Hanging Bamboo Shades: High or Low?

This week I've been waxing on about bamboo shades (roman vs. roll up, and hiding the hardware).  While I'm on the subject, let's talk about where to hang bamboo shades.

Hanging curtains high and wide makes such a difference and with the availability of ready-made, inexpensive window panels that come in long, customizable lengths, like these from Ikea, this option is doable for anyone.

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Hanging the curtain rod just below ceiling height leaves a considerable amount of room between the rod and the top of the window.  So where to hang the shade?

Joni of Cote de Texas discusses the merits of hanging bamboo blinds up high at the rod to uncomplicate and streamline the window dressing in this post.  This is Joni's own beautiful home and I agree that hanging the shades on the wall above the window fills in that gap nicely, and also lets in maximum light when the shade is open.

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Another example of Joni's designs with the shades hung high.

{Joni Webb, Cote de Texas}

A few more for your perusal….

{Tara Seawright via Houzz}

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On the other hand,

I think the shades mounted inside the window frame shows off the trimwork and have a custom look to them.  Just look at these gorgeous rooms:

{Milk and Honey Home}

{Milk and Honey Home}

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{Katie Rosenfeld Design via Decorpad}

I installed my bamboo shades inside the window frame.

What look do you prefer?

Oh, I promised you a post on my pathetic curtain rods, didn't I?  Here's a sneak peek of the new window jewelry to tide you over.  It's a huge improvement and you won't even believe what it's made out of :)