Window treatments are an integral part of your home decor. They not only add a decorative touch to your living space and enhance its visual appeal but keep out light and maintain privacy. In short, they can impact your home’s appearance and functionality. That’s why you must choose and install window coverings with care.
Whether you’re choosing blinds, shutters, shades or curtains, there are some tried and tested rules when it comes to getting well-dressed windows and elevating their style. If dressing up your windows is a challenge, follow these do’s and don’ts to turn them into a stunning focal point for your living space.
Window Coverings: Do-s and Don’ts
It’s necessary to choose the right window treatment and install it perfectly to get the look you want and increase your home’s practicality. Here we share some do’s and don’ts to get gorgeous window coverings in no time.
What to Do
1) Consider the Room’s Function
When selecting window coverings, consider the room’s function and style. For example, for your bedroom, you might prefer something that blocks light at night and lets in sunlight during the day. For your dining room, the coverings should be decorative and complement your furniture and furnishings.
2) Hang Curtains High and Wide
To make your windows look bigger and more luxurious, install curtains and drapes at least 12 inches above the window frame. Then extend the curtain rod out 3 to 6 inches on each side .
3) Measure Your Windows
Measure your windows and the space you’ll need around the window for treatments before placing your order. An ill-fitting window treatment will spoil your home’s overall appearance. Your best bet is to ask the store to send installers to take the measurements.
4) Choose a Layered Look
Layering your window treatment adds depth and gives your windows a unique look. Louver shutters with a stylish valance, luxurious drapes with elegant sheer curtains, and traditional wood blinds with pretty Roman shades are just a few ways to layer them. This not only creates a custom look but makes your windows stand out.
5) Order Samples
Before you make your final decision, make sure you order samples to know how your window treatment will look like once installed. This will give you an accurate representation of the final look and make it easy to compare it to your furniture, walls and the rest of your decor. If you want to make changes, they can be implemented into the final product.
6) Consider Your Home’s Style
Your new window covering should complement your existing decor. For example, if your home is decorated in a traditional style, choose wood or bamboo blinds, or drapes made of heavy fabrics, like velvet. Or, if you have a contemporary home, go for Roman shades or plantation shutters as their sleek design will complement other elements.
7) Consider a Valance
A valance is an often overlooked addition that can take your window treatment to the next level. But a fabric valance softens the appearance of blinds, curtains, and drapes and adds colour and texture to your interior decor.
What Not to Do
1) Don’t Use Floor-Length Curtains in the Kitchen
Floor-length curtains elongate your windows and make a statement. But in a busy space like a kitchen, long curtains will get dirty with grime and moisture and decrease the space’s functionality.
If you want to install curtains in your kitchen, go for a café style. They look pretty on kitchen windows, let in sunlight and provide privacy.
2) Don’t Ignore Safety
Always opt for window coverings that are safe for your children and pets. Cordless blinds and motorized shades are your best options as corded window treatments pose a choking hazard.
3) Don’t Forget Your Drapery Hardware
Curtain rods, finials, holdbacks and other drapery hardware play a vital role in pulling together your window’s overall look. Don’t make the mistake of pairing beautiful drapery with a cheap-looking rod. This will mar the beauty of your window treatment and compromise the support needed to put the drapes in place.
4) Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
DIY is not for everyone. Many windows coverings, such as plantation shutters and motorized shades, are difficult to install alone. If you need help, don’t be afraid to hire a professional installer from your window treatment store.
5) Don’t Skimp on Quality
Although budget is an important factor when buying window coverings, don’t ignore quality. Buying high-quality window treatment that stands up to sunlight, moisture and constant usage, while providing privacy and insulation, should be the first thing on your mind.
6) Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
Toss the idea that all your windows should have the same window treatment. Instead, play with style and experiment by choosing different window treatment styles for different rooms. With so many options, there’s no need to stick to the usual. Choose blackout curtains for your bedroom, honeycomb shades for your living room, and decorative drapes for your dining room. Try motorized shades for your sunroom, wood blinds for your home office and café curtains for your kitchen. These additions will give your home a makeover and transform each room with a unique style.
7) Don’t Ignore the Location and Shape of Your Windows
These play a crucial role in deciding the most suitable window treatment option for a given room. For instance, an arched window is best dressed with custom shutters. An east- or west-facing window gets too much sunlight in summer so honeycomb shades are a good choice. Fabric window coverings, on the other hand, like curtains or drapes, can be discoloured by the sun.
Window treatments accentuate your home decor and enhance the beauty of your living space. To make the most of your window coverings and make your curtains, blinds or shades a functional part of your home, follow these do’s and don’ts. If you require assistance, our design experts can help you find the perfect window treatments for your needs. Contact us at 416-489-9990.
