They say windows are the eyes of a home! They bring natural light in and reveal a building’s character to the outside world. They become real focal points in our décor and elevate the look of a room. Join us as we reveal how to dress a window with some great window treatment ideas for different rooms in your house.
Main types of window treatment
Dressing windows has an important role to play in interior design and is the key to attaining maximum comfort in a room. Here are the main types and their features.
Curtains
Fabric panels hung in front of a window can serve a decorative or practical function, or both! They add an aesthetic touch to the room, control the amount of light that enters and preserve privacy. Mounted on a curtain rod or track, they are available in a variety of colours and patterns.
Roller shades (or roller blinds)
Roller blinds are a common way these days to dress a window and filter light. They consist of a single piece of fabric wrapped around a mechanism located at the top of the frame. Easy to install, they are customizable and easily adapt to different layouts.
Solar shades
Solar shades are made from heat-reducing, UV-filtering polyester or microperforated PVC. They are just the thing for windows that get a lot of sun exposure. Used alone or in combination with other window treatments, they provide an effective solution to maintain a comfortable room temperature while still allowing a home’s occupants to see outside.
Roman shades
Roman shades are like a cross between a curtain and a roller shade. They are made from a fabric panel that forms attractive horizontal pleats when raised and covers the entire window when lowered. The design and functionality make them a popular choice for window treatments.
Before getting accessories in order, have you considered replacing your windows first? Quality doors and windows can considerably lower your electricity bill and increase your property’s value.
Replace the windows
Also know you can take advantage of grants when replacing residential windows.
How to dress a window in any room
Get inspired by these window treatments ideas for each room in your home:
Kitchen
There are both practical and style considerations to take into account when selecting your kitchen window treatment. You can go with curtains (along with a sheer layer) or Roman shades that colour match with other accessories in the room, the walls or cabinets. This will up the personality factor in the décor.
Choose a model that provides privacy but still lets a lot of light in, like alternating shades (half-opaque, half-sheer). These materials are usually available in a range of neutral tones (like ivory or pale gray) and are a wise choice for the kitchen.
Bathroom
What window treatment to use in the bathroom? Half curtains (covering the lower half of windows) provide the perfect compromise between natural light and the privacy you want to maintain. Another practical solution? Shades in a variety of styles that give you the flexibility to manage the amount of light you want entering the room.
Lastly, you can choose decorative curtains that match the environment. If you go this route, take inspiration from the surrounding wallpaper, floor covering or shower tiles.
No matter what style you decide on, make sure to choose moisture-resistant materials to ensure they hang around for a while, especially in an environment like the bathroom.
Living room
Oh, the possibilities are endless in the living room! Dramatic fabric panels that puddle on the floor and long sheer curtains – the ultimate in discretion – are always a good idea. It all depends on the mood you want to create in this space.
Venetian blinds are your go-to if you want to control the amount of light. Made from successive horizontal slats, this decorative element features a manual or automated opening system, as well as a rod to adjust the angle of the slats. Available in aluminum, PVC, wood and bamboo.
Bedroom
Embroidered sheer curtains bring a touch of soft elegance to a bedroom. Indeed, airy fabrics tend to add a level of refinement to a room. Consider a natural fibre like linen to help create a peaceful refuge. Make sure the fabric you choose is enough to keep the outside world from peering in.
You may prefer to get solar shades or a Venetian blind to block brightness when you’re sleeping. Opaque curtains could also work to keep your room in the dark while you rest. Pair them with a sheer curtain and hang them from floor to ceiling on each side of the windows. You’ll succeed in creating a impression of added height in the room.
Treatment according to window type
Various options are available so you can find an appealing and functional window treatment. It all depends on the type of window you have.
Large window
Fabric panels on a track (or sliding curtain panels) are very practical for large window or French window treatments. And it’s easy to slide them open and close. Use your choice of colours, patterns and textures to create your desired atmosphere.
Full-length sheer curtains maximize the natural light flowing into large living spaces like living rooms and dining rooms. Their lightweight fabric gently filters sunlight. Roller shades are just as suitable for ample windows.
Small window
Roman shades are gaining in popularity here. By folding elegantly, this classic shade brings a soft polish to any room and don’t visually overburden the space. Since this is a a model that adapts to the precise dimensions of windows, it’s an ideal choice for small formats. Extremely practical in tight spaces where each ray of sunshine makes a difference!
Up your creative game by envisioning this: curtains made of coloured beads, wood or bamboo. It would let natural light in and instill a warm atmosphere. However, you could always opt for a Venetian blind, roller shade or short decorative curtain.
Half-moon window
Sometimes curtains have to be custom-made to follow the curve of a round-headed (or half-moon) window. Half-moon curtain rods are recommended, as they respect the arc of the wall. Canvas roller shades or extra-large curtains on either side of the window can also do the trick.
Read this article on RenoAssistance to get up to speed on window types available ont the market:
7 popular window typesSix curtain-less window treatment ideas
There are some inventive window treatment options out there to dress up a window without resorting to classic curtains or shades. Some of them include:
Add string lights to the windowsill or hang them around a window. The result is subdued evening lighting. Ideal for creating a cozy atmosphere in your home all year round!
Place vases or bowls on the windowsill. Decorate them (i.e., with flowers) or use them to store small items.
Set up a reading corner with cushions and throw pillows.
Paint window frames to create a contrast with the adjacent wall.
Include a few plants adapted to the room’s light and humidity. You don’t want to overdo it, however, and cover an entire wall as you want to avoid condensation forming near windows.
Because simplicity is sometimes the best option, leave your lovely window as is and take in the view outside!
Have an idea in mind and want to get some work done? Contact a renovation advisor at RenoAssistance.
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