Do you have naked windows? Or a view that needs framing? Sun in you face when you’re trying to sleep? The right window treatment can dress your windows, be a focal point in your design, solve problems and increase the energy efficiency of your home.
When you’re flipping through the pages of your favorite design magazine or even looking at model homes, what catches your eye first? Would it surprise you to know that most homeowners find they are drawn to creatively designed window treatments?
Maybe it’s because most of us have a wide variety of window shapes, styles and sizes to address when decorating our own homes. We’re always looking for fresh ideas … or maybe … we’re simply daunted by all the windows we’re dealing with and myriad choices available.
Have you ever purchased a ready-made window treatment from a store, catalog or even online, only to be disappointed with the way it actually looks on your window? If the answer is yes, you’re not alone. One reason for the disappointment may be that ready-made window treatments are made to fit “standard” window sizes – whatever that is! If your window is slightly wider or longer, the result can be a disaster. You must also consider the quality of the fabric, the lining, the fullness and of course, the workmanship. Custom-made window treatments take into consideration all these important details.
It’s easy to tell the difference between a custom-made drapery and a ready-made. Custom draperies are made with extra fullness. This means fabric that amounts to two and one-half to three times the width of the window is used to construct the treatment. If it’s a pleated drapery, the pleats are closer together at the top, allowing for the extra fullness to fall gracefully in elegant folds. The pleats of a ready-made drapery are further apart, and since less fabric is used, the drapery can appear rather skimpy.
A custom treatment will use corner weights to allow the fabric to hang straight, and prevent flaring at the hem. Special linings may also be used to avoid sun fading and add additional body to the treatment. Linings contribute to the energy-efficiency of the treatment, providing an insulating layer between the fabric and the window. There are even black-out linings available to darken the room for daytime or late morning sleepers.
Not only do custom window treatments add beauty, design and uniqueness to your decorating plan, they are truly crafted for you and your windows alone. No two designs are completely alike, they will project your personal taste and style and no one else’s!
One of the first decisions to make is what you want to accomplish your window treatments. Do you need privacy? Energy efficiency? Or just the right detail to frame your view?
If you’d like to subtly frame your windows, then beautiful side panels mounted on unique decorative rods and finials would give your windows a subtle, yet dramatic impact. Or if energy efficiency or light control to protect your floors and furnishings is needed, perhaps a lovely soft fold roman shade or a more contemporary mesh screen shade. Woven wood shades, of which there are many styles, can lend a natural element.
Here’s a quick checklist to help you determine the best possible window treatments for your home.
Function. How is the window being used? Do you need to block outdoor light? Is privacy your priority? Or do you have a beautiful view that needs capturing?
Focal points. Are your windows a natural dramatic architectural feature of your room? If so, you have a built-in focal point, and should plan your treatments accordingly. If not, then consider working with a professional decorator to make your window treatments true show stoppers!
Style. What’s yours? Casual? Formal? Traditional? Contemporary? Window treatment designs vary greatly by design style, so think about the ultimate style and feeling you’d like to incorporate into their design.
Problems. Are your windows too small? Unbalanced? A carefully designed window treatment can actually be a clever cover-up to any window problem.
So if you have naked windows and need some help dressing them, working with a professional decorator, your window treatments are guaranteed to be the perfect design and function solution.
Pamela Ryalls-Boyd is an interior decorator who lives in Morgan Hill. She is a Decorating Den Interiors business owner and enjoys working together with Janet Cunningham. Reach Pamela at (408) 776-1412, [email protected] or visit www.decdens.com/decdenmh.
