Seasonal Curtains, Summer Window Decoration

Seasonal Curtains, Summer Window Decoration

The heavy velour or damask curtains at windows and doors are the most essential winter furnishings to be gotten rid of. The upholsterer will sometimes recommend their being hung up in bags, but nothing is more ghostlike than these great sheeted things dangling in mid-air. Take them down, and substitute a plain cotton rep which hangs well and is inexpensive. For the windows, nothing is more effective or partakes more of the summer gladness of color than chintz. Narrow width cretonnes in excellent patterns and colors also come at very reasonable rates. Double width linens in beautiful designs and wonderful colorings will, of course, be more expensive. One's choice lies all the way between.

For furniture covering and slip covers, a 50 inch width cuts to the best advantage. For the hangings the full width is too broad for the general run of window openings and a split width looks a little skimpy. In winter one can have the windows more enclosed, but in summer the draperies act merely as a decorative note. Therefore, for summer curtains, use the 30 inch width.

An excellent way to treat a window for summer, is to put next the glass a cream scrim with a wide hemstitched hem at the bottom. This curtain shields from the strong glare and prevents dust from blowing in. As it is readily washed, a fresh, crisp appearance can always be maintained. Inside these could be hung the chintz curtains, preferably with a valance. The valance shuts off the top light, serving somewhat as the awning does outside. It also gives a good finish to the top of the window and hides the rod.

A rather odd and dainty window hanging can be made of Japanese toweling. Both patterns and colors are summery. Hang them on either side of the window and use a valance of the same material. These are adaptable to both dining room and bedrooms. In the former the blue and white patterns are especially good to use when the china is also blue. Table runner and dresser covers may be made of the same material. It washes well and is inexpensive, coming from 15 cents a yard up.

There are numberless sunfast materials shown, and if one avoids the clinging variety, no better summer drapery can be obtained. It is well also to avoid the type that has a black warp thread, for, while these are pretty enough in the hand, they are rather dingy when the light comes through them.

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