Windows are a crucial design element of a house that affect the lighting and mood of rooms. Considering the importance of windows in a home’s architecture, the treatment of a window should be one of the first design decisions.
If this is your first time decorating a bare window, the sheer number of window treatments available might surprise you.
Here are descriptions of the four basic types of window treatments to get you started:
Blinds are typically made from plastic or wood slats. There’s usually little variation in style. Blinds can be mounted inside the window frame to create a clean look or outside to make a small window seem larger. As they tend to block a lot of light, use them carefully.
Shades are made of fabric and come in varying levels of opacity. They give a modern vibe and when unrolled, or unrolled only a little, they can be a great way to show off a window and its trim.
There are three main types of shades:
• Roller is unrolled from a tube-shaped piece at the top of the window
• Roman is arranged in careful folds
• Honeycomb fold down from the top of the window in pleats
Drapes are attached to a rod above the window and hang down beyond the frame. They come in a variety of materials, colors and patterns and sizes.
The variety of drapery allows interior designers the most flexibility in design impact. And because of this, drapes are often their treatment of choice.
They add a softness hanging between the drywall and the glass of the window. Interior designers use them to add a finish to a room and keep them pulled off the glass to sell the window and the view.
Shutters can be very expensive, as they’re true woodwork and are often custom fit for a specific window. While there are a few stock sizes and finishes available, it’s recommended you have them custom fit to the window for the best appearance.
Window treatments can be a room’s best friend. They can help create a mood and truly accentuate the architecture of a space. They also can help sell a house and should be taken into consideration when staging.
To find a local window installer, designer or other home improvement professionals in our area, visit the member directory at www.HBAGC.net.