Window Treatment Ideas

Window shopping

When it comes to window treatments ideas, there are so many options that it is oftentimes hard to know exactly where to begin. Having to choose between colors, sizes, materials, fabrics, designs, and hardware can be maddening. However, if you keep in mind the four basic tenets of window treatments, privacy, light, function, and style, it should make your decision a little bit easier.

Privacy

Let's be honest, there are many windows inside the house that beg for privacy, such as bathroom and bedroom windows. If privacy is a top priority, then consider some of these window treatment ideas: fabric and roller shades, drapes and curtains, cellular and pleated shades, shutters, mini blinds, and wood blinds, and sheer curtains and drapes.

Light control

Controlling the glare from outside light is an important job of window treatments. Whether you work at night and sleep during the day, work at home at your computer, or simply want to watch television or movies without having to deal with glare, you will need a quality window treatment.

Also, UV rays from sunlight can cause fabrics, art, rugs, and upholstery to fade over time. Metal or wood blinds are a great option to keep out direct sunlight. Natural blinds made from bamboo or matchstick are perfect for filtering light and cutting down on glare. Window tinting is also a great window treatment idea.

Function

The function of your window treatments should be the main consideration when choosing what to incorporate. Today many window treatments are designed to be stationary. Be aware of this when purchasing your treatments.

If you want window treatments that open and close, be sure to choose ones that do so easily. People with pets or small children should steer clear of long, tempting window treatments such as draperies. Transparent shades are great for cutting down on UV rays as well as glare but do not offer much privacy. More advanced window shades offer remote control operation.

Style

When looking at window treatment ideas, style is clearly the most fun aspect. Choosing your fabrics, colors, materials, and styles should be an enjoyable experience. Matching colors and fabrics with other items in the room is always an option, or you might choose to incorporate contrasting colors for a bolder approach.

You have your choice of various rod styles, tie tops, grommets, tab tops, pleats, and rings. Natural blinds made from bamboo and matchstick make for an interesting alternative. Metal blinds offer a more contemporary look while wood blinds have more of a ranch style appeal. Whatever your preference, you're sure to find something that fits your needs.

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