Window Treatments 101

Windows... maybe you notice them when you purchase or build a new home - and perhaps they are the last project on a long list of priorities that come with owning a home. Understandably, more people are more concerned with appliances or purchasing new furniture and where to park the cars - not about how placing the TV in that particular spot might make it difficult to see it at noon when the sun beats through the window. UNTIL - you sit down to watch that football game or your favorite show and now you HAVE to figure out what to do about all of that natural light pouring in because the tv can only be seen from that one perfect position in the room..

Natural Light is a blessing to those of us who enjoy the outdoors and desire to bring the outside into our surroundings, and for some it may be seen as a nuisance when sleep schedules don't line up with sun's rising and setting.. But natural light can be adjusted in multiple ways when considering how to 'dress the windows' based on the particular function of the window treatment.

There are multiple types of window treatments that can be further categorized by their shape, color, texture and, even the number of pleats created by their formation, but I have curated a short list of considerations to help you get started on finding the best treatments to fit your needs.

Blinds - the easiest and most immediately purchased and cost effective option that can be found in multiple retail locations in a variety of sizes (both length and width) Blinds are easily adjusted for the amount of light you want to filter through a window at certain times of day; they can also be easily cleaned for people who have severe allergies to dust mites; and last, they are cheap enough that they can be left behind if you are moving out of your home in the near future and don't want to spend loads of money ordering custom window treatments that you can't take with you.

Curtains - are a more expensive option that can be custom created to fit your style, color palette and window dimensions. Curtains can naturally create a more comfortable, homey vibe because of the look and feel of the materials used to make them, and can immediately elevate the design by brining in new textures, patterns and lines. Curtains can be found in a few formatted or average sizes at multiple retail locations, as well.

Shades - fall into both the easily purchased (as with the blinds) and custom made (as with the curtains) categories. Ease of use, purpose and function are all things to consider when deciding the style, color and texture of shades you choose.

Styling Window Treatments

Pure Function - do you need an immediate solution? or are you just looking to add some flare to the room? Black-out curtains may be necessary for bedrooms or living rooms if your career schedule is one that requires a night-shift and daytime resting hours.. OR, if you live in Florida where a cooler temperature is desired indoors - black-out curtains could be the most energy efficient option.

Color - think about what kind of statement you want to make and how much money you might be willing to spend in the long run. Most ALL window treatment styes can be found in a variety of neutral shades but if you have your window treatments custom made - how soon will you be replacing them when you tire of the color palette you currently have?

Floor-to-Ceiling - do you have low ceilings? Floor-to-ceiling curtains can create a lengthening effect that can make the room look larger and less crowded. But puddling curtains in a kitchen might not make sense for safety or cleanliness reasons.

Latest Trend

*Layering*

Having trouble choosing just one? Well - you don't have to.. Shades and/blinds can act as a light adjustment while a layered in curtain, creates some warmth and style to the space!

Questions about how to best add flare AND function to your space with window treatments - find me at:

freetodesigninteriors.com