Pet Resistant Window Treatments?

by Liz
(New Jersey)

We have a beautiful large new home that we have just completed building and many large windows. The house has strong architectural lines and I think the windows need a drapery panel type treatment. My difficulty is that we have several cats and a rambunctious dog and fear that they will ruin any floor length drapery panels. My preference is for clean, classic looks-- nothing fussy or frilly. Any suggestions regarding window treatments or pet resistant (but still beautiful) fabrics would be greatly appreciated.

Giorgina's Answer: Congratulations on your new home. It sounds like your home is quite lovely.
 
I understand how difficult it is trying to find window treatments that you can enjoy and preserve because of having other household members consisting of several kitties and a pooch. However, you can overcome these challenges.
 
I will give you information on several window treatments to consider. I am speaking from experience since we were actually in the same predicament a couple of years ago.
 
Here are some ideas that may help:
 
Drapes: I agree that floor length drapes may become damaged with time due to active pets. If you prefer drapes, you may want to consider panel drapes that are shorter in length and use tie back rods, which slightly lifts the drapes while adding a nice decorative touch. You can find panel drapes in a variety of beautiful fabrics and even in stain resistant fabrics. If you prefer, you can have these drapes custom made.
 
Also, you can choose panels in the following styles: hidden tab, loop top, cuffed top, smocked pleat, tailored pleat, Parisian pleat, pinch pleat, grommet, casual pleat, shirred tab, ring top, flounce top, tab top, and rod pocket.
 
There is a nice selection of hardware and tie back rods to choose from that come in a variety of finishes. Some of the hardware has exquisite finials.

 
Fabric Shades: You can choose from other custom window treatments known as fabric shades that are available in a fabulous array of colors as well as in stain resistant fabrics. These custom window treatments can be coordinated with different fabrics all in one window treatment.
 
These window treatments are available with a blockout lining feature, which is a lining that offers light control, privacy, and helps protect your shades from being damaged by the powerful rays of the sun.
 
Some choices include the following: balloon fabric shades, London shades, cuffed Roman shades, relaxed Roman shades, flat Roman shades, classic Roman Shades, soft Roman shades, and Sussex shades.
 
The beauty about balloon fabric shades and London fabric shades is that you can opt to have these made as a valance, which is about half the size of the actual fabric shade, but still appears to span half the length of the window. It looks beautiful because of the inverted pleats.
 
Another wonderful feature about these fabric shades is that they come with loop control. This enables you to evenly raise and lower your fabric shades with a continuous loop mechanism. However, this is not available for the fabric shades made as valances. There are no dangling lift cords because a guide keeps cords neatly in place, which eliminates it from being a plaything for cats.
 
I know that I have given you a lot to think about. If you need to see what I am describing, check out our Window Treatments section for other ideas, pictures, and fabric choices.