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 …

In Part I of the Ultimate Guide to Window Treatments, we discussed the two basic types of window fashions, Hard Treatments and Soft Treatments. This article covers the different styles and design options for your window treatments. There are many factors that can impact your design decisions, including the architectural design of your home, your décor style and the room’s purpose. Let’s examine the many possibilities for draperies first. Drapery Designs Most agree that draperies add a luxurious touch to any room. They are most appropriate in formal settings, like living and dining rooms, but are often used in bedrooms …

Some consumers are daunted by the array of window treatments available to choose the finishing touches for their home décor. It’s easy to be confused by some of the terms used in the industry. This article, the first in a series of three articles, is the Ultimate Guide to Window Treatments. Below are some simple definitions to help you understand and identify the different window treatment terms and options. All window treatments fall into two basic categories: hard or soft. Hard window treatments are those made from non-fabric materials, while soft window treatments are those made or assembled from fabric. …

No window treatment project is finished until the hardware and accent pieces have been aesthetically integrated into the design. In the past, hardware took a back seat to the window treatment materials, but this is no longer the case. Today’s drapery hardware is made up of an interesting array of materials – iron, brass, copper, glass, acrylic, wood, etc. Choosing the best selections to highlight the finished product requires a professional eye to make sure that the combination works on both functional and stylistic levels. Below are some important factors to consider when choosing your hardware. Form Follows Function Whatever …

In the past few years, home designs have moved away from traditional rectangular windows. The trend now is more dramatic, sweeping views from tall, floor-to-ceiling and even two-storied windows and irregularly shaped portals. While these window styles have a definite unique and modern appeal, they also present some challenges when it comes to designing window treatments for them. It is important to define what the purpose of the window treatment will be in order to select the best fit. A decorative treatment will be approached differently from one intended for privacy. Once these issues have been settled, you can review …

One of the fastest growing trends in today’s labor force is working from home. A recent study indicated that at least 30 million Americans work from home at least one day out of the week. A major benefit to working out of a home office is the convenience of not having an energy sapping commute to face every day. Partly in response to this trend, people are devoting more time and effort into decorating their home offices than they have in years past. But even if you work away from home, having an efficient and well-decorated home office is still …

Sliding glass doors, also known as patio doors, are a popular feature found in many homes today. They open up your living space, bringing in the sunlight and natural beauty of the outdoors while providing easy access to decks and backyards. But finding the best window treatments for sliding glass doors that meet your needs for privacy and efficiency – and that will fit your decorating style – can be a challenge. Here are some important points to consider when choosing window treatment options for glass sliding doors. • These doors are usually in high-traffic areas, and extra consideration is …

Once you’ve designed and installed the perfect window treatments in your home or business, you may be wondering how best to clean them. Dust and allergens can accumulate, so it’s important to establish the right cleaning method and do it routinely. Below are some tips on ways to clean the most widely used types of window treatments. Curtains and Draperies Generally, if you keep dust off of your drapes, curtains, and valances, you should never have to clean them. Use the vacuum’s upholstery attachment set on low suction to gently lift dust off of the fabric panels. Remember that the …

Part of the joyful anticipation of waiting for the birth of your baby is the excitement of planning the decorating of the nursery. Whether or not you know the gender of your child before delivery, there are some factors to consider when choosing the window treatments for the nursery room. Safety First No matter how beautiful they may appear, if your window treatments contain safety hazards, they are not for use in your baby’s nursery. Billowy, floor-length curtains look lovely and may be safe for the first few months, but will become a liability once your little one begins crawling. …

Plantation shutters are an elegant design addition to any home and add to both the home’s aesthetic and financial value. These perennially popular additions to upscale homes of any style have slats that are fitted onto a frame inside of the window. Interior shutters are an attractive, long-term design investment for any finely furnished home. The insulation potential of interior shutters during harsh winters contributes significantly to energy savings on heating bills, offsetting the initial expenditure in just a few years. An often overlooked benefit of installing shutters in your home is that according to the IRS, the installation is …