Window Treatments
Let's shine some light on the subject!
There is a Chinese restaurant not too far from my office that has no windows! Just writing about it gives me the chills!
Imagine no fresh light coming into your home. How would you feel? What would be the predominate mood after a few months?
At even the most minimal of levels every home needs windows.
Based on your treatment choice you can create some wonderfully warm effects, make a design statement, make the window your focal point or just simply allow some direct fresh sun light in to brighten the room.
Many folks come into a home and take those glorious transparent enclosures for granted. not realizing the powerful design potential they possess.
So, before we get started on identifying some specific optional window treatment styles - there are a few important questions to ask:
- What is the purpose or Function of the room? Formal living or dining area - Busy Kitchen or Privacy please bathroom? By determining the primary function you can then simplify some of the window treatment decisions.
- Are there safety issues? Do you have young children that might get tangled up in a cord. How difficult will it be to open or close your window treatments?
- How much sun does the window allow in to a room at any given time of the day? Do you need to block some of that southern side sun that blasts in in the late afternoons when your home may already be struggling to remain cool. Or, you may have a painting you need to protect. Too much sun can cause fading.
- How much are you willing to spend on those window treatments? This finishing touch can be one of the more expensive aspects of the room. Decide before you get started what your spending limit will be.
- What is the Room's Style? Is it Casual, Contemporary, Country, Eclectic, Formal or Traditional?
- Is the window to be a Focal point or simply a functional window that will quietly bring light into the room?
Once you've identified some of the characteristics of the window it should have helped to provide a brief list of how you want to proceed.
Next we will take a few moments to identify the style you want to use. Here's where the saying "A picture paints a thousand words" really works well in illustrating the various types of window treatments you can choose from. Browse the styles at the top of this page to identify types.
Certainly these examples are insufficient to illustrate all types and styles of window treatments but there is enough to get you thinking about the look you may want.
Here is a money saving tip when it comes to needing a curtain rod. Though manufactured rods are wonderful all you really need to hang your fabric is to use something strong enough - straight enough - and long enough. Be creative - you can use a boat paddle say in a cabin.
In a boys bedroom maybe a bat or hockey stick. In the kitchen? Possibly a broom handle - well you get the idea.
Now let's talk about some tips the professionals use. . .next page
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