Window Treatments
Window treatments are a popular and personally enjoyable part of my interior design business. Selecting the proper drapery fabric or blind that complements the design of the room and the way you live is so important.
Blinds from quality manufacturers such as Hunter-Douglas are very popular, but I can also install traditional draperies, shutters, valances, cornices and all the “add-ons” that make windows beautiful as well as functional from other reputable companies.
How to Choose Window Treatments
Window treatments can change the mood in a room, maximize privacy and highlight your view, if chosen correctly. But they need to be chosen correctly, taking into account the window itself, the material itself, and your preferences about utility and beauty.
1) Assess the windows and room.
Which treatment – blind, shades, shutters, cornice, valance, swag etc – is most appropriate for the windows you have? Are your windows long and narrow or do you want to cover a whole wall of windows? Is your window part of a door that will open and close? Do you have bay windows or other oddly shaped windows?
2) Consider materials used for window treatments.
An amazing array of materials are available – not just fabric, but aluminum, wood and other hard surfaces – but your choice has implications for cleaning and maintenance as well as cost.
For example, swags are usually made of soft or sheer fabric – they’ll need dusted and periodically washed as well. And to do so, they’ll need to be taken down and put back up again. Some of the harder-surface materials can be easily cleaned with a duster.
What is appropriate for a formal living room that is seldom used may not work at all for a high-traffic family room with kids and dogs running around. I can help you choose window treatments that are easy to maintain in your particular situation.
3) Consider what you want your window treatments to do.
Some people are going solely for the “look”, the aesthetics and appeal of the window treatment. The fabric chosen may not cover the window at all; it may be hung on either side as a visual accent or frame for the view.
Others really want privacy or shade and the look is much less important. Of course, it’s ideal to find a window treatment that offers the privacy desired as well as being great to look at – but you need to be clear on what is most important to you, in that room.
Every window treatment I recommend has been custom-chosen for YOU. I’ll work with you to learn not only your tastes, but how you’ll use the room.
Best of all – I’ll do the measuring and your new window treatments will be professionally installed – no need to worry about making an expensive mistake!
