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.