How to Choose a Style

Window treatments have a major impact on your home’s décor. Criteria for selecting a specific style, fabric, and color include trends, period, personal taste, and practicalities.  Consider these: 

1. The room in which the window is located.  A window in a laundry room, for example, will not receive the same treatment as a window in a master bedroom.

2. The ambiance you want to create and the overall decorating style of the room. Do you want a casual or formal treatment, drama or simplicity?  Formal treatments are usually layered and provide full vertical coverage (ceiling to floor).  These treatments require a substantial budget.  Never think of the window treatment in isolation but as part of the decorating scheme. For example, you would not want to use swags, jabots, or chintz in a contemporary décor.

3. The architectural details of the room and trends.  Does your home have historical or period architectural details such as high ceilings, rich molding, wainscoting, etc? Traditional window treatments are best suited for period homes.  Window treatments for non-period homes should be simpler. According to Sheffield School of Interior Design, Victoria Posey of the Atlanta-based design group notes a simplification of style in window treatments, flooring and lighting.  She says:  “We are noticing a move away from ultra lavish layered window treatments to more simple but elegant panels.” The in-styles are minimalists.  Vertical plastic blinds date a home.  If you still have them, think about replacing them with more contemporary treatments.

4. The shape of the window, its position in relation to the surrounding walls (symmetry), and its overall dimensions.  Bay and bow windows, dormers, skylights, for example, will require special considerations.

5. The view. Obscuring a beautiful view is not advisable. A picture window that opens up to a beautiful vista may not need any window treatment at all.

6. Exposure to the sun, heat, smells, moisture, or draft. Natural fabrics are best used for rooms with lots of sun exposure throughout the day; while thick, lined floor-length curtains help retain heat and keep out drafts.  Avoid fabrics that rot or fade such as silks, bright colors, and colored lining at sunny windows.  Cooler colors such as blues and grays are ideal for west- or south-facing rooms.  Bathrooms require treatments that are not affected by steam. Kitchens need treatments that are easy to clean and will not retain cooking smells or moisture from steam.

7. Cleaning and maintenance. Cleaning is expensive. Avoid elaborate treatments, pale fabrics, and fabrics that cannot withstand dry cleaning, e.g., antique satin.

8. Privacy. The window treatment for a bedroom will need to secure privacy. Lace curtains, shades, and sheer fabrics, can be part of the window treatment to block the public’s gaze when the top layers are drawn. 

9. Your budget. Be realistic about what you can afford. Well-constructed, custom window treatments cost more than ready-made ones and are not changed frequently.  Floor-length window treatments that require lots of fullness are more costly, for example, than roman shades.  So choose a style that fits your budget without sacrificing esthetics and personal taste.