Choosing Window Treatments
Why choose any? Esthetically, window coverings not only soften or emphasize the architectural qualities of a window and help pull your look together, they also add colour, texture, pattern and a feeling of warmth and intimacy to a room.
Practically, they keep out light, insulate the room from cold and heat, protect furniture and carpets from fading, and reduce noise.
The most important aspect of your window coverings is that they are well-made and perfectly finished.
In choosing window coverings for your home or office there are many things to consider.
Analyze your windows and make a list of all the answers to the following questions.
Architecture What shape and size are your windows? Do they look too small? Are your windows matched in a room? What type of molding surrounds the window? Is there room for stackbacks on either side? Do the windows open? How? Style What style will suit your window(s)? What is your decorating style? (country, shabby chic, classic, contemporary, eclectic, Asian, etc) What colours do you want to use? Do you want multiple layers? (blinds, valances, sheers, drapes) What type of fabric do you want to use? (velvet, linen, cotton, sheer, etc) Choose a fabric and style that coordinates with the rest of your furnishings.
Purpose What purpose will the window coverings serve? To block light, black-out lining may be needed.
To add insulation to a window, use a heavy lining.
Do you have a view? If you make your draperies the same colour, or similar to your walls, they will not detract from a focal point.
Blinds, swags, or drapes that open completely will not hide a beautiful view.
Do you need privacy? Blinds, shades and sheers all filter light and unsightly views.
Will the drapes/shades by opened and closed frequently? Make sure they slide easily or are easy to reach.
For high up windows, a remote control may be added.
Do you want to provide a focal point for the room? What type of hardware do you want to use? Is there room for it? Here are some ideas for different types of windows: Standard (small to med.
sized) Use light fabrics, both in colour and weight.
Do not use a large 2" pole, it will look out of place.
Simple styles, roman shades, blinds and roller blinds or shutters all work well.
A single curtain caught back to one side is a good alternative to a pair of drapes.
Tall Styles may range from classic, formal arrangements to simpler, more contemporary styles.
Don't skimp on fabric and use tie-backs to allow plenty of light and air in.
Blinds should be mounted inside the frame.
If you have a low ceiling use a deep valance or tie-backs set down quite low.
Use floor-length draperies for best effect.
Wide You will usually need to provide some privacy and insulation.
If you have a great view, avoid anything fussy.
If you need to hide a view, try simple sheers.
A single curtain hung from a pole or valance, preferably floor length, balances the proportions of the window.
Plain fabrics or large designs work well.
Glass Doors You must allow for doors or sliding windows to open and close freely.
If doors open in, poles and valances must be above the top of the window frame and the curtains must pull far back enough at the sides.
An alternative is to attach light-weight curtains, roll-up shades, or roman blinds to the doors themselves.
The possibilities for style are endless, you are only limited by your imagination.
So start imagining!
Practically, they keep out light, insulate the room from cold and heat, protect furniture and carpets from fading, and reduce noise.
The most important aspect of your window coverings is that they are well-made and perfectly finished.
In choosing window coverings for your home or office there are many things to consider.
Analyze your windows and make a list of all the answers to the following questions.
Architecture What shape and size are your windows? Do they look too small? Are your windows matched in a room? What type of molding surrounds the window? Is there room for stackbacks on either side? Do the windows open? How? Style What style will suit your window(s)? What is your decorating style? (country, shabby chic, classic, contemporary, eclectic, Asian, etc) What colours do you want to use? Do you want multiple layers? (blinds, valances, sheers, drapes) What type of fabric do you want to use? (velvet, linen, cotton, sheer, etc) Choose a fabric and style that coordinates with the rest of your furnishings.
Purpose What purpose will the window coverings serve? To block light, black-out lining may be needed.
To add insulation to a window, use a heavy lining.
Do you have a view? If you make your draperies the same colour, or similar to your walls, they will not detract from a focal point.
Blinds, swags, or drapes that open completely will not hide a beautiful view.
Do you need privacy? Blinds, shades and sheers all filter light and unsightly views.
Will the drapes/shades by opened and closed frequently? Make sure they slide easily or are easy to reach.
For high up windows, a remote control may be added.
Do you want to provide a focal point for the room? What type of hardware do you want to use? Is there room for it? Here are some ideas for different types of windows: Standard (small to med.
sized) Use light fabrics, both in colour and weight.
Do not use a large 2" pole, it will look out of place.
Simple styles, roman shades, blinds and roller blinds or shutters all work well.
A single curtain caught back to one side is a good alternative to a pair of drapes.
Tall Styles may range from classic, formal arrangements to simpler, more contemporary styles.
Don't skimp on fabric and use tie-backs to allow plenty of light and air in.
Blinds should be mounted inside the frame.
If you have a low ceiling use a deep valance or tie-backs set down quite low.
Use floor-length draperies for best effect.
Wide You will usually need to provide some privacy and insulation.
If you have a great view, avoid anything fussy.
If you need to hide a view, try simple sheers.
A single curtain hung from a pole or valance, preferably floor length, balances the proportions of the window.
Plain fabrics or large designs work well.
Glass Doors You must allow for doors or sliding windows to open and close freely.
If doors open in, poles and valances must be above the top of the window frame and the curtains must pull far back enough at the sides.
An alternative is to attach light-weight curtains, roll-up shades, or roman blinds to the doors themselves.
The possibilities for style are endless, you are only limited by your imagination.
So start imagining!
