The Class – Chapter 3

by Heather J. Paper

Moving right along to Walls and Windows!

In class, when we first started talking about wall coverings, all I could think about was paint and wallpaper. Paint I LOVE. Wallpaper not so much. As the class got underway though and we also talked about fabric, tile  (think bathroom) and wood (think wainscoting or beadboard) as alternative wall coverings, I realized I had seen these items used before and actually really like them – even wallpaper!

For me, the most helpful part of this class was learning how to determine the amount of paint I would need to repaint my bedroom. First, you measure the perimeter of the room. If each wall is 10 ft. long, then the perimeter is 50 ft. Then, multiply 50 ft. by the height of the walls. If the walls are 10 ft. tall, then the room is 500 square feet. On average a can of paint will cover 350 sq. ft. Check the brand though. Also, don’t forget about your ceiling – that is a simple width times length measurement.

Click on the pic to see post about the whole kitchen.

Another thought about your ceiling: if you are looking for something different, there is always the pressed tin option. It is a pretty cool look.

This wallcovering is from Anna French. Click the pic to see more fabrics.

Just in case you thought fabric was a bit of an odd thing to put on your wall. I wanted you to see that it can look  beautiful. To apply fabric you use adhesive or staples with furring strips.

As for those “window treatments,” am I the only one that wonders why they are called that? The window isn’t sick. Anyway, when thinking about window treatments, consider the room’s use. Will it be the bed chamber of someone who works nights? Is it a kid’s room? What direction does the room face? You may need shutters or blinds to control the sunlight streaming into the room. Should these “treatments” blend in or be a focal point for the room?

Drapes are more elaborate and formal. They tend to reach the floor and are suspended from cord-operated hardware. Curtains are lighter in weight, are unlined and open and close by hand. A valance conceals the tops of window treatments and typically has a soft look to it. While a cornice serves the same purpose, it is wooden.

Click the pic to see more.

I include a picture of Miss Mustard Seed’s living room so that you can see “window treatments” at work with the whole room.  I tried to search google images for some pictures of different drapes, curtains, valances and cornices but most of them just linked to a company’s website that is selling that product. I wanted y’all to see a real person’s home.

Final thought on window treatments; if you have a narrow window, it will seem wider with a longer rod above and an extra panel on either side.

Next week, flooring!