Blinds, shades, drapes, or valences? A combination of…? Room darkening or not? The world of window treatments can be bewildering, with so many options. I often have clients tell me they don’t want anything on their windows, but when I ask them more about this, I often find out that they just may not know all the options!
Window Treatments 101
The first questions are about function. What do you need the window treatments to do? Do you need to completely block the view from the street, or is it enough to blur the view? How much light do you want to let into the room? Do you need to block the afternoon sun, or do you require a completely dark room to sleep? Perhaps you want to preserve a stellar view, but still dress the windows to really finish the room.
The second questions are about style. Do you want a very traditional look, or are you of a more contemporary bent? Perhaps you want more natural elements in your space. Window treatments can be designed to meet any décor look.
So what are some ways to look at the situation? If you’re designing a living room or kitchen, perhaps the perfect solution is to install sheer shades or drapes on the window. Or, you could install a drape that can be changed from sheer to opaque with the pull of a string, or shades that can be pulled up from the bottom to block the direct view, yet still let you see the sky. You may also want to install decorative drapery panels on either side of the shades or sheers to elevate the chic in your room.
If you are designing a living room in a high-rise, you may maximize the view by installing only decorative valences, or installing valences to hide a shade that can be deployed against morning or afternoon sun.
If you’re designing a bedroom, you may want to let light in during the day, but maximize privacy and darkness when it’s time to call it a day. If so, you may want a combination of shades and drapery, or a shade that can be pulled up one way to reveal shear shades, and let down the other way to reveal room-darkening shades.
Finding the right window treatments is a matter of considering all the questions first. By thinking it all through at the beginning, you’ll be assured that your windows are functional, and enhance your décor.
Photo: Blinds.com
