Window treatments 101

Window Treatments 101

Window treatments are an important aspect of interior decorating since they help improve the aesthetic appeal of a room, and also serve a practical role by regulating the quantity of natural light, privacy, and insulation in a room.

As a result, choosing window coverings for your client’s home is not only about design but also about practicality.

There are various types of window coverings available, such as curtains, blinds, shades, and shutters.

Each type of window covering has its own unique features, benefits, and drawbacks.

For instance, curtains are an excellent option for adding texture and color to a room while also providing insulation. On the other hand, blinds are a practical option for controlling the amount of light and privacy in a room.

The size and shape of the windows will also play a part in determining which window coverings to choose.

It is also critical to consider your client’s budget as well as the window coverings’ long-term maintenance requirements.

Keep in mind window coverings are an investment. You should choose a reputable supplier who offers high-quality products and excellent customer service.

Here we guide you through the factors you need to consider before choosing the perfect window coverings for your client.

Factors to consider

Here we guide you through the factors you need to consider before choosing the perfect window coverings for your client.

Privacy

One of the main reasons for using window coverings is privacy, especially for those living in urban or suburban areas.

The right window covering can provide security and comfort by keeping the inside of the home away from prying eyes.

Ultimately, the level of privacy required will depend on personal preference and the specific needs of each room. 

For bedrooms or bathrooms where complete privacy is required, window coverings such as shades or lined drapes are the best option.

These types of window coverings provide complete coverage and are ideal for blocking out light and maintaining privacy. 

Blinds and shutters might be a great choice for living rooms or home offices when privacy is not as important.

Blinds are available in several materials, including wood, faux wood, and metal, and are adjusted to manage light and privacy.

When fully closed, shutters, on the other hand, can provide complete coverage and seclusion. They also have an appealing and classic appearance.

Function

For the window covering to work, it needs to be fully functional.

For example, if the window covering needs to serve a purpose such as blocking out light in a nursery, it is important to choose a product that is specifically designed for this purpose. Blackout curtains might be the best option, as they are designed to block out light to ensure complete darkness in the room.

It is also important to consider the ease of use of the window coverings. If the client has difficulty reaching high windows, then it might be better to select a product with a remote control or motorized system. 

blinds for light control

Light Control

Another reason is to control the amount of natural light in a room.

During the day, your client may want to tilt blinds to regulate the amount of light that enters the room.

This is especially important in rooms with TVs and computers.

Additionally, your client may wish to protect furniture or fabrics from fading due to excessive UV rays. In the summer months, having heavily lined drapes in a bedroom will completely block out the sunlight in the morning.

Style

Besides having window coverings to block sunlight, provide privacy, and are functional, they can also be aesthetically pleasing and offer a decorative element.

When it comes to selecting window coverings, style and aesthetics play a significant role.

Your clients may have a particular decor style in mind, such as traditional or modern. So, they will want window coverings that complement that style.

It’s also important to consider the color and pattern to ensure they match the rest of the room’s decor.

Some options for window coverings are set out below:

window treatments curtains

Curtains

Curtains are a versatile and popular window covering choice.

They are available in a range of fabrics, colors, and patterns, making them simple to match the style of the room.

Depending on the fabric and style, curtains can be utilized to create a formal or casual look.

Heavy, dark-coloured velvet curtains, can add a formal and sophisticated touch to a space. In contrast, sheer fabrics like chiffon can create a more airy and romantic ambiance.

One of the benefits of curtains is they can be easily customized to fit any window size or shape.

Ready-made curtains are available in standard sizes, but for a perfect fit, custom-made curtains can be designed to fit any window.

Curtains can also be lined to block out sunlight or add insulation. This makes them an excellent choice for bedrooms or nurseries where privacy and light control are important.

Curtains can be hung in a variety of ways, from traditional curtain rods to more modern hanging systems.

They can also be paired with decorative tiebacks and finials to add an extra touch of style to the room. 

Drapes

Drapes

Drapes are a type of window covering that can add a touch of elegance and luxury to a room.

They are often made with heavy, high-quality fabrics such as silk, velvet, or damask, which create a rich, opulent look.

Drapes are typically floor-length and may be gathered or pleated at the top to add volume and depth.

One advantage of drapes is their ability to provide insulation, which can help regulate the temperature of a room and reduce energy costs.

The thick, lined fabric helps to keep out cold drafts in the winter and heat in the summer. This makes them a popular choice for bedrooms, living rooms, and other areas where comfort and energy efficiency are important.

They can be tailored to fit any window size and shape and can include decorative trimmings such as tassels, fringe, or beading. This allows you to create a unique and personalized look that reflects your client’s individual style and taste.

interior decorating blinds

Blinds

Blinds are available in many color options and although blinds provide a level of privacy and limit sunlight, they don’t provide complete coverage.

Due to their functionality and versatility, blinds are a popular choice. They come in a variety of materials, including wood, imitation wood, vinyl, and aluminum.

Wood blinds give warmth and elegance to a room. Whereas faux wood or vinyl blinds are more durable and appropriate for high-moisture areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. Aluminum blinds are lightweight, simple to maintain, and frequently utilized in commercial settings.

Blinds also offer different levels of light control, depending on the slat size and position. For example, wider slats provide a clearer view when they are tilted open, while narrower slats provide more privacy and better light control when they are closed.

Blinds can also be adjusted to control the amount of light that enters the room.

Shades

Shades can be used for both casual and formal styles. If they are used for casual styles, they would likely be used on their own. Formal styles would likely be used to add an element of privacy behind formal curtains, sheers, or drapes.

Some shades are bought pre-made but often they need to be custom ordered to size.

Shades are a versatile option for window coverings as they come in a variety of styles and materials.

They can provide varying levels of light control and privacy depending on the type of shade selected. A sheer or semi-sheer shade would allow light to filter through and would not provide complete privacy. However, a blackout shade would completely block out sunlight and provide maximum privacy.

Roller shades are a popular option that can be easily installed and can be made with a variety of fabrics, patterns, and colors. They are also easy to operate, with many shades featuring a cordless design or remote control.

Roman shades are another popular style that can add a touch of elegance to a room. They are made from fabric that is folded and pleated as it is raised or lowered. Roman shades can also be customized with different fabrics, patterns, and colors to fit the style of the room.

Sheers

Sheers can offer a great decorative element.

Sheers filter and soften the sunlight, but they are not very effective in providing privacy and blocking out total sunlight.

This type of window treatment would normally only be purchased for aesthetic reasons.

Sheers can often be purchased pre-made.

Sheer window treatments are a popular choice for adding a touch of elegance and style to a room. They are made of lightweight, translucent fabrics such as silk, linen, or voile and allow natural light to filter through while providing some level of privacy. 

Sheer curtains can be used on their own or layered over other window treatments such as blinds, shades, or drapes.

When used on their own, sheers can create a soft and romantic atmosphere in a room.

In addition to being a decorative element, sheers can also provide functional benefits. They can help to diffuse harsh sunlight, reducing glare and protecting furnishings from fading. 

interior decorating window shutters

Shutters

Shutters are often used for casual decorating styles and like blinds, they do provide a level of privacy and some blockage of sunlight.

However, shutters with slats do not provide complete coverage. One of the advantages is they are sturdy and durable and can last for many years with proper care.

They are also easy to maintain and can be cleaned with a damp cloth or duster. 

Shutters come in a variety of styles, including full-height, cafe-style, and tier-on-tier.

Full-height shutters cover the entire window and are a great option for bedrooms or living rooms where privacy and light control are important.

Cafe-style shutters cover only the lower half of the window, allowing natural light to enter while still providing privacy.

Tier-on-tier shutters consist of two separate panels that can be opened and closed independently, providing greater flexibility in terms of light control and privacy.

Decorative Accents

Decorative accents are normally selected to provide a decorative element and not for privacy or sunlight blockage.

Some decorative window accents – such as tiebacks or decorative rods can be bought pre-made. While other decorative window accents such as valances and cornices often need to be custom-made. 

These elements are often used to enhance the look of a room by adding a touch of elegance or charm.

They can be used in combination with curtains, drapes, or shades to add a layer of visual interest to the windows.

Tiebacks are used to hold back curtains or drapes when they are opened. They come in a variety of styles from simple fabric ties to ornate metal hooks.

Decorative rods can be used to hang curtains or drapes and come in a range of materials with decorative finials.

Valances and cornices are decorative window treatments mounted above the window and are used to conceal the top of the window covering.

Valances are often made of fabric and can be pleated, scalloped, or tailored to add a decorative touch to a room.

Cornices are made of wood or foam and can be painted or upholstered to match the decor of the room. They add a touch of sophistication and elegance to the windows.

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