When thinking of home or office décor, most people don’t prioritize window treatments. This is an aspect of home décor that might go unnoticed, yet it makes a huge impact on the overall look of a space. If you’re just getting started on window treatments, you’ll be surrounded by many options. And while choices are good, they can also be overwhelming, especially if you are unsure what makes for a high-quality product. In this guide, you’ll learn about various window treatments and how to pick the right one for your space.
Know Your Window Treatment Options
The first step is knowing the available window treatments. There are many varieties to choose from, and being familiar with each makes it easy to decide. Some of the popular treatment types you’ll come across include the following.
- Curtains and Drapes: Curtains are usually made from lighter fabrics like cotton and linen, while drapes are often sourced from heavier fabrics like velvet and brocade. These types of window treatments are great as they’re flexible and available in a vast range of patterns, colors, and lengths. They’re also great for adding a classic or layered look to any room and can effectively insulate and block or minimize light.
- Blinds: Blinds can be horizontal or vertical. The former has slats that tilt up and down to control light, while the latter has slats that open from side to side or split from the middle. Blinds are usually made from faux wood, wood, vinyl, or fabric and are great for controlling light and privacy.
- Shades: Window shades are a type of window treatment made from a continuous fabric or material that can be raised or lowered to control light and privacy. Shades have a smooth, solid surface, unlike blinds with individual slats that can be adjusted independently. There are different types of shades, including roller shades, Roman shades, and cellular shades.
- Shutters: These are solid window coverings made from wood, faux wood, or composite materials, consisting of a frame with adjustable slats and sometimes solid panels. They are typically mounted to the interior or exterior of the window frame and provide excellent control over light, privacy, and airflow.
- Sheers: These are lightweight, translucent window treatments usually made from fabrics like voile, chiffon, organza, or lace. They allow natural light to filter through while providing a subtle level of privacy.
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Understand What You Need from Your Window Treatments
When considering window treatments, it’s essential to consider your functional needs like privacy, durability, fade prevention, and total blackout. Is the purpose of window treatment functional, aesthetic, or both? This will help with your choice.
- UV blocking: If your space is flooded with too much light, you may consider window treatments that block the sun, like adjustable blinds or light-filtering shades.
- Aesthetics: Think about the look you want to achieve. Heavy drapes can add elegance, while minimalist blinds or shades offer a streamlined, modern feel.
- Privacy: Some rooms, like bedrooms and bathrooms, may require more privacy. In these cases, consider treatments like blackout curtains or blinds that keep the outside world from peeking in.
- Temperature control: Window treatments can add insulation, keeping your space warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Options like thermal curtains and cellular shades are excellent choices for energy efficiency.
When working with a custom window treatment manufacturer, they can help you decide your best options for each room.
Consider Your Home Décor
Your choice of window treatment can enhance the room’s overall aesthetic. If you’re into a traditional or classic look, go with drapes or curtains like linen and silk. The good thing about drapes and curtains is that they have a softening effect and make a room feel cozy. Shades and blinds give a clean and sleek look, making them ideal for a minimalist modern aesthetic.
Measure Your Windows Correctly
It’s essential to measure your windows correctly for an overall proper fit and a polished look. Measure the window’s width and multiply it by 1.5 to 3, depending on how full and gathered you want the look. More width creates a fuller appearance, while less gives a simpler, more tailored look.
Measure the length as well based on what you want. Floor-length curtains provide a classic, finished appearance. Alternatively, sill-length curtains work well for smaller windows, while “pooling” (where the curtains rest slightly on the floor) adds a relaxed, stylish touch. Some people choose to mount their curtains higher to create an illusion of height. This can make rooms with low ceilings feel taller and appear more spacious.
When working with a manufacturer of custom window treatments, they will often handle the measurement tasks for you.
Keep Practical Factors in Mind
You may also want to consider factors like cleaning, safety, and convenience. If you prefer low-maintenance options, consider blinds, as they are easy to wipe down. Drapes and curtains are also easy to clean as you can simply throw them in the washing machine. For convenience, go with motorized blinds and shades, especially if you have hard-to-reach windows. If you have children or pets, buy cordless window treatments, as they reduce the risk of accidents.
Be Creative
When it comes to window treatments, think beyond the usual options. For example, layering can add depth and style. Think of pairing sheer curtains over blinds to give the room a textured feel. You can also combine drapes with blinds for more flexibility with light control and privacy.
Try experimenting with how you hang your curtains, too. Curtains can be attached to rods with rings, clips, or simply threaded through the rod itself, and each method creates a different look. Mixing patterns, textures, and materials can make your window treatments more interesting, but keep the colors or general style consistent to avoid clashing.
Now that you know the different window treatment options and how to pick them, allow CLS Custom Upholsterers & Refinishing to transform your space. We have an extensive collection of materials to create many styles of custom window treatments. Contact us today to help you discover the right window treatment for your space.
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