Expert Design Tips for Window Treatments
Expert Design Tips for Window Treatments
Selecting the best window treatments for your home is a task that requires careful planning. Window treatments can be made in a variety of styles, serve multiple and practical functions, and have the ability to create definition within a room. Start by keeping a file containing notes about each room’s purpose, function and style and add photos of window treatments that appeal to you. Your best resource for selecting the right window treatment is an interior design expert.
With so many options to sort through knowing where to start and finding the best choice can be overwhelming. Here are some things to keep in mind when planning window treatments for any room in your home. Consider the room’s purpose. Different rooms serve different purposes, thus the windows within each room require different dressings. It is perfectly acceptable to mix and match the treatments you choose throughout your home. For instance, you may decide to use drapes in the living room and add shutters to the den or home office.
Evaluate your functional requirements. Window treatments can add that finishing touch to any room. Besides being a style statement, coverings on your windows can serve other purposes. Window treatments can be a sound investment by providing protection to your interior furnishings from damaging sunrays or insulating your home from summer heat and chilling drafts of winter. The top energy efficient blinds are cellular shades that have a unique cell pattern that uses air for insulation.
If protection from damaging UV-rays is your primary concern you may want to select a sheer weave or solar shade that allows light to pass through while blocking UV-rays. This type of shade is also perfect for the homeowner who does not want to block out a beautiful view.
Keep privacy and safety in mind. For bed and bathrooms I often recommend adding a privacy lining to the shade. If you are a light sleeper, you may want to invest in room darkening shades. When dealing with small children you may want a "cordless" blind or a blind with a clutch system and continuous cord. This eliminates the danger of excess cord hanging down when the blind is raised.
Style and Décor. Last but certainly not least, determine your preferred style. Consider the overall atmosphere you want the room to evoke. Then note how the fabric, hardware, and the overall design of your window dressing will help to complete that atmosphere. For example, if your style preferences lean more toward the traditional, you may want draperies, panels or other fabric treatments to soften the look. Those who prefer a more contemporary style may choose blinds or shades to create the right look. An experienced designer can help select the right fabric as different fiber content is more appropriate for some window treatments than others.
Keep in mind that most shops will not accept returns on a custom order because you gave the wrong measurements or chose the wrong fabric weight. Therefore it is imperative that the selections are correct the first time.
Whatever you decide, be sure the window treatments you choose keep your home private, comfortable and safe while complementing and reflecting the décor and lifestyle of the people in your home.
Article written by Caren DeHart, Interior Designer at Home Xpressions.
