Window Treatments 101

As I stood by the family room window, gazing out at the backyard, the idea for my May newsletter came to me. My eyes lingered on the beautiful drapery panels, reminding me just how much I adore designing custom window treatments. Custom window treatments are not just about light control and privacy—they add texture, color, and a unique style to a room. It’s a wonderful balance of function and beauty, and I’m excited to dive into this topic with you today!

Soft and Hard Window Treatments

When it comes to decorating your windows, there are two main categories: soft and hard window treatments. Both offer unique advantages, and finding the right mix is key to achieving your desired look and function.

Hard window treatments include blinds and California shutters. These can be vertical or horizontal, and come in a variety of materials like wood, faux wood, PCU, aluminum, and more. Each material offers different benefits—wood is classic and adds warmth, while faux wood or aluminum can provide more durability and moisture resistance. They offer excellent control over light and privacy. One of the most popular combinations today is wood roll-up blinds paired with stationary fabric drapery panels, which brings a modern country vibe to any space.

Soft window treatments, on the other hand, include draperies, rollers, and shades. Draperies can be stationary for purely decorative purposes or traversing for functional use. They come in a variety of fabrics, from sheer to light filtering to blackout, allowing you to control both light and privacy. The heading type of your drapery is where you can get really creative. Grommets are perfect for contemporary or transitional styles, while drapery on rings brings a timeless, versatile look. The pleats you choose—whether they’re tailored or more relaxed—will dramatically impact the overall aesthetic. If you’re aiming for a laid-back country feel, pocket panels are a great choice.

Swags, valances, and cornices, on the other hand, are staples in traditional and luxury interiors, adding an element of elegance and formality to your space.

Window Shades

Window shades are another great option, available in a variety of styles like roll-ups, Roman, pleated, or cellular. Roller shades offer a sleek, contemporary look, and they come in a wide array of materials, textures, and fabrics, allowing you to customize the opacity for the perfect amount of light filtering.

If you prefer something more traditional, Roman shades are an excellent choice. Custom Roman shades offer endless decorative options, starting with the fabric selection and continuing with decorative elements like beaded trimming, tassels, or simple ribbons. The choice is yours!

Energy-Efficiency

For those lucky enough to have large windows with stunning views, such as a riverfront home, you may notice a trade-off between beauty and energy efficiency. This is where honeycomb shades come in. These cellular shades are among the best energy-saving window treatments, offering not only insulation against temperature but also soundproofing benefits. They’re the perfect solution to maintain comfort and improve energy efficiency in your home.

The Rise of Smart Technology

Smart homes are becoming increasingly common, and window treatments are no exception. Automated window treatments are on the rise, allowing you to control your blinds and shades remotely, even programming them to open and close at certain times of the day. It’s the perfect marriage of convenience and luxury.

Custom vs. Off-the-Shelf

When selecting window treatments, it’s essential to consider both function and style. If you have standard-sized windows, you may get away with off-the-shelf curtains, typically 54″ wide and up to 108″ tall. However, for a more luxurious look, I highly recommend opting for custom window treatments. Custom drapery offers a fuller, more tailored appearance and can be made to any size you need. It’s worth the investment for the added impact it can have on your space.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the best window treatments are the ones that work for your lifestyle. If they make your home feel comfortable, functional, and beautiful, then you’ve truly done an amazing job. Don’t be afraid to splurge a little on custom pieces, because when it comes to creating a home you love, every detail counts!