Filed under: Beautiful Home
There is no better way to set the mood of a room than with the right window treatment. Want a soft, zen-like bedroom? Choose soft, vertical blinds. Need a little more drama in the living room? Load the windows with lush drapes instead of curtains.
But with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to decide which window treatment works best for each room in your home. Use our quick guide for selecting the right window treatments sure to complement your home design.
THE BASICS: Selecting window treatments for your home involves practicality, purpose and style. Window treatments can provide privacy, limit the amount of sunlight in the room, minimize the sounds from outside, conserve energy, protect your furniture from the sun's damaging rays, and last but not least, add color and personality to your space.
HOW TO CHOOSE: First, identify if the style of the room is formal or informal. Decide if you need to block the amount of light coming into the room or you want the space to be sunny and bright. Most importantly, don't forget to accurately measure your windows.
Often, no two windows are the same. If you're installing blinds, shades or shutters I suggest getting a professional to measure your windows for a custom fit and to avoid additional costs.
HARDWARE: An important part to dressing your windows are decorative rods and finials. The way your curtain and drapery falls depends on the style of rod you use. Choose from wood, metal, brass or wrought iron finishes to complement traditional, contemporary, or modern home decor.
They're made with a standard 8-foot extension but you can purchase connectors to add length or have them customized to fit any style or size window. Once you select your rod, you don't have to stick with its finials-changing your existing finials is an instant, affordable way to update the look of your window treatment.
Below, our guide to the 10 most popular types of window treatments for your space.
#1. CURTAINS
Curtains are one the most versatile, cost-effective window treatments. They're made of light-weight fabrics and come in a variety colors, patterns and textures. They can be gathered onto a rod or hung from grommets and decorative rings. When selecting curtains remember to purchase two panels per window because one, unfortunately, won't do: it lacks the necessary volume required to keep your window area from looking flat.
As tailored window treatments, drapes are used in more formal settings. They're constructed of heavy fabrics like velvet, tapestry, satin and chenille. Drapes are often custom made and are known for the varied styles of pleating--including pinch, fold, pencil, goblet and barrel pleats. They're typically hung using drapery hooks on traverse rods and are opened and closed with a pull cord design.
#3. ROMAN SHADES
Made with fabric, roman shades are either flat or have a horizontal pleat design. They're controlled by rigged cords or spring rollers that allow you to raise the shades with ease. A roman shade is a more structured fabric window covering and a great decorative alternative to curtains or drapes.
#4. VALANCE
A valance is a flat of puffy piece of fabric that is attached to a curtain rod and adorns the top of your window. It blocks out no light and provides no privacy. It is used only to enhance your window treatment design.
#5. SWAG
Create a swag by draping a beautiful piece of fabric in folds around a decorative curtain rod. You can also mount the fabric onto a board and hang it over larger windows. This is an easy, creative opportunity to add your personal touch.
#6. CORNICE
If you're looking to add a sleek touch to your window--or even make it appear larger--Cornices are a great choice. They come in both wood and fabric-coated options and are mounted on the top crown area of your window. For a casual or formal feel, use less or more padding under the fabric, respectively. Alternately, the cornice can also be painted or finished with wood paneling for a minimalist modern look or combined with drapes for a more grand traditional appeal.
#7. BLINDS
Window blinds are more than just functional window coverings that allow you to control the amount of light that comes into your space. They have become a key design element in interior design. Blinds are available in many different styles, materials and finishes-and offer solutions that range from black-out to energy-savers. The materials come in fabric or wood, and the style options include horizontal or vertical blinds.
#8. WOODEN BLINDS
Blinds that are made of a 100% wood are one of the best window coverings available and can be among the most expensive. They're a great choice in your kitchen when matched to your cabinets. Wood that is exposed to sunlight and moisture will fade over time but the finishes made today are very durable and will extend its lifetime. Faux wood blinds are an alternative option and come in many wood-stained finishes. They're also cost effective, easy to clean, UV resistant and waterproof.
#9. VERTICAL BLINDS
Available in a wide variety of styles-from metal to tissue-soft versions-vertical blinds are practical and very energy efficient. They block out light and can help insulate your home from the cold and the heat. They provide lots of privacy and with the various styles currently available, they do so with plenty of pizazz.
#10. SHUTTERS
Shutters are a great alternative to fabric window treatments. With its fold away design, it work well in rooms that have limited wall or floor space. Shutters are a perfect solution to keeping light out while blending in with the architectural design of your home.
Now you're ready to dress your windows in style!
"Experience Something Beautiful"
Kesha Franklin
CEO/Design Specialist
The Beautiful Experience
Design-Events-Lifestyle
www.thebeautifulexperience.com