There are few things we love more than natural lighting at LJ!
Curtains and window treatments provide the opportunity to control that lighting, to offer privacy when needed, and to embellish your home’s interior. Some window treatments seem to perfectly frame a room and are just as aesthetically pleasing as they are functional, and this is the goal! Since window treatments are a necessity in pretty much every home, we have learned a thing or two about how to choose ones that complement your space best.
Here are a few things to consider as you plan:
- Function. What is the purpose that your window treatment will serve? Maybe you just want to add some dimension to your room, or maybe you’ve noticed the harsh afternoon sunlight that hits your work desk makes it tricky to see your computer screen. Identifying the purpose will help guide your decisions as you choose the perfect window treatment for your space!
- Type. There are so many ways you can dress up your window! Curtains, blinds, drapes, valances, and shades are some of the most common. Naturally, the purpose that you are wanting your curtains/blinds to serve will influence your choice. A little trick that we love using is to hang your floor curtains close to the ceiling. This creates the illusion of taller ceilings and brings a little more interest to the look. And don’t forget that you can layer curtains as well for added depth! Consider going for a sheer curtain as the underlay, and then using a heavier drape to frame the outside of the look. With window treatments, the options are endless!
- Material. When choosing your curtains, drapes and valances, the material really defines the look. Linen, silk, faux silk, and velvet are excellent fabric choices for curtains and drapes, as they tend to lay well when hung. The heavier fabric will generally hold its shape and stay in place better than lighter or more sheer material, but it ultimately comes down to a matter of personal preference! As for blinds, don’t feel limited to the traditional Venetian style. Vinyl, metal, wood, and bamboo all make for great blinds and come in several forms! Woven, vertical, and Roman shades are some of our favorite less-traditional forms of blinds.
- Accessories. Final touches and accessories with curtains and window treatments are often minimal. These simply refer to the finials (decorative knobs) at the end of your curtain rods, tiebacks, holdbacks, and drapery rings and clips. You’ll want to carry a consistent theme in the accessories throughout your home to create a sense of continuity. When choosing your curtain rod, think about which metal would work best in your space, and then choose holdbacks and other needed accessories that complement that metal. If you want to go for a classy and regal look, you can even incorporate some gold fringe or tassels!
And honestly, there are some windows that need no treatment at all, and we are big fans of the au naturel look as well. We’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite kinds of window treatments?
