Window Treatments
Windows admit welcome breezes, let the sun shine in, and frame our vision of the outdoors. They also present one of the biggest home keeping challenges there is. No matter how you approach this chore, the time and effort required to keep windows sparkling and curtains, drapes, and shades dust-free is considerable. Fortunately, the reward for doing so is considerable, too.There are several window treatments to consider. Regularly wiping away fingerprints and smudges (this may be a daily task if you have small children or pets) keeps windows tolerably clean most of the time, but at least once a year, it’s necessary to pull out a bucket and squeegee (the professional’s time and effort saving tool of choice) and wash them inside and out. One weekend’s work can yield clear views for the rest of the year.
12 Types of Window Treatments
- Roman shades. Roman shades combine functionality with the soft appearance of drapery.
- Shutters. Shutters are a classic window treatment choice, adding architectural design directly to your windows.
- Solar shade window treatments.
- Wood blinds.
- Faux wood blinds.
- Cellular shades.
- Woven wood shades.
- Panel track blinds.
Whatever style of home you have, windows are one of the first things you notice and the way you treat your windows creates an ambience which enhances your particular style. Like all aspects of good design, I want to give you the best advice, ideas and photos to inspire you to make the best choice for your windows. Since I love windows, I have created an easy way to think about windows to encourage you to discover a new view. Remember that window treatments are simply swaths of material, arranged or draped or pleated over an opening to the outside, a space waiting for you to unwrap!
Modern Window Treatment
If you’re going modern then you’re over your grandmother’s fuss and fluff. You want sophisticated, understated and clean. Lucky for you, contemporary window styles are taking over. Pick a hue contrasting your wall paint to start your modern look. Going cordless also ups the ante on your modern factor, since the look is not only sleek and downplayed, but also safe and clutter-free. Cellular cordless shades are particularly clean looking. For a dramatic focal point, go with oversized geometric or graphic patterns on any shade—I prefer them on Romans if you want to get the fabric feel into your space. Pick steel hardware like chrome or nickel materials, and the ultimate in minimalist modern is a motorized blind or shade. A remote control to operate anything in your home brings instant cool and hands-free luxury. Presto modern window treatments!
Creative Window Treatment
The sky is the limit with how creative you can get with your window coverings. Literally put any design you want on a shade—a photograph, a logo, or your art. A print-on –demand program provides you this outlet for a totally personalized shade that creates a memorable picture from your own photograph gallery, or design a menu or logo or capture any moment in time to view everyday. If you’re the DIY type, you can get cracking at your own stitched or no-sew drapes or roman shades. Add ribbons, cloth tapes, iron on hems, bows, ruffles, contrasting fabric with trim or sew together vintage scarves, tablecloths, napkins or stencil away with your favorite shapes. Your imagination is only a shade away.