Guide To Window Treatment

Whatever the shape of your windows, there are stylish window treatments to suit. Window treatments can be simple, sleek and airy or beautiful and luxurious. 

The architectural design of your home usually determines the size and shape of your windows. And the style you choose to decorate your home will influence how you dress your windows. However, before investing in window coverings there are some major considerations to take into account. 

Climate considerations 

In tropical areas with high humidity fabrics often feel damp as they hold the excessive moisture from the air. A similar problem can be experienced if you live near the ocean, where on-shore breezes laden with salt permeate fabric window coverings. The majority of homes in these areas have blinds, louvres or shutters for window treatments. 

In more temperate zones window dressing may vary from sleek stylish blinds or shutters in modern homes to stylish drapes in classical home designs. 

In cooler climates windows tend to be more dressed for energy efficiency. Some wonderful combinations of blinds, curtains, drapes and shutters can be used to decorate your home. 

Another things you need to consider is how many years you want your window treatments to last? They are an important component of your home and most often a part of the “fixtures” when you sell. By choosing stylish window treatments you will enhance the ambience of your home and the value. 

Window sizes and treatments 

If your home has standard size windows then there is a large choice of ready-made standard window treatments such as blinds, curtains and shutters available at various department and home decorating stores. This of course is the cheaper option, however many architectural design home do not have standard window sizes. In this case you will be looking for custom-made blinds, curtains, drapes and shutters. No shape or size is too difficult for custom-made products. 

Blinds 

There is a large variety of blinds on the market today including classic holland, roman,  venetian, vertical, panels, pleated, double-layered or sheer, in polyester, metal-coated fabric, aluminium, bamboo, wood and wood-weave. 

Blinds are very practical in areas where: 

• fabric gets in the way such as kitchens and bathrooms
• incoming light needs to be maximised
• there is little or no room above or to the sides of the window 

Curtains 

Curtains can help you make the most of your window designs. Make your windows look taller by hanging your drapes higher than the window. Adding curtains to the side of a window with a blind makes your windows look wider, adding style and balance. 

Curtains are best suited to: 

• Cottage style homes or country-look rooms
• Short curtains are in particularly suitable where there is an appliance placed under the window or an area with a window seat.
• Long curtains give an elegant, more formal appearance and help insulate the room in winter.
• Long curtains are excellent in bedrooms when lined with heavy-weight blackout lining. 

Shutters 

Shutters are practical climate controllers. They allow adjustable light and privacy, protection from the sun, and help retain the heat in winter.