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Decorating Tips
Window Treatments
Reference has already been made to the selection of fabrics for a given room, considerations which apply
also to the kind of wallpaper used. The practical treatment of windows is a matter for which Williamsburg
provides a number of precedents. There are three basic types of window treatment:
In figure A, festoons and
jabots (which are side
frills) are placed over the
floor-length curtains.
In figure B, there are
festoons and jabots only,
and the jabots hang to
the window sill or
chair rail.
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In figure C, there is a more
or less elaborately shaped
valance covered by fabric.
Curtains generally reach
to the floor, although
Williamsburg has many
examples of valance
treatment with curtains
reaching to the window
sill only.
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Decorating Tips
FESTOONS
The number of festoons depends on the width of the window. In Williamsburg, where most windows are
only 3 1/2 feet wide, there are two festoons, each of two feet or less (festoons may overlap).
The number of folds in the festoon determines the degree of formality; many folds convey depth and
richness while few folds give a sense of lightness.
CURTAINS
Floor-length curtains are always elegant and formal, while hangings to the window sill are informal and at
the same time functional, for they keep the curtains away from the floor in an area much used, or difficult
to clean.
The most pleasing curtain effects are given by 100% fullness, which means that curtain width should be
double that of the window. Most fabrics measure approximately 54 inches; a pair of curtains for a window
four feet wide, therefore, requires two widths, one for each curtain.
VALANCES
Valances are subject to many variations. An elaborately shaped and deep valance like the one illustrated
in Figure 5, which is in the dining room of the Governor's Palace, represents one extreme and conveys a
sense of grandeur with ornateness. Valances used in less formal settings in Williamsburg are illustrated here
in a series of designs. The shape of the valance is also subtly related to the pattern and type of fabric used.
A simple valance calls for cottons and small patterns, an intricate design for damasks, a bold design for
large fabric patterns.
The proper length of a valance is determined partly by the fabric—longer if it is to accom-modate a large
and bold pattern, for example. Color plays an essential role because a dark color makes a valance seem
smaller, a light color larger, in size. A designer rule of thumb is to allow overall 1 1/2” to 1 3/4” for each
foot of window height, modified by the above considerations.
TRIMMINGS
Effects, either formal or informal, can be obtained by trimming in the form of fringe, binding, braid or
fabric borders. When used, the trimming should relate to an important color in the fabric. The more
ornate hangings are usually trimmed both in valance and festoon as well as the curtains themselves.
Ruffles, of course, usually suggest lightness and a touch of informality.
OTHER FEATURES
When maximum light is needed from the window, valances should be kept high up and shallow, and
curtains, when drawn back, should not encroach too much on the window panes. Valances should cover
everything at the top, including Venetian blind boxes, and should also extend close to the ceiling or
molding. Window molding should be left exposed as much as possible.
WILLIAMSBURG WINDOW TREATMENTS
In the illustrations to follow, we see examples of window treatment at Colonial Williamsburg. These offer
to the homemaker and decorator multiple suggestions of desirable effects to be used in one's own residence.
Figures 1 to 12 illustrate the many combinations used in Williamsburg.
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Decorating Tips
Figure 1
FORMAL
Multi-folded festoons and
jabots over floor-length
curtains. All are trimmed
with fringes.
Figure 2
FESTOON
Fringe on multi-folded festoon
and curtain. Formal treatment.
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Figure 3
FESTOON AND JABOT
Multi-pleated festoon with
jabots to window sill. Edges
fringed in color of fabric.
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Decorating Tips
Figure 4
SWAG AND JABOT
Jabots extend to chair rail and
so complement an architectural
feature of the room.
Figure 5
ELABORATE VALANCE
WITH TRIM
Elaborate valance with three
deep scallops. Large patterned
fabric determines height of
valance. Heavy trimmings for
a sumptuous effect.
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Figure 6
VALANCE WITH
STRAIGHT CURTAINS
AND TAILORED TRIM
Shaped valance with plain
fabric is formal but simple.
Binding at edge of valance
and front and bottom
of curtains.
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Decorating Tips
Figure 7
DAMASK FABRIC
WITH FRINGE TRIM
Shaped valance with designed
fabric for a formal setting.
Figure 8
SEMI-FORMAL CURTAINS
WITH SHAPED VALANCE
Shaped valance with designed
fabric. Binding at edge of
valance and curtains reflect
dominant color of pattern.
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Figure 9
INFORMAL STRAIGHT
CURTAINS WITH SIMPLE
VALANCE
Informal draperies in cotton
fabric, using plain trim on
valance.
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Decorating Tips
Figure 10
SHAPED VALANCE AND
STRAIGHT CURTAIN WITH
FABRIC TRIM
Bold free cotton fabric makes
valance appear less formal in
spite of its details.
Figure 11
DORMER WINDOW
TREATMENT WITH
SHAPED VALANCE
Short draperies may be
enhanced by bold valance
and fabric for either formal
or informal usage.
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Figure 12
STRAIGHT CURTAIN
WITH VALANCE
Simple valance with pleated
material and bold trimming.
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Decorating Tips
VALANCE DESIGNS USED IN COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG
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Decorating Tips
The ideal treatment for beds can be seen in the
bedrooms of the Wythe House where the valances
at the top of canopy beds have the same design as
the window valance. Generally window fabrics are
repeated in those of the bed. On field beds (those
with a strongly arched canopy) gathered or shirred
valances give a light, informal effect and this can
be repeated at the windows.
The dressing of a bed, tall post or not, needs careful
attention to the bedspread. It may complement
or relate to the bed or window hangings. Solid
color bedspreads may be used with printed fabrics
in any decor.
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Decorating Tips
CORRECT METHOD FOR MEASURING THE MOST USUAL KINDS OF WINDOWS
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