Add Pizzazz To The Rooms In Your Home With Window Treatments

The first question most people ask when it comes to updating their homes window treatments is where do I start?  I would advise to set aside style and first focus on the function the window treatment will play.  Think about it, if you are looking for total darkness a sheer fabric curtain will not work for your room, you would instead need something with room darkening qualities.  However if you are okay with light filtering through it is okay to use something more decorative and unlined.  Lining is usually adds an extra expense to window treatments however does have added benefits.  Some added benefits include extra fabric lining to shield the sun, making curtains last longer. 

Next consider the fabric, color and texture you would like to use.  The mood of the room will be set based on these qualities so it is best to think about the space and how it is intended to be used.  For example if you are looking for window treatments for a formal dining space where the mood is classic, sophisticated and dramatic.  For a space such as this consider a heavy silk or velvet, both which provide terrific insulation.  If your dining space is more casual and you are looking for an inviting space that lends to sitting and talking maybe lighter, billowing linen or cotton blends work. Color will also play a role.  Reds and maroons are very dramatic, sophisticated colors while greens, beiges and yellows are cozy, comfortable colors that help people to relax and feel at ease.

Another thing to consider is how long the window treatments should be.  When considering curtains I think the only way to go is floor length.  This of course only applies if you do not have radiators or deep sills.  Consider measuring so that the curtains just hit the floor and then hanging the curtain rod for them to be perfectly positioned. The rod placement for the curtains to hang on will depend on the molding placement as well.  Some people might consider curtains that slightly break at the floor.  If you choose this option, in order to make it appear stylish instead consider extending them one to three inches.  It is a more relaxed feel than those that are tailored to sit right at the floor.

The next issue to consider is how wide you would like the curtains to be.  Consider that the panels should look ample and that they flow even when closed you should ensure they are two to two and a half times the width of the actual window. There is an exception to this rule.  If you are only hanging the curtains to frame the window and are never intended to close you can order the curtain width to be only one and a half times the width of the window.  Take into consideration that curtains with pleats contain a certain amount of bulk on their own so you their width should more or less match the span of the window you are covering.

Another thing you will want to consider is if you want to tie the curtains back.  A classic approach to this is with tiebacks.  You will want to purchase a curved decorative metal hook to aide you in pulling the curtains back.  They should be mounted approximately two-thirds down the window or door wall.  Tiebacks can also be fashioned using fabric or ropes.  Something more causal can be fashioned using a wide ribbon or fabric to tie the curtain in the middle of the curtain.

Window treatments are a fun way to add a bit if pizzazz to any room.  It is the perfect way to add a different feel to any room.  Start with the function the window treatment will perform and build on that.  Instantly your room will transform itself.

Easy Custom Window Treatment Options

Homeowners don’t always have time or the deign skills necessary to make their home unique.  One sure-fire way to create a look in your home that wows is with window treatment updates.  Easier said than done right?  Here are some tips on making your house a home with updated window treatments that offer inspiration to any room.

The one thing I like to remind homeowners is that the minimal look and feel is in.  Heavy curtains need to be taken down and thrown away.  Simply replace them with streamlined shades for a more universally appealing look.  It simply adds to much thickness and weight to a room to have heavy curtains.  Thick window coverings tend to remove the lightness people are attracted to.

One way to have fabric within a room without the thickness of heavy window treatments is to use upholstered cornice or a simple valance.  This adds a bit of color but offers the ability to keep the room light without adding too much fabric.

Another suggestion is to lighten up your window treatments.  This is especially true in kitchens.  When a room such as a kitchen does not offer enough natural light it does not feel comfortable.  One way to fulfill the need for light while maintaining privacy is using light colored pleated shades.  Some pleated shades also come in a subtle pattern.

When picking window treatments that does use color in them consider using current, modern colors to accentuate the room without overpowering it.  Warm shades and modern colors update any room. 

Another hot trend in window treatments is using texture.  Roman shades made out of natural materials such as bamboo, rattan and natural fibers add visual interest but remain functional.  Function remains the most important part of having window treatments.  Custom window treatment offer style, functionality and something unique to add to any room. 

Speaking of function, adding lightness to a room does not mean including an overabundance of direct sunlight.  Direct sunlight into a room makes the temperature overly hot and unpleasant.  Adding wooden blinds or woven wooden shades light is filtered without the use of a window treatment that is too heavy.

Another way to add interest using window treatments is to use a layering technique. Done correctly you can add interest and appeal using different materials.  This gives a very custom look to your homes window treatments. One example of a layered window treatment is with the use of a natural material in a shade and a rod with airy fabric curtain.  Another way to layer is with the use of window blinds and an additional valance.  The layering technique offers a custom feel to the windows in your home.

It is important to remember the techniques and suggestions in this article in order to create window treatments that will enhance the good qualities in every room in your home.  It is amazing how the way homeowners use blinds and shades can completely transform the rooms in their homes.  Custom window treatments also add tremendous value to your homes resale value.