The Meridian-Kessler neighborhood in Indianapolis is a gem filled with charming, historic homes rich in character, craftsmanship, and unique architectural details. But these older homes also come with their own unique challenges, especially when it comes to window treatments.
Here are some of the unique factors to consider when designing window treatments for historic homes in Meridian-Kessler.
Unlevel Floors
In older homes, it’s very common for floors to be slightly uneven, which can throw off how your drapes hang. What looks like a standard set of windows to the naked eye may actually require custom hem lengths to ensure all the panels break at the floor evenly. Getting that clean, even look takes careful measuring and a sharp eye. That’s why at Drapery Street, we check every slope and dip so your drapes look polished, not crooked.
Uneven Window Frames
Historic homes often have original or aged window frames that are no longer perfectly square. This can make installation tricky to get a symmetrical look. Accurate measurements and strategic mounting are key to ensuring treatments look balanced and operate smoothly. Our team knows how to work with these quirks to deliver flawless results.
Showcasing Stained Glass While Preserving Privacy
Many Meridian-Kessler homes feature gorgeous stained glass, an architectural feature that should be highlighted, not hidden. Thoughtful window treatment design should frame and highlight these unique windows while still providing privacy when needed.
Shallow Window Depth
Older wood windows often have less depth than newer windows. This limits the types of shades or blinds that can be mounted inside the frame without protruding too far into the room or leaving unwanted light gaps. It’s important to have an understanding of the window depth you’re working with and a knowledge of the products that will work within it. We guide you toward products that work with the structure of your windows, not against it, so the final look feels intentional and seamless.
Window Grids
Those charming window grids are part of what makes historic homes special, but they also require a careful design approach. We typically advise against using window film on gridded windows where the grids cannot be removed for the film application, which is usually the case with older wood windows. There are also often multiple layers of paint that have been applied throughout the years, creating uneven edges. These instances make it difficult to achieve a clean film installation, so in most cases, it’d be better to opt for a different treatment altogether.
Additionally, top-down bottom-up shades that use cords can add visual clutter on gridded windows when the cords don’t perfectly match the grid lines. If this feature is important to you, consider products that operate cordlessly.
Why Expert Help Makes All the Difference in Meridian-Kessler Homes
All these small details can add up to big mistakes if you’re not working with an expert. Homeowners who try to DIY or work with less-experienced providers often end up with treatments that don’t hang right, don’t function properly, and don’t suit the unique architectural features of their home.
At Drapery Street, we take into account every detail of your window, your home’s architectural features, and how you’ll be living in each space. From there, we design custom treatments that will fit seamlessly, function smoothly, and enhance the look and feel of your home.
We know custom window treatments. We know Meridian-Kessler. And we know how to get it right the first time—so you don’t have to live with regret or spend money fixing costly mistakes.
Ready to enhance your Meridian-Kessler home with custom window treatments? Request a complimentary design consultation now.
