Window treatments are what make your windows more functional and appealing, helping you incorporate some vibrancy in a room while making it cozier. However, with such a broad range of styles and materials, choosing one can be challenging.
Here are tips to help you narrow down your choices and choose the best window treatments to create your ideal home.
Check the Window’s Size and Shape
The first thing you need to do when choosing window treatments is knowing your windows’ size and shape. The most common ones in many homes are arched, rectangular, circular, and bay windows.
However, beyond the shape, see how it opens as it influences the kind of coverage you’ll need, including:
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Double or Single-hung Windows
This is a traditional style, vertically sliding starting from the bottom.
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Sliding Windows
These slide from side to side.
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Awning Windows
You can open these from the bottom out.
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Casement Windows
These are usually attached to an existing frame, hinged on one side, and opened like a door.
Luckily, regardless of the windows you have, you can now have window treatments like drapes and blinds made with ease.
Functionality
Although window treatments are known to add appeal to any room, they can also meet practical or functional needs, especially when combined. For instance, window treatments with blackout fabric can block light from the outside entirely, making them a perfect choice in recreating a cozy bedroom.
Meanwhile, modern window shades pulled down and paired with drapes and curtains can block all the windows’ angles, providing max privacy during nighttime. However, for those looking to welcome more natural light into their home, sheers are ideal since they allow plenty of light to go into a room—reducing the need for lighting during the day.
Follow the Ambiance of the Room
When choosing window treatments, it’s best to consider the ambiance you’d like to achieve in a room. That’s because you have a broad selection when it comes to window treatments, ranging from traditional drapes to modern blinds. These allow you to add more style and personality in each space, so consider the ambiance you want to create for the best results.
For instance, long drapes made from velvet would perfectly recreate a formal room, while roman shades with bold prints would give a more modern vibe.
Consider the Other Décor in the Room
Besides the ambiance you’d like to recreate, it’s best to consider the other decoration inside the room to match the overall aesthetic. After all, if you have traditional decorations, sleek and modern blinds wouldn’t complement the room nicely—and vice versa. You’ll need to consider several things, these include:
- Furniture
- Lighting fixtures
- Flooring
- Paint or wallpaper
- Artwork and other smaller home decorations
The Privacy Factor
One of the most significant considerations when choosing window treatments is the degree of privacy you want from them. That’s because while windows enable homeowners to enjoy the serene views and natural light from outside, they also give neighbors and passersby a view into your home.
That’s why when choosing window treatments, consider the function of the room and how much privacy you’d like in each one. For instance, for open rooms like living rooms, sheer curtains should offer enough privacy. However, for more “private” areas like the bathroom, blinds are ideal since they can completely block the view from outside.
Maintenance Needs
Maintaining window treatments is crucial in keeping their functionality and appeal at their best conditions, but if you don’t have the time to look after them, you need to consider their maintenance needs. Generally, simple dusting and vacuuming are what most window treatments need, but some special ones require more complex maintenance.
For instance, drapes and curtains made from cotton and linen will need a wash now and then, making them ideal for busy individuals who don’t have much spare time.
See How Easy Are They to Install
After you’ve chosen a particular style and design, check if you can install it yourself if you’re looking to save money. That’s because some window treatments may need a professional’s help. For instance, motorized window treatments require a more complex installation, and mistakes will likely lead to expensive repairs and replacements.
Plus, hiring a professional to install your window treatments ensures the final result is perfect, saving you time and money.
As crucial as windows are, bare ones are pretty much empty canvases, so why not fill them in with window treatments? Following the tips mentioned can help you choose the best ones for each room with ease, making your home more aesthetically pleasing and cozy.
