When it comes to the decorative aspect of the home, window treatments play a dramatic role in the general atmosphere within each room. Learn about the different options and styles of window treatments that are available.
Types of treatments
Curtains and drapes: Curtains and drapes are window coverings for the home that are created from cloth materials. Homeowners may select solid color curtains or draperies for a room or choose from the printed pattern that will complement the decor or theme that is desired for your room. These window treatments can be closed to block light from entering a room or even left open. Most commonly, curtains and draperies are pulled to the sides from the window and secured with a tie.
While curtains and draperies are very comparable in their purposes and looks, they do have their differences. Curtains are often measured to fit the peak and length of the window for a clean and trimmed appeal. Draperies are often designed to hang from the top of the window to the length of the floor for a look of magnificence within the room. There are also differences in how to clean draperies and curtains.
Blinds: Blinds are window coverings which allow an individual to modify the amount of light in which they can filter into a room. These window treatments are made up of slats, which are positioned in a horizontal or vertical manner and can be adjusted by using a cord or blind stick. Most blinds are capable of having all slats drawn to the top of the window so it allows homeowners to have a full view of the outdoors. Originally manufactured from plastic, today window blinds are created with materials such as wood, imitation wood, metal and more. This provides home decorators with styles that will truly enhance the room in which they are decorating.
Shutters: Interior window shutters are window treatments that are secured to the interior of the window frame in front of the window. Shutters feature slats of wood, fabric and other materials which are secured to a wooden box framework and can be adjusted to allow light in or out out of a room. Window wooden shutters come in many different color options, and depending on the materials in which they are constructed of, they may be painted to match the color scheme of any room.
Shades: Window shades are windowpane coverings constructed of solid plastic, fabric and other materials that are wrapped around a spinning that fits into the top of the window frame. Shades can be adjusted by mechanisms within the roller which allow an individual to control the length in which the shade will hang down. These windowpane options provide the individual with the ability to control the amount of light that is allowed within a space and provides protection from glares that can occur in different areas within the room as well. Shades can be found in a variety of colors that enhance the feel of the room.
Valances and other decorative features: There are many different types of window treatment enhancements that can be purchased to create a more decorative appear. Some of these enhancements include valances and lace sheers.
Room-by-room tips
The process of selecting window treatments should begin with the homeowner’s tastes, preferences, likes and dislikes; however , there are several types of window treatments that do work better in one room than in others. Here are some tips to keep in mind next time you shop for window treatments.
Master bedrooms: Privacy is a big concern for individuals whenever selecting window treatments for master bedrooms. Many people want to have large amounts of light to sparkle in during the day but want their privacy at night. Windows in the bedroom should also become easy to access so that extra ventilation can be achieved when necessary or the ability to utilize the window with regard to escape practices in emergencies is available.
Children's rooms: Safety should always be the number one concern when choosing window treatments for a child's bedroom or nursery. Cords can present a choking hazard. Longer drapery or blinds can easily fall down on the child should they draw or grab them when playing or for stability purposes. Window treatments must not create a problem should the child need to make an emergency exit. In these situations, a few window treatments can act as a barrier and prevent the child from getting out of the home securely.
The second consideration should be the lighting factor. While allowing adequate lighting into the space can provide the child with an easier viewing ability, it is also important to have the ability to block out lighting during daytime hours for napping or relaxation.
Living room: Many homeowners want their own living rooms to have a luxurious and elegant look, and opt for drapes. However , in order to make certain the room does not appear crowded and cramped, it should be adequately sized if this kind of treatment is chosen. A living room window treatment should have the ability to block out glare upon TVs or when reading in the room.
Kitchen: For many people, the kitchen is the heart of the home. Homeowners that are purchasing window treatments for their kitchen should decide on a selection that wont hold in grease, food odors and moisture that is often prevalent inside these rooms. Privacy is not often a concern within the kitchen, but having the ability to access open and close windows for ventilation should be considered.
Bathroom: Bathroom window treatments should be resistant to dampness. It is best to have a fast drying, easy-to-disinfect window treatment selection for preventing mildew formation. Having access to open windows for ventilation is another requirement that should be addressed.
Den or even office space: Window treatments for a den or office space should provide adequate lighting. People should have the ability to adjust the lighting to prevent glare on computer screens or even while reading.
Factors to consider
Purchasing window treatments for the home is not as simple as choosing a style and color that complement each other. There are many factors that will contribute to making a selection. Individuals should think about these following factors before purchasing new window treatments for the home.
Window's exposure: Windows that are facing towards the east or south can produce large amounts of heat as well as sunlight. This can cause furniture, carpeting and other areas of the home to fade in case some level of sun blockage is not used.
What's outside?: Every house rests relative to its neighbors, and this can affect window treatment choices. For example , if the part of your house is only a few feet from the neighbor's you may opt for window treatments that allowed light while blocking the view.
Energy efficiency: Homeowners trying to maintain an energy effective home will want to choose a window treatment that provides some shade. Sunlight can improve temperatures during summer and decrease the efficiency of cooling systems.
Window access: People who want access to their windows will want to consider an option that provides easy access. Shutters that are fastened to the window frame can complicate the process.
Children and pets: Homes which have small children or pets should look at the safety factors first before purchasing window treatments. Choices that require cords or tie backs can pose serious hazards.
Creative enhancements
There are many different types of accents that can be purchased in order to dress up window treatments for the home. From expensive curtain rods with lavish finish caps to accents that clip onto the window treatments, these items are almost everywhere. Individuals can get the same effect for a fraction of the costs of the retail stores simply by using a little creative thinking. Here are some ideas that you can use tin your home.
Valances: Dress up plain window blinds and sheers by adding a valance over the top of the window. You can stuff the actual valance with tissue paper or cotton batting to give it a larger, more ballooned effect. You can also create your own valance by visiting your local fabric shop and purchasing a piece of complimentary fabric that is larger than your window. Using a dropped hanging method, drape the fabric over a curtain rod. Various pieces of different colored as well as textured fabrics can be utilized for a more dramatic and customized look.
Mural colors: These shades can customize the look of a child's bedroom or toy space as you can paint a mural onto a white roller shade that has the exact theme of the room.
Embellishments: There are many different types of embellishments that can be purchased from a craft shop. They include seashells, drilled crystals, clip-on accents and more. You can dress up nearly every window treatment by attaching these embellishments with a hot glue gun or even heavy sewing thread.
 |
| Window treatments not only provide shade from the sun and privacy from the outside, but they can also receive a stylish touch to any room. (Photo courtesy of Angie's Listing member Adam B.) |
Types of treatments
Curtains and drapes: Curtains and drapes are window coverings for the home that are created from cloth materials. Homeowners may select solid color curtains or draperies for a room or choose from the printed pattern that will complement the decor or theme that is desired for your room. These window treatments can be closed to block light from entering a room or even left open. Most commonly, curtains and draperies are pulled to the sides from the window and secured with a tie.
 |
Ultrasonic cleaning works on just about any type of blind.
Wood shutters like these can be painted to match any room in
your house. (Photo courtesy of Angie's List member John H.)
|
Blinds: Blinds are window coverings which allow an individual to modify the amount of light in which they can filter into a room. These window treatments are made up of slats, which are positioned in a horizontal or vertical manner and can be adjusted by using a cord or blind stick. Most blinds are capable of having all slats drawn to the top of the window so it allows homeowners to have a full view of the outdoors. Originally manufactured from plastic, today window blinds are created with materials such as wood, imitation wood, metal and more. This provides home decorators with styles that will truly enhance the room in which they are decorating.
Shutters: Interior window shutters are window treatments that are secured to the interior of the window frame in front of the window. Shutters feature slats of wood, fabric and other materials which are secured to a wooden box framework and can be adjusted to allow light in or out out of a room. Window wooden shutters come in many different color options, and depending on the materials in which they are constructed of, they may be painted to match the color scheme of any room.
Shades: Window shades are windowpane coverings constructed of solid plastic, fabric and other materials that are wrapped around a spinning that fits into the top of the window frame. Shades can be adjusted by mechanisms within the roller which allow an individual to control the length in which the shade will hang down. These windowpane options provide the individual with the ability to control the amount of light that is allowed within a space and provides protection from glares that can occur in different areas within the room as well. Shades can be found in a variety of colors that enhance the feel of the room.
Valances and other decorative features: There are many different types of window treatment enhancements that can be purchased to create a more decorative appear. Some of these enhancements include valances and lace sheers.
 |
Professional window treatment companies can often match bedding
to draperies. (Photo courtesy of Angie's List member Kimberly H.)
|
The process of selecting window treatments should begin with the homeowner’s tastes, preferences, likes and dislikes; however , there are several types of window treatments that do work better in one room than in others. Here are some tips to keep in mind next time you shop for window treatments.
Master bedrooms: Privacy is a big concern for individuals whenever selecting window treatments for master bedrooms. Many people want to have large amounts of light to sparkle in during the day but want their privacy at night. Windows in the bedroom should also become easy to access so that extra ventilation can be achieved when necessary or the ability to utilize the window with regard to escape practices in emergencies is available.
Children's rooms: Safety should always be the number one concern when choosing window treatments for a child's bedroom or nursery. Cords can present a choking hazard. Longer drapery or blinds can easily fall down on the child should they draw or grab them when playing or for stability purposes. Window treatments must not create a problem should the child need to make an emergency exit. In these situations, a few window treatments can act as a barrier and prevent the child from getting out of the home securely.
The second consideration should be the lighting factor. While allowing adequate lighting into the space can provide the child with an easier viewing ability, it is also important to have the ability to block out lighting during daytime hours for napping or relaxation.
Living room: Many homeowners want their own living rooms to have a luxurious and elegant look, and opt for drapes. However , in order to make certain the room does not appear crowded and cramped, it should be adequately sized if this kind of treatment is chosen. A living room window treatment should have the ability to block out glare upon TVs or when reading in the room.
Kitchen: For many people, the kitchen is the heart of the home. Homeowners that are purchasing window treatments for their kitchen should decide on a selection that wont hold in grease, food odors and moisture that is often prevalent inside these rooms. Privacy is not often a concern within the kitchen, but having the ability to access open and close windows for ventilation should be considered.
Bathroom: Bathroom window treatments should be resistant to dampness. It is best to have a fast drying, easy-to-disinfect window treatment selection for preventing mildew formation. Having access to open windows for ventilation is another requirement that should be addressed.
Den or even office space: Window treatments for a den or office space should provide adequate lighting. People should have the ability to adjust the lighting to prevent glare on computer screens or even while reading.
Factors to consider
Purchasing window treatments for the home is not as simple as choosing a style and color that complement each other. There are many factors that will contribute to making a selection. Individuals should think about these following factors before purchasing new window treatments for the home.
Window's exposure: Windows that are facing towards the east or south can produce large amounts of heat as well as sunlight. This can cause furniture, carpeting and other areas of the home to fade in case some level of sun blockage is not used.
What's outside?: Every house rests relative to its neighbors, and this can affect window treatment choices. For example , if the part of your house is only a few feet from the neighbor's you may opt for window treatments that allowed light while blocking the view.
Energy efficiency: Homeowners trying to maintain an energy effective home will want to choose a window treatment that provides some shade. Sunlight can improve temperatures during summer and decrease the efficiency of cooling systems.
Window access: People who want access to their windows will want to consider an option that provides easy access. Shutters that are fastened to the window frame can complicate the process.
Children and pets: Homes which have small children or pets should look at the safety factors first before purchasing window treatments. Choices that require cords or tie backs can pose serious hazards.
 |
| Customized window treatments can add style to a room's existing décor. |
There are many different types of accents that can be purchased in order to dress up window treatments for the home. From expensive curtain rods with lavish finish caps to accents that clip onto the window treatments, these items are almost everywhere. Individuals can get the same effect for a fraction of the costs of the retail stores simply by using a little creative thinking. Here are some ideas that you can use tin your home.
Valances: Dress up plain window blinds and sheers by adding a valance over the top of the window. You can stuff the actual valance with tissue paper or cotton batting to give it a larger, more ballooned effect. You can also create your own valance by visiting your local fabric shop and purchasing a piece of complimentary fabric that is larger than your window. Using a dropped hanging method, drape the fabric over a curtain rod. Various pieces of different colored as well as textured fabrics can be utilized for a more dramatic and customized look.
Mural colors: These shades can customize the look of a child's bedroom or toy space as you can paint a mural onto a white roller shade that has the exact theme of the room.
Embellishments: There are many different types of embellishments that can be purchased from a craft shop. They include seashells, drilled crystals, clip-on accents and more. You can dress up nearly every window treatment by attaching these embellishments with a hot glue gun or even heavy sewing thread.
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