It's Curtains! Or Maybe Blinds…
Tailoring Window Treatments to Personal Taste
Curtains, Blinds, Shades, Swags, or Valances?
There are so many different types of window treatments available, in stores and online, that the choice can sometimes be overwhelming. Even the experienced do-it-yourself decorator can become lost in the windows section of a department store. So the first decision to make might be what kind of window treatment will look and “feel” best on the window, in the room, and within the overall look of the home.
Is the home’s look formal or casual? Artsy or austere? Flamboyant or minimalist? Decorators need to decide upon the expression they want the room to convey, and go from there.
Another question to ask is: “How long will the window treatment be here?” Do the homeowners like to redecorate according to season, using lighter fabrics in summer and richer, heavier ones in winter? Will the home be remodeled, and as a result redecorated, within the next few years? Is a trendy look, which might go out of style in a few years, more desirable than a classic appearance that might not be as visually interesting?
Once these decisions are made, the decorating creativity can come into play.
Color and Texture
As described in 10_Top_Window_Treatment_Trends, by Caren Baginski, organic materials, bold colors and patterns, luxurious fabrics, and “green” design are all very popular right now. Unique textiles, wood, and bamboo can be used for any window treatment—even curtains.
Most decorators want to choose something eye-catching and dramatic to frame their windows. To get a feel for this, it’s best to review the furniture and wall décor that will be located in the room.
The window treatment should join the furnishings and decorations to unify the area into a visually welcoming panorama. The style and fabric of the furniture should be matched or complemented by the window treatments. Choosing window décor with too much contrast from the furniture can be visually jarring.
If the room has a decorating theme—such as the country look, seascapes, animal prints, or a rustic look—the windows can outright match or somewhat complement the theme. Each way offers a different “feel” to the room.
Choosing Hardware
Another textural consideration is the window hardware. There are almost as many choices here as there are for the window fabrics themselves. Hardware varies from simple white metal curtain rods to heavy wooden poles to intricately decorated finials. Metal or wooden tie-backs for curtains can be mounted on the walls next to the windows. There are even little figurines that can be attached to the pull-strings on blinds.
As with the fabric, hardware should be chosen to match or complement the overall look of the room.
Where to Buy the Window Treatments
Department stores, such as JC_Penney and Sears, or home-goods stores, such as Linens ‘n’ Things, offer a wide range of window hardware, curtains, blinds, and other window treatments. There are also specialty and discount stores, such as Marburn Curtain Warehouse, with aisles of curtains, shades, and swags.
For those who have some knowledge of a sewing machine, curtains are fairly easy to make. Choosing this option allows a far wider variety of textiles, because just about anything found in a fabric store can be used.
The Cost
Budget is always a consideration, and again, the range varies widely. However, as with choosing the treatments themselves, the budgeting decision should be influenced by how long the window treatments will remain in place. If a sturdy, long-lasting setup is chosen, it might be wise to invest a little bit more than on something that will be replaced after a short time.
A Matter of Taste
There is a lot to consider when choosing to frame a room’s view of the outdoors. Personal taste should, of course, be the main factor in any decision about window treatments. After all the issues listed above are taken into account, just go out and look. A window treatment that’s right for every home, style, and taste is out there somewhere. After a little research, effort and footwork, a beautiful window will be the result.
