Choosing The Right Window Treatment

Window treatments add the finishing touch to a room. They are an integral part of interior decorating. How do you know what window treatment is best for you? In choosing the right window treatment to fit your needs and your budget, there are many options and trendy styles to think about whether it’s a custom made or ready made design.

Some points to consider:

1. What is the purpose?   The purpose of both the room and the window may help in your decision when choosing a window treatment. For example, you may want a softer, romantic drapery for a bedroom. Is the room formal or informal? The type of fabric you select can make the space casual or really dress it up.  For a patio door that most likely will open frequently, modern sliding panels may be an ideal choice. Is the window open to a marvelous view? Perhaps you will only want to frame the window with decorative stationary panels.

2. How much privacy?  In certain rooms such as the bedroom and bath, privacy may be a concern when choosing a window treatment. If you are a light sleeper, you may want to opt for privacy lining in a shade or use a heavier drapery. Wooden shutters or blinds look great and are a perfect way to add privacy when you need it.

3. Too little or too much light?  Controlling the amount of light that comes through a window is also a concern in selecting window treatments. In dimly lit rooms, you may want a window treatment that allows the most light. Translucent shades and lighter sheers are a good choice for these areas. In the opposite scenario, having too much light entering the room at different times of the day, using layers of window treatments may be a good idea.

4. Does it fit the space?  Of course, the type of window, size and architectural details of the home may also dictate the type of window treatment to be used. Tailored valances look great above a kitchen or bath window.  More often, wider taller drapes are being used to make rooms seem larger in scale. Hanging drapes closer to the ceiling will add height to the room.

5. What about style?  Window treatments today are much simpler in their design. No longer are the jabots, swags and ruffled valances considered as stylish as they once were. The trend is for clean, crisp lines for a more contemporary look. Sheers are still sought after but have a more modern look with iridescent fibers, embossed and interwoven patterns. Layering, banding, patterns, bright colors, and soft neutrals are all very popular now. Think about what will ultimately look best with your furniture and décor.

In a recent design project, my client had both privacy and light concerns for window treatments in her Living and Dining areas. She wanted privacy from the street but also wanted as much natural light to come in as possible since the rooms appeared dark much of the day. Her previous rod pocket drapes pulled across the bay window opening, blocking the light coming in. My client did not want to open and close roll up shades each day so these were not an option. She also wanted the colors in the fabric to coordinate with the upholstered sofa and chair. We decided on a patterned sheer to blend with decorative fabric panels on a fluted wooden pole, with rings which hung close to the ceiling. The end result was updated and stunning. My client was extremely happy with the new look!  What do you think?