With home decorating, window treatments are an easy way to change the whole look of a room.
Learn what types of window treatments are best suited for decor styles and make window treatment decisions with confidence.
In this article
Related:Standard Curtain Panel Sizes: How To Choose The Right Lengths
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Types of Window Treatments
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Window Covering Types
Roman shades are generally more expensive, but they are very elegant.
A panel of fabric hangs in the window, which is raised and lowered by pulling the cord.
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An intricate system of dowels or rods inside creates horizontal folds when the shade goes up.
Some varieties of Roman shades are cordless, which is ideal for the safety of pets and small children.
But roman shades look equally attractive in traditional styled home.
London shades are similar to romans, but more decorative.
They are mostly flat across the top, but they have tucks that create a swag at the bottom.
The look is quite ornamental and traditional.
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This style works best when the shade doesnt need to be raised or lowered frequently.
They often require a bit of attention in order for the pleats to fall correctly and not look messy.
The look used to be very popular but is now considered quite dated.
However, many traditional homes still incorporate the style.
Keep them from looking too over-the-top by choosing a plain fabric or very subtle print.
Drapes that reach to the floor are very dramatic and add a sense of elegance and sophistication.
Theyre also very simple and tend to let other elements in the room speak for themselves.
Using custom accessories can help emphasize other decorating elements and add an additional touch of charm.
Related:Should Curtains Touch The Floor?
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Swags are often paired with another window treatment, especially if privacy is needed.
A swag is an attention getter and can help emphasize an incredible view.
Traditional rooms look best with swags but whimsical swags can be used in cottage and country styled rooms.
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Blinds are incredibly versatile as theyre often paired with another window treatment.
Blinds come in a variety of styles and shapes and can even come in a variety of materials.
To personalize the look and add a bit more finish then an additional window treatment should be added.
Venetian blinds come in vertical styles as well.
Roller blinds arent as popular today as they once were, but theyre very simple and generally inexpensive.
Matchstick blinds are made of pieces of natural materials such as bamboo.
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They keep out the majority of light, but still let in a little illumination.
The look is casual and organic.
These window treatments are best suited for cottage and country styled homes, theyre particularly charming whenused in kitchens.
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The gathering gives shirred curtains a softer look that wouldnt work well in contemporary and modern rooms.
Related:Types of curtain rods
Other shades that can cover a window are flat or pleated fabric shades.
They also are available in cordless varieties for those with young children and pets.
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Just slide the curtain rod through the tabs.
No pins, hooks, or tabs are needed.
See also:13+ farmhouse window treatment ideas
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Blinds And Window Treatments?
This is essential as the window mirrors the interior for all passers by to see.
Windows treatments must never be made as an unimportant afterthought.
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It is a crucial part of interior decoration works in any home.
Probably the eco-friendly natural fibre shades such as bamboo shades are preferred.
We all love beautiful things for our homes, but we are constantly reminded of our finances.
And awesome bargains can be found online if one searches hard enough.
Related:Parts of a window
4.
And any, or more than these may apply.
Planning To Do It Yourself?
Mistakes in measurements and calculations will prove costly!
There is a whole lot of savings to be made if DIY is the main objective.
Plus you will have saved a few hundred dollars in your bank account.
So here are a few tips and definitions to help make the decision a bit easier.
A valance that runs across the top of the curtains gives them a more feminine and romantic appearance.
Similarly, a structured pelmet that runs across the top will lend a contained and sophisticated air.
When it comes to length, remember that longer is better than shorter.
Its best not to go with short curtains, as the look is now considered quite outdated.
If the window in question cant accommodate long curtains, try shades or blinds rather than short curtains.
Custom curtains allow for more variation in terms of size and fabric options.
Curtain Fabrics: Pros and Cons
When it comes to curtains and drapes there are a lot of options.
Eco-Friendly Window Treatments
Adding window treatments is a cost-effective way to save energy and cut down utility bills.
Here are some options that are wallet- and eco-friendly.
There are several things to consider when comparing different brands of green window treatments.
Are the treatments made from recycled materials, and will they be able to be reused again?
Did the production of the window treatments have little impact on the environment?
Will the window treatments effectively conserve energy when installed?
As with any green product, some research is required when shopping for the most eco-friendly drapes or blinds.
Eco-Friendly Blinds
There are a number of manufacturers that offer eco-friendly blinds.
Before purchasing, think about the households priorities when it comes to green living.
Other blinds may be made entirely from renewable resources but be less effective in conserving energy when in use.
If outfitting windows with a set of naturally-made blinds isnt possible, consider making over current window treatments.
Afresh coat of paintcan do wonders for a tired set of aluminum blinds.
Eco-Friendly Curtains
Another environmentally-friendly window treatment option is a set of curtains.
Like blinds made of natural materials, earth-conscious curtains are becoming more widely available.
Here are some resources to help make the right choice.
A little extra research can help consumers buy smart for their homes and for the planet.
Find one nearby and check it out for deals.
T.J. Maxx Home Goods and the J.C. Penney Furniture Outlet are good examples.
Window treatments can be really expensive, so finding discount window treatments is a tremendous relief to any homeowner.
But above all remember that value, not price, determines what is and isnt a good deal.