The right treatment can enhance or disguise a window. Before choosing window treatments, consider the function, style of room and window, and desired mounts.
Function
Light Control – These types of window treatments allow natural light to brighten up the room, soften the lighting, or, if you need it, completely darken the room.
Noise Control – A window treatment with multiple layers will help to absorb sound and keep the room quiet.
Energy Saving – Heavier window treatments with natural fibers, such as cotton or linen, help keep a cold room warmer. Additionally, the space between the fabric and the window prevents cold or hot air from circulating, which can reduce home heating and cooling costs.
Room Style
Casual – Create a warm and inviting atmosphere with subtle layering. Recommended window treatments for this look: roman shades, woven wood blinds, and drapery panels with tab tops or box-pleated valances.
Formal – Establish an elegant and luxurious look using polished hardware and two to three layers of material. Consider tapestry, brocades, silks, and velvets.
Contemporary – Create a sleek, sophisticated design with clean lines and minimal accessories. Reflective metal hardware and fabrics with solid colors and modern geometric patterns will help you achieve this look.
Traditional – Traditional window treatments follow a three-step design process: a sash, a draw drapery, and an over-drapery. Depending on the window’s size and position, one or two of these dressings will help you achieve a traditional look. Consider
Window Style
Masculine Styling – To create a masculine styling, consider fabrics with subtle patterns, deeply colored solids, and brown, navy, burgundy, dark green, and black hues.
Feminine Styling – Consider treatments with generous amounts of draping, pastel and floral fabrics, silk, lace, tiebacks, and other embellishments to create a feminine styling.
Inside or Outside Mount
Before you make a purchase, you’ll want to decide how you’d like your window treatment to hang: on the inside or outside of the window frame. To measure your windows, you’ll need a pencil, retractable measuring tape, and paper.