Choosing the Right Window Treatments
Window treatments are an often-overlooked element in interior design, but they play a crucial role in enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of your home. The right window treatment can transform a room, providing privacy, controlling natural light, and adding a touch of style that elevates your space. If you are making a significant financial investment in bespoke window treatments, you want to make sure you make the right decisions. In this blog post, we'll explore different types of window treatments and their functions, helping you choose the perfect option for your space.
Understanding Your Needs
When choosing window treatments, it’s important to consider function as well as the aesthetic. What do you use this room for? What do you need the window treatment to do for you? You also need to consider the window itself, and how it opens to ensure the chosen window treatment doesn’t impede on the opening of the window.
Maybe it’s a front living room which is overlooked and you want privacy, but you also require light control in the early evening to stop a glare on the TV. Maybe it’s a front bedroom that requires privacy during the daytime for dressing, but also you want room darkening in the evenings when we have long daylight hours. Maybe it’s a dining room that used occasionally and you want window treatments for decoration rather than for privacy or light control. Maybe it’s a picture window with a beautiful view and you decide to leave it undressed entirely. Whatever it is, the function of the room and what you need the treatment to do will determine where to start.
Consider the following:
Privacy: How much privacy do you require in a particular room? Are your windows facing a busy street or your neighbour’s house?
Light Control: Do you want to filter or block out natural light? Is the room too bright during certain parts of the day?
Aesthetic Preferences: What style are you aiming for in the room? Are you trying to create a traditional, contemporary, country, or boho style interior?
Energy Efficiency: Are you looking to enhance the energy efficiency of your home? Some window treatments can help with insulation.
Some examples of treatment type by function:
Privacy: Voile curtains, sheer roller blinds, sheer roman blind, venetian blind, café curtain, Café shutter, shutters
Light control: venetian blind, shutters, black out roller, black out roman blind, blackout curtain
Decorative: any window treatment type you like that isn’t needed but wanted, roman blind, curtains with various headings, pelmets, valance
Energy Efficiency: Curtains or blinds with thermal lining
Double Up
Most rooms will need their window treatments to do more than one thing, so doubling up on treatments can be a great way to do this. Now you can also bring in your aesthetic preferences into the decision which can be informed by the style you hope to achieve.
Below I have given an example of a bedroom brief and how I would choose the appropriate window treatment.
Example: A boho inspired bedroom requiring daytime privacy and room darkening in the evening.
Options include:
Sheer roller inside the window recess and blackout curtains over the window
Sheer roller blind inside the recess and a blackout roman outside the recess
Blackout roller blind inside the recess and a voile curtain over the window
A double pole or track with voile curtain and a blackout curtain
All these options fulfil the functional need of the room, however not all these options fulfil the aesthetic preferences to obtain a boho style. For me, option no 3 gives that light and airy feel the boho style requires while fulfilling the needs of the room. During the day the roller blind would be open, and the voile curtain would be closed. In the evening the blackout roller can be closed and the voiles remain closed, maintaining that light and airy feel.
How the right window treatment can elevate your space
Layering window treatments like this also elevates your space. The more layers you add to the room, the cosier and more finished as well as considered it begins to feel.
The right window treatment can truly elevate your space in several ways:
Aesthetics: Window treatments are like the finishing touch of a room's design. They can tie together various design elements, complement your colour scheme, and add a sense of cohesion to your space.
Light Control: By choosing the appropriate window treatment, you can control the amount and quality of natural light entering your home. This can dramatically impact the ambiance of a room.
Privacy: Maintaining privacy is crucial, especially in bedrooms and living spaces. The right window treatment ensures you can enjoy your home without feeling exposed.
Energy Efficiency: Some window treatments, such as insulated curtains and cellular shades, can help regulate the temperature in your home, reducing your energy bills and environmental footprint.
Longevity: Quality window treatments can be a lasting investment. Well-constructed options can withstand the test of time and serve both functional and aesthetic purposes for years to come.
Choosing the right window treatment for your home is a significant decision, as it can greatly impact the functionality and appearance of your living space. By understanding your needs and exploring the various options available, you can transform your home into a more comfortable, stylish, and efficient space.
Take a look at my pinterest board for some inspiration on how to dress your window.
