Window Treatments

by Giorgina Devereaux

Do you prefer cellular shades, roman shades, mini blinds, vertical blinds, bamboo blinds, wood plantation shutters, vinyl shutters, draperies, or curtains?  

The choices are endless.

First ask yourself what your budget is.  Some window treatments, such as plantation shutters, are costly.  

However, there are companies that manufacture these at a much lower price than other high end name brands.  Before settling on a window treatment, visit a gallery show room and look at many different styles.  Ask the sales representatives for information on the window treatments.

Also, request swatch samples from window treatment stores or via stores on the internet.  Compare these samples during different times of the day to give you a sense of what it looks like in different lighting.
 

Before making a selection, ask yourself, what are you trying to achieve with these window treatments?  

Are you trying to acquire privacy?   Are you trying to control the amount of light that enters the room so that it stays cooler, brighter, or darker?  Are you trying to portray a different size for the room?  Are you interested in manual or electric window treatments?

Are you trying to muffle exterior noise and protect from the rays of the sun?  Are you looking for window treatments that are pet friendly?  Are you looking for treatments that are low maintenance?
 

To decide which window treatments are best for your home, consider whether the windows face a direction that gets a lot of sun exposure.

How much sunlight enters the room affects the type of treatments you choose.  You can control that through the type of window treatments you select.  

Also, the color of the room affects the mood of the room because by adding a complementary or contrasting window treatment, it can either enhance or disturb the mood.
 

Furthermore, consider the size of the room before settling on a particular window treatment.  For instance, vertical window treatments can add height to a room, while horizontal window treatments give it a relaxing and informal feel.  To counterbalance rigid lines of a room, consider fabric window treatments.
 

Whatever you decide, try to keep in mind that window treatments can enhance the look of your room.  Whether you are trying to project a traditional or contemporary look, give yourself the opportunity to explore several options before making a final selection on a style for your space.

Please click on each article for more detailed information and ideas. 
 

• Decorative Blinds - Decorative blinds allow you to control the amount of light in your home. These ideas will really open your eyes.
   
• Decorative Cornices, Swags, and Valances - Lavish your windows with top treatments available as wood cornices, upholstered cornices, swags, and valances.
   
• Decorative Curtains and Drapes - Decorative curtains and drapes add elegance and sophistication to any window. Here's how to make your room go from drab to fab.
   
• Decorative Hardware for Window Treatments - Decorative hardware for window treatments is the perfect way to make your home go from boring to alluring.
   
• Decorative Shutters - Decorative shutters are an attractive alternative to traditional window treatments. Look at these ideas and dare to be different.
   
• Decorative Window Shades - Decorative window shades offer you a multitude of ways to bring unique style to your home.