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Window treatments come in all styles
When it comes to dressing your windows, the sky’s
the limit. With thousands of fabrics and a myriad of
styles to choose from, there is no reason to have naked
windows. Custom window treatments add a finishing touch
to any room.
As you are investigating your options, make sure you
keep in mind functionality as well as beauty. For instance,
do you like your room to be dark in the morning? If
so, select a window treatment with a room darkening
lining. Is privacy a factor? Look for opaque fabrics
or blinds. Does the afternoon sun create glare on your
TV? You will want a window treatment that allows you
to control the light. Do you have kids or pets to consider?
Blinds and shutters would work for you, as would soft
treatments made from durable fabrics. Budget is also
a deciding factor—How long will you be living
in your home? If you plan to stay awhile, invest in
top-of-the-line window fashions. Even if you are planning
a move in the next few years, it is important to know
that beautiful custom window treatments can be a very
attractive selling feature for your home.
What kind of mood would you like to create in the room?
Formal, elegant, dramatic? Casual, whimsical? For traditional
and formal décor, you might select gorgeous swags
and cascades in moiré on top of sheer draperies.
Or perhaps silk drapery panels. Don’t forget the
tassel tiebacks and bullion fringe for even more elegance.
The beauty of custom draperies is that they can be made
exactly to your specifications. If you have high ceilings,
for instance, ready-made drapes will be hard to find.
Custom drapes, on the other hand, will fit your windows,
walls and room perfectly. Ask for help-- a good designer
can help you select the perfect fabric and design.
Casual rooms require more casual window treatments.
How about a soft-fold Roman shade or woven wood blind?
Perhaps tab-top drapery panels or a box-pleated valance.
To create a designer look, use coordinating fabrics
to make throw pillows and a tablecloth. Reupholster
your dining room chairs and create a custom slipcover
for your sofa.
Add drama to your room with fabrics in rich colors,
textures and patterns. Whimsical prints in bright colors
add a bit of playfulness.
Fabric window treatments are called “soft”
window treatments, while blinds and shutters and called
“hard” window treatments. Blinds and shutters
are very practical and good-looking. Wood blinds, aluminum
blinds and shutters offer excellent light control and
easy maintenance. For steamy baths, consider faux wood
blinds or vinyl shutters, both of which resist moisture.
Some clients enjoy the clean lines of the blinds and
shutters by themselves, while other clients choose to
add softness and dress their windows even more with
drapery panels and top treatments. There are no hard
and fast rules. With so many choices, the perfect window
treatment is out there. Let your needs and personal
preferences be your guide.
This article first appeared in Alameda Newspaper
Group papers on July 24, 2004.
Go
back to the list of decorating columns.
All articles copyright 2003-2008 Anna
Jacoby.
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