Window Treatments

Window treatments have many purposes: they offer privacy, control light, limit summer heat gain and winter heat loss, and they can enhance a good view or conceal a bad one.

Window treatments can also be used to cleverly disguise windows that lack architectural detail or are perhaps mismatched in size. For example, many windows in spec homes lack detail such as casing or divided panes.

A great way to add interest is to layer window treatments, such as wood blinds mounted in the window frame and then drapery panels mounted outside the window. The wood blinds add some detail to the window itself while the drapery panels conceal the lack of casing. Likewise, windows that feel too short for a space can be made to look taller by mounting valances above the top of the window or to add height to a room install full length drapery panels close to the ceiling.

Types of Window Treatments

Shutters
Shutters are one of the most versatile window treatments available and can work with a variety of decorating styles. They feature adjustable slats or louvers available in a variety of sizes from 1" to 3.5" or more.

Shutters with smaller louvers lend themselves to more traditional interiors, while larger louvers work well in all styles from traditional to modern. They're great for controlling light as well as privacy.

Shutters are typically made of wood and can be painted or stained, but can also be made out of vinyl – a great choice for damp locations such as bathrooms. They're beautiful on their own or paired with curtains or fabric valances.

Blinds
Like shutters, blinds are extremely versatile and lend themselves to all types of decorative styles. They look great alone or layered with other window treatments.

Today, blinds come in a variety of materials, including painted woods and stained woods. Avoid metal mini blinds unless you're going for the institutional look.

The most popular slat sizes are 1" and 2"; the larger the slat, the more daylight the blinds let in. Decorative cloth tapes can be added to the blinds camouflaging the strings that hold the slats together.

Roman Shades
Also called fabric shades, roman shades are made from fabric panels that pull up and stack or fold above the window when open and drop down to cover the window when closed. They come in many styles from a simple pleated shade to a more extravagant balloon shade. They can be made with boldly patterned fabrics or plain fabrics making them an extremely versatile choice for any style of interior.

Natural Woven Shades
Natural woven shades are much like roman shades except they're made of natural materials, such as bamboo slats, grasses and thin sticks of wood. Depending on the density of the material, these natural shades can simply filter light or completely block it. They look great layered with other window treatments such as drapery panels.

Honeycomb Blinds
These blinds feature honeycombed shaped pleats that help retain heat and keep cold out. When pulled up, they have a very low profile making them a great choice when you want to maximize views during the day, but need to have the ability to cover windows for privacy at night.

Roller Shades
Roller shades are spring rolled paper or fabric shades that come in a variety of styles and materials. They can be made with opaque or sheer materials.

For added interest, trims, beading or fringe can be added to the bottom edge.

Curtains
Curtains or drapery panels are probably the most common type of window treatment. Curtains are not only functional, but can be an important decorative element in a room. Depending on the fabric, style of pleat, and hardware used, curtains can fit into any style of décor.

Web Resources

• Curtains 101 from MyHomeIdeas.com
  12 photos along with quick tips on everything you need to know about curtains including length, height and fullness, as well tips on hardware selection and how to treat bay windows and french doors.
• Window Treatment Styles from the Remodeling Center
  13 classic window treatments, including drapery panels, shades and valances featuring photos, descriptions and tips.
• Caring For Blinds, Shutters, and Shades from BHG
  Window treatments are a big investment and proper cleaning will keep them looking good and operating properly for a long time. Here are some quick tips from Better Homes and Gardens on how to clean your blinds, shutters and shades.
• All About Shutters from AllAboutShutters.com
  This is a great website dedicated to everything and anything you wanted to know about shutters including the different styles and materials as well as tips for buying online.