The Ultimate Guide to Window Treatments, Part III: Applications and Trends

This post is the third segment of our 3-part series, The Ultimate Guide to Window Treatments, and it covers the trends and applications of custom window treatments. To pull the look of your window treatments all together, it’s important to choose just the right rods, rings and finials. Any drapery hardware that you select must bear the full weight of your fabrics, so never skimp on this selection. Lighter, airy fabrics can flow down from thinner rods, while heavier draperies with insulating qualities will need something more substantial.

Window Treatment Challenges

Some homes have beautiful architectural features that can present some design challenges for window treatments. Palladian windows are a prime example of this. These types of windows are topped by an arch-shaped window over a large window pane with panels on either side. Because you want none of the features to be obscured by your window treatment, you can hang your curtains high above the arch, drawing the eye upwards without bisecting the window and ruining the line.

Sometimes arched windows look best with a simple swag above it that matches your wall color or the color of other curtains in the room.

Staying on top of Trends

Most designers agree that, both in new-builds and renovations, energy-efficiency and eco-trends continue to be a design focus homeowners are embracing. This can mean anything from using insulating honeycomb shades to installing plantation shutters. Many are electing to incorporate natural and biodegradable fabrics and materials like cottons, bamboo, burlap and even native grasses in their window treatments. A skilled designer can take any material and turn it into a window treatment masterpiece that will delight the client.

Another trend in window treatment design is multiple layers, often with various textures, that can be used together to provide a dual layer of privacy. At other times, draperies can open to reveal sheers for a filmier, more romantic appearance.

Many homeowners are now opting for motorized window treatments that utilize the newest technologies. Smart homes are being outfitted with automated window systems that can be controlled from off-site using just a smartphone. You can give the illusion of occupancy in a vacant home while you lounge seaside by raising and lowering your shades and opening and closing curtains randomly. All it takes is a few clicks!

Designers are still going bold, and homeowners are loving it. Gone are the tiny, tedious patterns – we’re seeing lots of geometric designs and large floral fabrics evocative of the Masters’ watercolors. When going bold, however, it is important to consider the size of the room and the colors and patterns of the furniture and rugs. A small room can be overwhelmed with lots of deep or bright colors or too-large patterns that would otherwise be perfect in a larger room.

It’s true that luxury never goes out of style, and decadent fabrics like jacquard, heavy silks and even velvet’s are all a hot look right now. Using valances and cornices to create illusions of depth work well. We’re even seeing drapes used as highlights for striking architectural designs and even some furniture, like beds.

For more information, please check out the other two posts in this series, The Ultimate Guide to Window Treatments, Part I – The Ultimate Guide to Window Treatments, Part II: Styles & Designs and call us to schedule your personal no-cost consultation.