Reviews (3)

Look through my window
If you've got a nice, sunshiny yard, why not gussy it up a little with one of the contemporary curtain ensembles that decorators now call, window treatments? I found Creative Publishing's guide to be insightful and a true resource, it's good even with the basement windows that my X put inwhile trying to give a basement woodshop some natural light, but on the other hand nosy neighbors mean that you have to have some cloth over the glass.
Only if you can sew...
While this book does have a few pictures, they seem quite old.The one or two items I liked didn't have any instructions for. If you are not a sewer, than this book is not for you.I found the book very confusing - definitely written for the person with sewing background. Sorry.

Great ideas, directs you to a professional window treatment
This was one of three books I purchased on window treatments; I turn to this one for advice and direction.Step by step directions with pictures on such topics as installing hardware, including hanging a mounting board, to the basics of sewing.Great ideas for rod pocket curtains and custom shades.I used it to create two different window treatments, scarf swag and shoji-style screen.Each project tells you how to measure and materials required.Due to the great instructions, both treatments turned out very professional!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Decorating - Windows    5. Decoration & Ornament    6. Draperies    7. Draperies in interior decoration    8. Home Improvement / Construction    9. Interior Design - General    10. Sewing    11. Window shades    12. Needlework & fabric crafts    13. Soft furnishings    14. Home interior   

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Decorating - Windows    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Home furnishing & decoration    7. Interior design   

Reviews (2)

Poor book for ideas!
There are no pictures in this book...it's all writing, and drawings.The book discusses only a few different styles for arched/palladium windows.If you have a more narrow arched (< 36") window, these styles will not work. Great ideas, can't wait for other books from author!!
Great ideas, can't wait for other books from author!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating - Windows    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Home Improvement / Construction    4. House & Home    5. Household hints   

Reviews (2)

Contemporary Solutions
It's not always easy to find appropriate window treatments for contemporary interiors.This book offers lots of solutions in photos, with illustrated projects using simple basic sewing techniques. More of the same from Katrin Cargill
After being inspired by the author's Simple Curtains book, I decided to purchase this book.Unfortunately, there were no reviews, so I took a chance and purchased it anyway.While this book has great pictures, classifies different styles such as classic, country and contemporary and has easy to follow directions, I was disappointed that many of the styles and techniques had already been featured in Simple Curtains (scalloped curtains, gingham curtains, lots of tension wire and eyelets).I also think that the workbook style of Simple Curtains is more functional than the more "coffee table style" of Curtain Bible.If you already have Simple Curtains, don't bother buying this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Decorating - Upholstery/Fabrics    3. Decorating - Windows    4. Design - Decorative    5. Draperies    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. Sewing    8. Art / Design / Decorative   

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - Windows    3. Drapery    4. Drapery in interior decoration    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Windows in interior decoration   

Reviews (4)

You'd better see it first...
Umm...yikes.Wish I would have flipped through this one before I threw my money down.It's hard to fault Ms. Charton for her enthusiasm and inventiveness, but this book isn't for everyone.I found many of the designs to be gimmicky and over the top.All in all there's nothing in it for me.Maybe for the do-it-yourselfer?Design professionals looking for elegant treatments, look elsewhere.

Inspirational !!!!!!!!!
I recently moved to Little Rock and found myself searching for draperies for my home.Unable to purchase quality window coverings I began searching for the newest and most creative ideas.Thebook " The Window " offers the most wonderful treatments. It has given me great ideas in fabrics, hardware and even fun ways to decorate my home.This book will definitely This book is Killer
If you are looking for beautiful and innovative ways to dress your windows, this is the book you have to buy. So many other drapery books are so blah. This one is gorgeous, after you glean all of the ideas you can from it, you can place it on your coffee table and share it's beauty with your guests. Not only did I find great ideas in this book, I so enjoyed reading the stories that the author/designer wrote about each of the clients whose homes were featured in the book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Decorating - Windows    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Residential Interior Design   

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decoration & Ornament    3. Interior Design    4. Interior decoration    5. Laura Ashley (Firm)    6. Sale Books - Adult    7. Windows    8. Non-Classifiable   

Editorial Review

Window boxes no longer must be the sister of the white picket fence. Calling such diverse receptacles as pumpkins, gourds, hats, a broken earthen pot, and even eggshells to service, authors James Cramer and Dean Johnson, in Read more

Reviews (2)

Splendid- absolutely breathtaking
Mary Sears did a stunning job writing this quaint charmer about window boxes. A lover of window boxes myself for many years, I found this book both helpful and inspiring. Truly worth every cent.

Beautiful window boxes
I received this as a gift and plan to give it to friends. Not only are the writers, clear and concise, but the photographers captured the essence and beauty of every arrangement. Each window box was a delight and no seasonwas forgotten. This is truly a favored coffee table book. book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Decorating    3. Flowers - General    4. Gardening    5. Gardening/Plants    6. General    7. Window gardening   

Reviews (2)

More of an Idea Book and there are better ones out there
I am reviewing an older edition "The Smart Approach to Window Decor" which I did not find on Amazon site, I guess because there is a new edition out.
Great Photo Reference
This is a great book if you need ideas for what kind of window treatment you want.It has beautiful photos of all different types of living spaces and treatments.However, if you are looking for a book that tells you how to make the curtains that you see, this not the book for you.There are not how to instructions provided. This is purely a photo book with brief descriptions - but worth having to get ideas! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Decorating - Windows    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. House & Home    6. Windows in interior decoration    7. House & Home / Decorating    8. Soft furnishings   

Editorial Review

In the late 20th century, in spite of the renewed interest in historical renovation, preserving resources, and a strong do-it-yourself tradition developing among homeowners, the art of maintaining and repairing wood windows has somehow fallen by the wayside. Few modern home-repair books include more than a cursory look at wood window repairs and restoration, offering sketchy information at best. A whole generation of people have been raised not knowing that the upper sash in a double-hung wood window is supposed to open just like the lower sash to allow one to easily wash windows inside and out without going outside, or that properly working double-hung windows permit one to adjust home ventilation by allowing warm air to escape out the upper sash and cool air to enter through the lower.Read more

Reviews (12)

A phenomenal book, for the right consumer
This is one of my favorite books in my DIY collection, which is considerable. But it's not for everyone, as you might guess by reading the few negative reviews that people have posted. This is the book for an intelligent person who likes to fix things, but just hasn't had a previous opportunity to acquaint himself (or herself) with the facts of wood windows. It is densely packed with useful advice about every phase of window repair and restoration, including a lot of information about specific name-brand products (strippers, hardeners, fillers, glazing compound, thinners, paints), which is a big help on your visit to the shelves of the average DIY superstore. There are pages devoted to painting skills - the relative advantages of latex vs. oil-based paints, proper painting techniques and brush care. If you grew up around the trades you probably sucked in this stuff with your daddy's second-hand cigarette smoke, but if you are a self-taught DIYer, you are bound to discover a lot of things you've been doing wrong. As one detractor wrote in his review, this book is one man's opinion about window repair. That's absolutely true, but Terry Meany (who is this person "Jamie Shaw" that Amazon lists as the author?) is really up-front about these being his opinions and explains why he holds them. So it's easy to work from Meany's suggestions and your own experience to your own set of informed opinions.The book is also written in an engaging, articulate fashion. From this book I learned the word "solipsism," how it applies to restoring woodwork, and the connections between divorce and paint removal. It's an unusual DIY book that can provide that sort of information. Armed with this book I was able to dismantle and restore a set of rotted leaded glass casement windows I would never have dreamed of tackling had Terry Meany not given me the courage.Next project is all the broke sash cords...

Got Wood Windows?? Then this book is a lifesaver !
Several months ago we bought a 1910 two story with THIRTY double hung windows in it. None were working, all were painted shut inside and out AND to add insult to injury were also NAILED shut. WOW. I started working on them without any reference material and somewhat into the project discovered this book. It was a lifesaver. If you have an old house and want to keep the windows it came with, then this book is for you. If you want to know WHY you should keep your wooden windows instead of replacing them (which I think is a crime) with newer windows, read this book. If you want to know how all the several different types of these windows work and all the little tricks that will save you hours of work and days of indigestion as you start to work on them, read this book. It is also full of sources for antique replacement hardware which alone justifys the price since invariably these old windows are missing locks or other hardware or have a bad pulley or two. This book has helped me in a hundred ways in my project to rebuild these windows. I refer to it constantly. EVERYTHING is covered, even how to make screens for them. There were no questions I had about wooden windows that weren't answered in it. So get one and read it BEFORE you make any decision on rebulding or refurbishing your windows or replacing them, it is well written and humorous. You won't be sorry you did. Now for a couple of tips not in the book. First, very old window pane glazing assumes the consistency of concrete. Since I needed a way to remove the glass from the windows ( a must in rebuliding and refinishing the frames) without breaking it since it is the crinkly imperfect glass that is period to and a part of the windows and no longer available, I discovered that if you paint the glazing heavily with STRIP EZE and let it sit for 30 minutes it will softten the glazing and make it easy to remove. The mothods for removing glazing mentioned in the book do work but the risk of breaking a pane or two is higher. Second, infinite PATIENCE is required and will be rewarded when you work on these windows. Do not try to rush through the process. Do one window at a time, the book will tell you how to OPEN all the windows, but just take one at a time apart. Rushing will cause more problems than you are correcting. And lastly, when using DAP 33 glazing, follow the directions on the back of the can EXACTLY. You are creating big problems for later if you don't. I allow my reglazed windows to "cure" in the sun for two weeks before I begin painting and sealing them. Anyway, buy this book before you make any decisions on replacing or repairing your old windows. You won't be sorry you did and if you have the time, save the old windows, they are really are works of art and in the case of double hung windows, highly functional.

The Ultimate Guide for 'Permanent' Windows
Everyone who's owned an old house has gone through it - after being barraged by literature from window manufacturers, energy companies and design mags, you start thinking about putting in new replacement windows.It makes sense, right?Spend the money now, and reaps the dividends in energy savings with those smart, vinyl clad future-proof windows.
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Subjects:  1. Decorating - Windows    2. Do-It-Yourself    3. Do-It-Yourself - General    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. Home Maintenance And Repair    6. House & Home    7. Maintenance and repair    8. Remodeling & Renovation - Energy Efficient    9. Repair    10. Wooden windows    11. Woodworking    12. Architectural structure & design    13. Home & House Maintenance    14. Reference / Handbooks & Manuals   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - Windows    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Sewing   

Reviews (2)

Save thousands of dollars making your own shades
This book was my primary reference while I made shades for 13 windows, saving thousands of dollars over having them made by a workroom.Not only did the book provide inspiration by use of many pictures, I found the instructions to be more than adequate.

Directions are difficult to follow
I've purchased this book and have found that the directions are not at all easy to follow. Details are left out, and diagrams are few and far between. I wouldn't recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blinds    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - Windows    4. Drapery    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Interior Design - General    7. Sewing    8. Window shades    9. Architecture / Interior Design    10. Home furnishing & decoration    11. Needlework & fabric crafts   

Editorial Review

The dressing on a room's windows can mean the difference between a decorating scheme that doesn't quite work or one that is truly successful. But custom-made window treatments can be terribly expensive, and many do-it-yourselfers are afraid to tackle anything more complicated than a hemmed rectangle of fabric stuck on a pole. As this attractive and thorough guide points out, most curtains start out as exactly that; their uniqueness and appropriateness to a particular setting is a matter of proportion, color, trim, and other detailing. Embodying Sunset's winning how-to series format (see alsoRead more

Reviews (6)

Not exactly simple
I purchased this book because after searching the entire internet, it was the only item that I could find that showed a curtain for an arched window.The book was helpful in making a pattern but was very vague in its instructions.Since I have been sewing for 36 years I was able to overcome that obstacle, but beginning sewers will have difficulty following the instructions.So, if you're an experienced seamstress and want to make a curtain for an arched (or half moon) window, buy this book, if not, think twice.

Good Reference
There are a few things I like about this book. The back of the book has a good reference section to teach you about hardware, inside mount, oustide mount, and basically to explain a lot of the techniques it uses throughout the book in the various projects. That is great. I also learned form this book how to make a perfect mitered hem. So professional looking! For that reason alone this book was worth my purchase.
My London Shade turned out lovely!
This is one of two curtain making books I own and it is my very favorite. The project I tackled was the "london shade" - mind you, one of my FIRST sewing projects. I had a bit of trouble making the box pleats - but overall, this book guided me to success and I'm looking forward to making another london shade for another room in my house. I've also got plans to try the poufed cloud shade.Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Decorating - Windows    4. Draperies    5. Draperies in interior decoration    6. Drapery    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. House & Home    9. Textile Arts - General    10. Home furnishing & decoration   

Reviews (5)

Godsend.
This book is full of wonderful and clear information that has helped me not only sell features, but construct them as well.Thank you!

An absolute must have book
This book goes into detail as how to makes curtains and blinds and has lots of photos and illustrations and makes curtain making very easy.

Deceptive.....
At first glance this book seemed excellent but after reading it it transpired that the instructions are not always very clear.Although an experienced curtain and blind maker at times I could only decipher instructions in the light of existing knowledge. A beginner would sometimes have difficulty in working out what to do.Text and diagrams were often not clearly connected or illustrated. Also, alternative methods of procedures were not highlighted.For example, different ways of dealing with the construction of a roman blind. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - Windows    4. Home Improvement / Construction    5. Sewing    6. Home furnishing & decoration    7. Interior design   

Reviews (1)

design and make fabric window shades
Another great window treatment book Heather Luke!This one shows the same attention to detail.The full color photos of the completed projects are great. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Decorating - Windows    4. General    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Sewing    7. Window shades   

Reviews (6)

Curtains & Shades: A Step-By-Step Guide to Creative Window T
I am a decorator so this book will be a very useful tool in helping my clients seclect one or more of the many styles of shades shown in the book. For my needs,the instructions towards the back of the book on how to fabricate the different shades are not as important, but for the do-it-yourselfer....invaluable!

This book gives you what it says it will....
The other reviews were right on the money.This book is a great find for someone that is looking to do some custom shades and/or curtains.Creativity has never been my strong suit.I am the type of person that moves into an apartment and keeps up the white blinds that are supplied.I buy curtains when necessary, but they are never "eye-catching".So when my husband and I decided to build our first house, I began to stress.I have not sewn since high school and I needed ideas.This book gave me that and more.The instructions are very thorough and easy to follow.The book also has great color pictures as well as fabric and color information.It is a great find for someone totally new to home design to a person that has been doing it for years.I think you will enjoy this book and find it is worth every penny.

ANOTHER KEEPER!
This has been another great addition to my design library.There are fresh new looks and I can pick it up and find the perfect look for a client of many tastes.If you're looking for excitement in designs and photos - get this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - Windows    4. Draperies    5. Draperies in interior decorati    6. Draperies in interior decoration    7. Drapery    8. Hobbies/Crafts    9. Home Improvement / Construction    10. Sewing    11. Window shades    12. Windows    13. Crafts & Hobbies / General   

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Decorating - Windows    3. Decoration & Ornament    4. General    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Needlework - General   

Editorial Review

Extensive, large, and exquisitely photographed, this handsome volume lives up to its promise of "carv[ing] a clear path through the endless possibilities presented by a naked window." Taking into account all sorts of window styles and room types, design journalist Clifton-Mogg explores many approaches to window treatments (as well as related applications, such as room dividers, wall hangings, and bed draperies), explaining how to choose curtains, shades, blinds, shutters, and valances to complement almost any type of decor. From dark velvet opulence to sheer white simplicity, there are ideas galore. Before you hire a professional to clothe your windows, or even if you have the skills to execute the construction yourself, find your visual inspiration here first. Read more

Reviews (6)

An inspired and inspiring book!
I absolutely LOVE this book. I hardly ever read the text in decorating books--preferring to absorb the pictures and captions--but I actually read this one and learned a lot about the topic. Now I open up this book, look at a few pages, and then feel inspired to go and try my own take on some of the ideas shown. It gets me going for a weekend filled with projects!! One of the best decorating books I've bought (and, guiltily, I've got quite a stash.)

Curtains/A design Resource book
This book is great for anyone searching for ideas for a clean modern sophisticated interior.The design concepts are tailored for the transitional to contemporary home.It is not a resource for curtainconstruction.

Great Visual Ideas
I thought the book had some really great ideas for window dressing but as an amateur trying to achieve the looks on offer, felt the instructions on making could be made easier.I had to find another book with easierintructions and follow the two books in order to make my curtains! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Decorating - Windows    4. Decoration & Ornament    5. Draperies    6. Handbooks, manuals, etc    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. House & Home    9. Interior Design - General    10. Home furnishing & decoration    11. House & Home / Decorating   

Editorial Review

Given the wealth of new books published every year on choosing and making window treatments--curtains, blinds, and so on--there's no reason to invest in Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating    2. Decorating - General    3. Decorating - Windows    4. Decoration & Ornament    5. Draperies    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Interior design    9. Windows    10. Windows in interior decoration    11. DIY    12. Home furnishing & decoration    13. House & Home / Decorating    14. MASSACHUSETTS/NewEng - MA TRANSPORTATION   

Reviews (2)

If you just want ideas...
If you want to get ideas on what type of window treatments are available or what style you like the best, etc, this book is a great resource for you. Pictures are great, too. (This book does not give any instructions on how to make them.) I totally lack creativity but this book really helped me get ideas of what I'd like to make for my brand new house with extra large windows.

Good general info,some good designs, no instructions
Good information on types of windows and styles of window treatments, hardware, trims. Each page has sharp color pictures. Some current styles, but some seem slightly dated. Instructions are not provided. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Decorating - General    2. Decorating - Upholstery/Fabrics    3. Decorating - Windows    4. Do-It-Yourself    5. Draperies in interior decorati    6. Draperies in interior decoration    7. Home Improvement / Construction    8. House & Home    9. Home furnishing & decoration