The Ultimate Guide to Window Treatments, Part II: Styles and Designs

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 as well. When used in sleeping quarters, they can be fully lined (blackout drapes) to effectively block out light and muffle sounds.

Drapes with French Pleats at the top appear fuller. Sometimes called pinch pleats, the fabric is gathered together almost as if somebody pinched it with their fingers. These are a more traditional type of drapery that often employs a French seam in the hemline so no stitching shows.

Hanging the drapes high above the natural top of the window gives the illusion of height to rooms. The hardware used to hang draperies can help define the room’s décor. Wooden or metal rods can evoke a mid-century modern appeal, while Lucite with brass fittings would blend well in any modern loft.

Curtain Design Options

If your room is less formal, like a child’s bedroom or family room, consider curtains lined with sheers to allow some sunlight in while maintaining privacy. They can be floor length or, like café curtains, only cover the window portion of the wall. Café curtains are a quaint option for a homey, county kitchen and can work well over a frosted glass bathroom window, too.

As mentioned in our previous blog post, installing plantation shutters not only adds value to your home but is almost universally appealing. Plantation shutters are a great addition to a beach cottage or shore house, but can be used on almost any type of design.

Color: A Defining Factor

When you select the colors of your window treatments, one of the first determinations should be whether you are attempting to draw the eye to the window or, alternatively, have it blend in seamlessly with your background. Rich, bold color accents automatically stand out. Plantation shutters painted barn-red can be flung open to frame a gorgeous view, whereas silk cream draperies accented with gold tassel tiebacks present a lush but muted perspective to a more formal setting.

A little girl’s room can be outfitted in pastel curtains with balloon shades, or an oddly-shaped window custom-fitted with shades. Media rooms may need the addition of room-darkening blackout curtains, while an office might need some Roman shades for inspiration when up and concentration when lowered.

The style and design of your window treatments are limited only by budget and imagination. Call us to schedule your personal no-cost consultation so we can discuss your design options in greater detail.

FYI…our next installment, The Ultimate Guide to Window Treatments, Part III will address current window treatment Applications and Trends.