Window Coverings and Treatment Ideas
It is easy to be overwhelmed by the different ideas you have available for window coverings when deciding on what type of window treatment to use. Your first step should be to determine what type and size of windows you have to work with. For example, French doors and bay windows will have different choices of window covering ideas. Next, you need to consider the style. The main variables to consider include color, pattern, and texture, as revealed in your choice of fabric, along with
whether to opt for a traditional, classic or modern look. However, style is only part of the window treatment idea. Other practical issues such as quality of light, importance of view and how the window coverings fit in with the rest of your room décor are just as important.
Unlike artificial light, natural light is not uniform but changes constantly in strength and color throughout the day and from season to season. These subtle variations are what makes the interior of the room interesting and therefore, places the responsibility to accentuate this effect on your choice of window coverings. If the quality of light is low and you want to make your room brighter, then window treatments that frame the window but do not obscure it may be preferable. However, the changing of seasons
may require you to moderate the brightness in the room. The best way to achieve this is to use a combination of drapes and shades or draperies and sheers. In this way, you get the best of both worlds, filtering light in an interesting way without screening it completely.
The quality of view is also an important aspect in determining the type of window covering treatments you should use. A stunning view needs little in the way of embellishment. However, you may also want privacy during the evening. To be practical, choose a combination of heavier shades or drapes with some sheer or lace curtains, but keep them simple so they don’t distract or cover your windows during the day. On the other hand, if what is outside your window is undesirable to look at, you will want to consider
treatments that overhang, such as swags or full draperies with valances and cornices.
Color, pattern, texture and how the window covering design fits in with the rest of the room are important. For the most part, your choice of fabric will affect this aspect the most. Traditionally, window treatments are a significant source of soft furnishings in the interior and the scope of suitable fabrics is quite wide. Recently, the addition of blinds and shutters in a wide range of various materials such as metal and wood has also added to the decoration ideas. Color shades such as yellows, golds, pinks
and earthly reds add a warm feeling to a room with little direct light. Cool colors such as blue and neutrals are airy, restful and light enhancing.
Finally the inspiration for your window treatment ideas can come from many places. If you want a more traditional look, try looking at illustrations and pictures of various eras or visit a gallery. For contemporary window treatments, try looking through interior furnishing magazines and look at current styles of dress. Surprisingly enough, window covering designs have followed the fashion dress trends of the ages.
|
|
|
