All About Window Treatments

Style for your sills

Window treatments are a great way to spruce up the overall decor of your home space. As the name suggests, a window treatment is ultimately more than just a set of blinds or drapes used to cover your windows. Basic window coverings serve the very functional purposes of providing privacy inside your home, insulating the home for both extreme heat and cold, and diffusing or filtering the light that comes through the windows. Window treatments are thought of more as a design element for your home, although they combine both function and style.

What's in a name?

Although the term window treatment originally referred to the more decorative forms of window coverings, over the years it is now often used to describe most types of window coverings regardless of their aesthetic appeal. Window treatment now refers to everything from curtains, blinds, shutters, and drapes, to sheers, cornices, and valances. Oftentimes, more than one style is incorporated into window treatments when they are affixed in the home.

Style and function

Many people like to have blinds over their windows for privacy and light filtering. Although blinds can often look dull and drab you can easily spice them up with the addition of valances or window toppers featuring warm, decorative colors.

There are many dramatic effects that can be attained with creative combinations. For instance, a cornice can benefit greatly from the addition of floor length curtains. Layering window treatments is also a good way to leave options for yourself. Combine a darker window shade with light sheers to leave open the option of exactly how much light you want to allow into the room. Top this off with decorative shades for a dramatic effect.

Other options

If these more traditional styles do not appeal to your sensibility, there are plenty of other routes you can take.

Vinyl coverings that give the appearance of frosted or textured glass a great alternative if you would prefer a more modern approach with clean lines.

You might also consider an etching compound for your windows to change the appearance entirely. This method also allows you to ensure privacy in the home and without the use of traditional window coverings.

The incorporation of hanging stained glass in front of these windows is also an interesting option to consider.

Go your own way

The great thing about window treatments is that the approach you take is entirely up to you. Just be sure that you are meeting all your privacy needs as well as decorative wants.

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