Planning Window Treatments
Window treatments can be made in a variety of styles, serve multiple and practical functions, and have the ability to create definition within a room. The average home has approximately 30 windows. When planning your window treatments, each window must be given careful consideration to ensure that the treatment you select – no matter how grand or simple – meets the needs of you and your family.
Where do you begin? For each window, consider these three design concepts:
Style
What's your personal style? First decide on the overall atmosphere that you want the room to evoke. Then pay attention to how the fabric, hardware, and the overall design of your window treatment will help to achieve that atmosphere. Select your fabrics carefully - different fabrics evoke different styles, and based on their fiber content some fabrics may be more appropriate for your window treatment design than others. In determining the style of window treatment that is right for your room, let all three elements of the window treatment – fabric, hardware, and overall design – work together to achieve your goal.
Problem Resolution
What are your room's flaws and assets? In planning your window treatment, consider how the treatment can help to hide or enhance these traits. Is there a fabulous view to frame? Is there a privacy issue? Are your windows evenly spaced and proportionate? Are there defects that you want to conceal or minimize? What is your ceiling height? Knowing what you want to enhance or conceal will help to shape and define the best overall design for your window treatments.
Light Factor
Light control in a room is especially important with southern and western window exposures. Window treatments can offer features such as room darkening, reducing sun glare, and filtering diffused light into a room. When planning window treatments for a room, pay attention to how natural light and artificial outdoor light affects the room.
So what's the next step after you've given consideration to these concepts? Start a clip file containing your notes on each room's Style, Problem Resolution, and Light Control. Add any magazine photos of window treatments that appeal to you. Then take your file to an Interior Designer who can sketch design ideas and help you select the perfect fabrics and trims. Working with an Interior Designer will help you create a beautiful window treatment that is both functional and beautiful.