Superb workmanship is the hallmark of the Craftsman style.
The Craftsman style, also referred to as the Mission or Bungalow style, is known for superb wood workmanship and attention to detail without over-embellishments. Every aspect of each piece, a chair, cabinet, bed or window frame is planned and executed with precision. For this reason, window coverings suitable to the Craftsman style should be functional and simple, made of the highest quality natural fiber fabrics possible. Does this Spark an idea?
Lace Curtains
Lace curtains should be inset inside the window frame, and, because they do not provide privacy, are not suitable for a bedroom setting. Cotton is the preferred fiber, and the weight of the lace should be substantial. Straight hems and unpretentious gathered headings hung on inside-mounted rods complete the look. White lace provides too much contrast to the wood frame; an ivory or tea-dyed color is preferable.
Roman Blinds
Frequently used in Craftsman homes are Roman blinds that mount outside the window frame and draw up to a folded position above the top of the frame. This window treatment provides privacy and heat loss protection while maintaining a low visual profile if constructed of fabric that mimics the color of the surrounding walls. If prints are used, they should be of medium-size scale, and the colors should be kept to the natural pallet of the Craftsman style, such as oranges and reds to yellows and greens.
Drapes
Drapes should be of natural fiber fabric, not overly full, and mounted on wood decorative rods. Wood rods, finials, brackets and rings should be a wood as similar to the wall, if wood, or the window trim as possible. When open, drapes should totally clear the window, leaving the frame exposed. In formal, public spaces of the home, (except the kitchen) the drapes would be full length; in private spaces, such as bedrooms, the drapes can be shorter, ending 8 to 10 inches below the window frame.
Fabrics of the Craftsman Style
Used in this style, printed fabrics are most often conventional botanical prints in natural colors, most notably from the cool side of the color wheel: orange red to yellow-green. Conventional prints are those that suggest a "real" object but are clearly renditions; such as a leaf pattern that is not realistic but is clearly identifiable as a leaf. Fabric should be cotton or linen. High-gloss finished fabrics would not be found in a Craftsman style home
Tags: window frame, Craftsman style, natural fiber