Window Treatments: Putting An End To The Confusion
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With so many different kinds of window treatments available today, it's no wonder that selecting the right solution for your home can be a difficult decision.
But if you follow the basic ideas presented below, you should have no problem finding window treatments that will satisfy your home interior decorating needs.
However, before focusing on specific fabrics and styles, first examine your needs from a practical point of view. You will likely find that if your requirements are simple, so will be the solution. Start by answering these two questions...
- Will the window treatments be used to protect privacy?
- Will they be used to control the amount of light entering the room?
Privacy
Unless you have lots of land to roam, you probably have windows that need to be covered for privacy reasons. If your living room has a view of the street, you'll want to shield it from passersby. If your neighbor can peer into your bedroom from their backyard, you'll want to eliminate their temptation to pry.
These window treatments are great privacy protectors:
- Roller Shades - can be used to cover the entire window. They can be made of vinyl or fabric. The fabric versions such as Roman and Balloon shades are lined and can be custom made to your exact window measurements. Balloon shades are also great if you want to set a romantic mood.
- Cellular fabric shades - in non-sheer fabrics will add privacy and offer energy efficiency. They will also do a good job with sound insulation.
- Draw Curtains and Draperies - can be closed to cover the entire window. You'll want to include a lining for added privacy and longevity.
- Mini and Wood blinds - these are the most common ways used to provide a nearly private environment. Just be aware that there is a small possibility of seeing through the slats at certain angles. Wood blinds keep rooms warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
- Shutters - are great for giving boring windows architectural presence. They come with fixed or movable louvers for controlling privacy.
When you think of using window treatments for light control, sleeping is probably the first thing that comes to mind. However, controlling the amount of light or glare in a room can also be important for other activities such as watching television, reading, or working at your desk.
Consider these treatments to control light:
- Roller Shades - look for the light darkening versions. Try them in areas such as children's rooms and your kitchen.
- Perforated Metal or Wood blinds - can be tilted to keep direct sun out of your room, while still maintaining glare and light control. They are great for providing privacy and energy efficiency.
- Bamboo and Matchstick blinds - add a tropical feel to a room. They will filter light and cut down on much of the glare, but should be backed with light-absorbing material if total blockage is required.
- Cellular fabric shades - in non-sheer fabrics they reduce light and glare while adding privacy and energy efficiency.
However, when you want your windows to make a bolder statement and add character to a room, you'll want window dressings that provide a decorative framework.
Style
Before you select window treatment fabrics and patterns, you'll want to first decide on the mood you want for the room. Do you want it to be casual? romantic? formal?
The reason for this is because the mood you choose will influence the type of fabric and style for your window treatments, which is a matter of personal taste…
Lots of fabric flowing from floor-to-ceiling conveys a formal look. Swags of sheer fabric draped across a wide window rings of contemporary elegance. A simple cornice covered in a colorful cotton fabric might be the spark that brings life to a casual room.
Use these Home Decorating Made Easy links to help narrow your options:
The picture below shows the treatment that I used for one of my living room windows. The room is decorated in an Eclectic home interior decorating style.
The single swag used for the window treatment adds drama to the room. One of the drapery panels flows to the floor and forms a puddle for an elegant and romantic touch. Simple metal blinds are tucked underneath when privacy or light control is needed.
Notice that the diamond pattern is repeated in the two decorative pillows and bogart chair in the lower left corner.
If you'd like plenty of great ideas for curtains, draperies, valances, and cornices and more , I recommend that you check out the book Window Treatments Made Simple. It will help you to quickly determine the window treatment to match your decorating style, personality, and window type.
Another window treatment example is shown to the right.
I wanted something simple to cover a narrow bathroom window, so I had this decorative ascot valance made.
The bronze fabric provides a subtle touch. Similar to my living room, metal blinds are tucked out of sight until needed.
I hope this information of window treatments has been helpful.
And if you'd like to explore some excellent books on this topic, check out the recommended recommended resource links below.
| More Related Articles 1) Wonderful Ideas for Interesting Window Treatments |
Recommended Reading - Books
Window Treatments Made Simple
- Dressing your windows is an expensive decorating decision. Make the right decision, and you’re on cloud nine. But make the wrong one, and you’ll be kicking yourself every time you look at your windows, for the next 5 to10 years. Now you have a resource that will help you avoid costly mistakes and show you how to easily select window treatments that match your decorating style, personality and window type.
Click here for more great ideas to help you with your home decorating!