Celine pendant and a multitude of other gorgeous light fixtures, furnishings and accessories are available to-the-trade on the Ironware International website. HUNTLEYCODESIGN loves IRONWARE!
www.luxeandlucidblog.com
www.huntleyandcompany.com
THE MUSINGS OF DESIGNER TRICIA HUNTLEY
