For most of us, the only time we think of our windows or window treatments is when they need to be cleaned. But your window treatments – curtains, shades, and blinds – have a strong effect of how your home or office looks and feels.
Last week I encountered window dilemmas twice, once as a problem and once as a wonderful but expensive solution.
First, while meeting with Feng Shui colleagues one of us shared a problem in helping a friend sell her house. We were talking about energy flow, ying and yang and other rarified Feng Shui concepts when she passed around photos. All of us exclaimed “The windows!” The windows of this home were covered with heavy curtains and valances. No wonder it wasn’t selling.
Second, in an article about Chip and Joanna Gaines of HGTV’s “Fixer Upper” they suggest “tearing down walls and installing bigger windows will make a space brighter, fast.” True, but few of us are able (or want to) to do this.
Why are Windows so Important?:
- Light is a form of energy – Chi energy.
- Windows are the way natural light enters your home.
- Nature Chi – the calming, balancing, energizing, healing qualities of Nature enter your home, along with your views of nature, through your windows.
Windows are your connection to the natural world.
4 Reasons Why You Need Window Treatments – Protection Against:
- Sun glare
- Cold
- Ugly views.
- Nosey neighbors
If none of these apply consider un-curtained or bare-naked windows.
A simple solution to both situations is the smart use of window treatments.
4 Ideas to Open Your Home to Light, Chi and Connection to Nature
- Light and views are your aim: the simpler the window treatment the better.
- Layer your window curtains. Sheers and lacy curtains give daytime privacy while letting in filtered light and views.
- If your curtains are covering most of your window, blocking light and views, then re-hang your curtains. Hang your curtain rods from the wall, not the window frame. This allows you to go high and make the windows look taller. And go wide so the curtains can frame the window when open.
- Eliminate or raise any valences or swags. Hang them from the wall above the window frames so the bottom edge of the valence touches the top edge of the window. This will both open your view and make the window look taller.
Note: If you have pets or kids use common sense about the length of your curtains.
Simple changes, the right ones, have a powerful impact on your home and you. Many of my clients have been amazed by the difference these simple changes in window treatments make in how their home looks and feels.
Contact me for help in re-thinking your window treatments and Feng Shui fine-tuning your house. Make it a home you truly love.
Learn more about window treatments.