Window Treatment Ideas for a Finished Basement

Are you giving your basement windows with the right treatment? Although basement windows are small, they can have a huge impact in a finished basement, making it brighter and more pleasant. Here are some simple yet effective window treatment suggestions for your finished basement.

Consider the Scale of Basement Windows

One of your objectives when designing window treatments for a finished basement is to create an illusion: You want the windows to appear larger than they actually are. When window treatments are too dark or heavy for tiny basement windows, the windows will seem weighed down and out of scale. On the other hand, little cafe curtains that just cover the window will draw more attention to the small size. Instead, opt for window treatments that will make the entire finished basement space appear lighter and more spacious.

Choose curtains, blinds or valances in light tones that complement the rest of the room. Choosing harmonious tones throughout the finished basement - from the ceiling to flooring, walls, window treatments and furniture – will trick the eye into thinking that the space is continuous and large. Add contrast that pops in brightly colored throw pillows, textured throws, lamps, and wall art.

Placement of window treatments also affects the visual appearance of the space. By letting curtain panels hang beyond the width and length of the actual window, they will make a window seem taller or wider. They can be used alone or combined with a valance to create a look that complements your décor. Similarly, placement of a valance can make a window seem taller, if placed above the window frame, or wider, if the ends of the rod are extended beyond the width of the frame. Vertical blinds can make a window seem taller, while horizontal blinds can be used to extend the visual width and blinds give you many options for privacy and light control.

Using Mirrors and Wall Art to Your Advantage

Mirrors will make any space seem larger than it is and in a basement, aligning mirrors where they will capture and reflect the most natural light will make the space feel breezy, bright and open. Place stylish framed mirrors on a wall across from windows or on an adjacent wall. A wall of framed mirrors behind a seating area or wet bar will act as an interesting focal point while also reflecting light and space. Arrange identical framed mirrors vertically or horizontally to create a modern grid. Or choose curvaceous beveled mirrors and create a collage. Mirrors can be combined with other wall art, such as wall sconces, wrought iron or metal wall art in a creative wall grouping that reflects your personal taste.

Try mirrors directly under or over basement windows to fool the eye into thinking that the window is taller or wider. Expand the size of the window with unframed mirrors that have a finished edge. You can have them custom cut and ground at a glass shop. Then hang your window treatments so that they just cover the edge of the mirrors and your windows will appear larger than you thought possible.

Or, if there is space above a window mount a piece of decorative wrought iron wall art above the window. The wall art should be a few inches wider than the window. Then mount a mirror in the same width below the window and followed another section of identical wrought iron wall art beneath. Hang curtain panels to the outer edge of the new ‘window’ from a decorative wrought iron rod; not only will your windows appear larger, they will have decorative grill shutters that add a touch of Old World elegance or New Orleans style charm.

All text copyright Shanel. Photo from Flikr - "Basement Windows" courtesy of Legacy Windows.