Window Treatments

No longer are we limited to lacy sheers and the pinch pleated drapes of the 70’s, hereto window treatments have jumped into the 21st century. There are many new ideas and products on the market today that will help you complete the designer look in your room. With “views” being at a premium in real estate today, it only makes sense to design your window treatment to compliment your home and your scenery as well.

After taking into consideration your overall décor style and colour scheme, the fabrics and colours that have already been chosen for the room will guide you to make an appropriate fabric and style choice for your window treatments. Don’t be in a rush to pick your window coverings first if you haven’t already taken into account the other colours and materials in the room. It’s easy to put the cart before the horse here but don’t be easily fooled…take your time. It’s much easier to see a room with most of the main colour choices and materials picked out, than to want a particular window treatment and have to go backwards and figure how to match up all the other aspects of the room. This doesn’t have to be difficult, just done in the right order makes things easier for sure.

The main categories for window treatments are curtains & drapes, shades & blinds, valances & swags and for the extra added “jewels” the rods & finials. Today the use of natural materials such as bamboo or wood’s is extremely popular. They are affordable, decorative and can fit into most budgets. Bringing the outdoors into your space is the trend today and with more and more natural products in accessories it only made sense to see that same transition to window treatments as well. Bamboo or wood blinds can diffuse the light nicely and offer partial privacy, if your looking for complete privacy then possibly a wooden shutter or wooden slat horizontal blinds would be a good alternative and work nicely for you.

For a traditional styled home the pinch pleated drapes still are a popular choice. What sets those panels apart today than from the past is the rich array of fabrics to choose from. If you opt to sew your drapes yourself then visit your local fabric store that specializes in decorative fabrics for home design. You’ll have more than enough choices to make yourself happy. Today the pinch pleated drape panel is hung onto a ring that is on a decorative rod with finials. This updates the traditional drape but still gives you the pinch pleated look that you desire. Rods and finials are where your accessorizing of the drapes can have that “little something extra” which we all look for.

Valances and swags are an excellent choice on a widow that already has existing blinds that are used for privacy and the valance and swags are meant only to add an accent. Window top treatments can come in a variety of styles and can be dressed up or down depending on the décor of your room. There are many lovely beads and trim work that can be added to a valance or swag that gives it a wonderful finished look. The Cornice board valance is another option for a top treatment if you want a very tailored crisp clean look. The valance is usually padded with a coordinating or complimentary fabric; its simplicity is what makes this particular choice look stunning.

For those of us who have chosen a contemporary lifestyle and décor there are always new ideas and gadgets coming to market to keep your “high-tech” interests alive. Windows blinds can now be operated by remote control (men will love this), and offer a variety of light diffusing or UV protective blinds. The sleek contemporary styled window doesn’t have to be stark and cold looking, layer the window with a luxurious cotton or ultra suede to warm and soften the edges. This particular look is often popular with the younger urban client or loft style living and mixes in well with contemporary or a mix n match décor as well.

Look at your window as a painting, and the window treatments as the frame, be sure to consider all the décor details in your room when selecting your window treatment. Your final result will be that your thrilled to present a “Room with a View”.

Written by Sharon @ IDQ