About Window Scarves

Say goodbye to stiff drapes that hide the beauty of window trim. Today, window dressings are softer and more creative with a variety of choices. You can use blinds with valances or shutters and no curtains. You can opt for valances or sheers. For a soft touch, there is nothing as creative as window scarves available in any fabric from jacquard to satin stripes. Make them yourself or buy them. Window scarves complete a window with an elegant touch.

Function

Window scarves add a finished look to any decor whether it's traditional or contemporary. Use them to coordinate with draperies or shades. They work well as an accent for decorative poles or rods. Hang them from scarf holders for an added touch. Whatever hardware you use, the window scarf's function is to soften a room, frame the window, and add unity to the decor.

Types

Most window scarves are light material to give the window a soft look and the ease of draping the fabric. Cotton, cotton blends, and polyester are the more common fabrics. Scarves may be sheer eggshell or other soft whites, or scarves may be solid colors to add drama to a window. If your home is a country decor, you can find cotton prints or flower patterns. Traditional decors are striking with striped patterns. For a more elegant or Victorian look, scarves trimmed in lace add a delicate touch. The longer scarves, 40 by 216 inches in length will hang close to the floor for a warm ambiance. Shorter scarves add accent to other window treatments or just a touch of color to a room.

Effects

There are two basic treatment effects when hanging a scarf: symmetrical or asymmetrical. When the scarf hangs evenly on both sides of the window, you have a symmetrical look. When the scarf is longer on one side than the other, you have an asymmetrical look. The asymmetrical look is more dramatic and works best with the long scarves, so one side reaches the floor. The symmetrical look is best for the scarf valance or shorter scarf that tops the window.

Considerations

Choosing the hardware for the scarf is as important as the scarf itself. Decorative poles allow the scarf to flow and show off the pole at the same time. Scarf holders can be elegant and dramatic. They are placed on each end of window. Simply lay the scarf into the holder.
For a more formal look, consider heavier material. You can create even pleats that will stay in place. For a softer look, go with light fabrics that will not create a pleated look, but a rippled effect.

Prevention/Solution

Hanging the scarf can be fun, and it can be frustrating. Put up your rod or scarf holders. Find the center point on the window and mark it. Lay the scarf out on the floor. Begin to pleat the scarf. Pleats can be as small as three inches or as deep as six or seven inches depending on your material and the look you want. Once you have pleated the material, using binder clips or safety pins, clip the center and corners. Place the scarf on the window matching the center points and the corners. Take off the clips or pins. Now, gently pull on the center of the scarf to create the swag look. Pull down at least 16 to 18 inches. For light materials, consider pinning the scarf on each side, above the scarf holder or the rod. This will keep the top of the scarf taut.

Resources

• How to Hang Window Scarves