John’s basement is a little bit tiki, a little bit rock ‘n roll — it’s pretty fabulous, actually. Now, John needs to finish the room — with some cheap, cheerful, effective and aesthetically pleasing window treatments for his small basement windows. I bet the design of these windows looks familiar to a lot of people; classique. So –what do you think that John should do for window treatments? Read on for his complete question and more pics, and then, let’s hear your ideas. John writes:
hi pam,
a few friends and i have been facebook fans of yours for a while now, using it for inspiration. i have a 1968 ranch in a suburb of boston. we’re putting the finishing touches on the two windows.
they’re nearly side by side and measure 32″x16″.
we were hoping to find this kind of shutter (above), but haven’t had any luck finding them in the right size. we are completely open to a different way to go. we’d like them open by day and closed by night. we can’t justify spending the $ on custom built for the basement. any ideas for a manufacturer or a different solution?
thanks, john
Jennie says
I would check out some estate sales (although I *am* partial to estate sales) for some vintage fabrics, which I find all the time. Sometimes I see them still hanging up but as I don’t have a use for them, I don’t purchase. Well, that and I don’t actually sew…
Sputnik Housewares says
My friend Dawn Frasier designs her own awesome tiki fabric, check it out!
http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/sophista-tiki
Colleen says
While they don’t offer a ton of privacy, you could use some matchstick blinds inside the window and use bamboo for rods to hang cafe curtains from, or create a bamboo valance on the wall & combine with repro or original polynesian print fabric.
I’ve found this pattern at our local Joann’s. Using a coupon it becomes super cheap! http://www.decorativefabricsdirect.com/Tommy_Bahama_TBO_WAVE_RUNNER_SPICE_800581_Fabric_p/604212.htm
I’ve also had great experience purchasing from Barkcloth Hawaii
http://www.barkclothhawaii.com/
bux1234567 says
I’ve got similar windows in my 1955 ranch, and I agree with you: finding a treatment that fits the window is a challenge. What do you think about using pinch-pleat drapes from floor to ceiling, foregoing altogether the trial of finding an exact-fitting solution? In addition to going floor to ceiling, you could apply the drapes along the entire window wall, from inside corner to inside corner. A full wall of drapes would not only look mid-century, but would visually and perhaps literally warm the basement, also suggesting that the room has larger windows than it really has, and that the room is not below grade. Further, a full wall of drapes absorbs sound a bit, which may be advantageous given the apparent musical activities that go on in the room. Last, a full wall of drapes would provide a neutral, frameless, textured backdrop for your entertainment setup, making the setup the single focal point of the wall, free from competition from the windows. Given your baseboard heating, you may have to hang the drapes right to the ceiling (a good thing), but I imagine that standard-height 84-inch drapes would still fit quite well, even with the base heating. 84-inch antique satin pinch-pleats from Penny’s are easy to get, come in mid-century colors, and are affordable. Anyway, this is what I did in my TV room, and along with low lighting, the room has a cozy movie-theater quality. One guest calls it my womb room. Good luck.
Else says
oops forgot the link for the material:
http://www.jandofabrics.com/Fabric.aspx?Flag=All&Narrow0=tiki%3aKeywords%3a
Else says
Yes, I agree with the pinch pleat type, that is the most accurate retro look. You need to find the fabric first, I may be able to help you with that. I have a local place near me but you can also access them online, here is the “Tiki” specific choices, but they have some great Mid-century patterns. If you need assistance with anything else you can ask me. https://www.facebook.com/else.ayala
I’m a lifelong seamstress, and if I don’t know it, my circle of friends does.
Lynne says
John, I would put up matchstick roller blinds. Pull the string and roll them up to where you want them by day, and roll ’em down at night. Very in keeping with the Tiki look.
I also must say how much I like your wallpaper! Is it wide grasscloth??
Sherree says
I also vote for short pinch pleat or cafe curtain/drapery panels in vintage (or reproduction) tiki look bark cloth fabric. You wont need much yardage with those small windows and may even find some that are the right size in a thrift store, Ebay or Etsy. If you cannot drill into the basement walls to hang rods you could use tension rods which are very inexpensive. I love the wall treatment!
Kae says
I agree about the short curtains on a rod. My parents still have theirs hanging on the windows in their ’70s time capsule basement. Homemade of course.
George K. says
Years ago I remember folks like my grandparents (owners of a 1960 ranch house) and their neighbors having short curtains on rods on their basement windows. I noticed you have finished basement walls so you could easily attach the rod hardware. Open by day, closed by night. Check out vintage stores and ask if they have them, or pick out a new material that looks retro with a Hawaiian/polynesian vibe and have then custom made (neighborhood tailor, friend that sews, etc.). Another option would be wood slatted shades. Again, check out vintage stores. I’ve also noticed recently that the big box hardware stores do have wood slatted shades. I don’t know if they cut to fit for smaller windows, Another option: as was mentioned in a previous article, observe what’s on windows (basement, in your case) at estate sales. If not marked, offer a price. Good luck!