Window treatments, a vague term for how we treat or mistreat our windows? No, it’s not about talking
to your new casement windows or lovingly stroking the freshly painted window sill, though both are
perfectly acceptable ways to show your endearment in my world. Window treatment refers to how we
cover our windows and with what.
Window Treatments can be as simple as a sheet tacked-on to the wall, temporarily of course, or as elaborate as a custom
motorized shade under room darkening drapes with heavy swags on top. The key is choosing what is
best for you and your window. Choosing, is the hardest part. Most of us would never consider the sheet
for long term use nor do we need curtains from grandma’s era. We have all seen the simple shade
options from pleated shades to wood blinds and shutters, but how do we know what will work best for
us?
It’s not uncommon to have a little bit of trepidation at this point. What’s going to be best? How much
will it cost? Should we start with just the basics? These questions usually come directly after other large
decisions and changes like new windows, a new home or simply redecorating. How do you tackle this
problem? Where do you start? The answer is one step at a time, starting at the beginning. Of course,
from my point of view, this is the time to seek advice from a professional.
The first step is to evaluate needs, wants and budget. You need to cover your windows; you want them
to look great as well as be functional and you need to account for them in your budget.
In a new home with no existing window coverings, you might need to consider an initial layer of blinds
or shades to provide privacy and light control. This layer should be considered room by room in terms
of need, for instance if any of the bedrooms require a room darkening element for day time sleeping, or
if you’re unsure a window needs to be covered with a shade at all. The need for privacy and light
control is always evaluated first, with the view from the window also in consideration. Due to the initial
volume of windows this layer can be costly and should be done correctly right from the beginning. A
professional can explain the latest in shade options and styles and how they work will work on your
window. They will guide to the correct application for every window and help you avoid costly mistakes.
We all want our windows to look great. Sometimes that means a simple sleek modern roller shade,
other times it means soaring drapery panels reaching to the ceilings blinged out with sparkle. The look
you’re after should be considered with each selection. Most needs can be solved with a variety of
solutions and sometimes the style you want to achieve in your space helps to make the decision. For
instance, in a modern bedroom the sleek roller shade could be in a dense black out material to allow for
sleeping in, but with a second shade with a sheer material for some light filtration during the day when
not sleeping. In a more transitional space, we might choose wide wood blinds to control light and allow
a view all day, or to be able to close completely with drapes on the side for light block and a soft design
element.
Last but of course not at all least to consider is budget. Covering windows is not an inexpensive
adventure, but one we all must take. Consider the now budget as well as the future budget. Its very
common to start with some basics and build up the style as each space is developed. Give yourself
permission to take it one step at a time or go for it with full force, the choice is yours. Because budget is
so important to decision making, always consider hiring a professional for advice. We can guide you on
where to spend, and when you don’t need to. This saves you money, time and costly mistakes.
So, what is the take away from all of this? Take the time to evaluate your needs, your wants and your
budget. Explore the options available, search Pinterest, Google or Houzz for styles you like and see how
others are dressing their windows. Think about the needs of each room and your own preference to
looking out the window and controlling the light. Once you have a sense for what’s available or your
totally overwhelmed with the options, call a professional. Better yet, call me, let’s talk, lets evaluate,
lets dress those windows!
If you need information on services Designing With Intent provides, please Contact Us or check out our Services page, or What My Clients Think.
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