How to Purchase Window Treatments

Perhaps the most important considerations when deciding on a window treatment are what type of function it will have and what type of style you would like to display. Knowing what you need your window to do for you and being aware of what kind of feel you want your window treatment to bring to a room will allow you to have more focus when making your purchase.

Function

First, decide what role you want the window treatment to play in the room. Will it be purely for the aesthetic enhancement of your home, or do you need it for a more practical purpose such as creating more privacy or blocking out sunlight? Are you trying to draw attention to a fabulous view, or hide the spectacle of the unsightly home across the street?   

            Create a list of the most important features your window treatment should have.  This will influence which types of window treatments may be appropriate.  If you have small children, you probably do not want mini-blinds with long cords that pose a safety hazard or draperies in rich silks that can become quickly damaged.  If you care more about the ornamental value of a window treatment, however, a drapery made of silk fabrics that puddle on the floor may be perfect for you.  For privacy, roman shades paired with draperies and wooden shutters are both excellent solutions.

  Style

            Once the more practical aspects of window dressing are dealt with, you can begin the fun part: using your creativity to embellish your home.  Although you needn't stick with a time period or theme when decorating, it is important to make sure that your window treatment will compliment the existing features of your home and furnishings.  Think about the mood you are trying to achieve in a particular room.  If you want your bedroom to appear sumptuous and exude warmth, use lots of layers of in rich tones and luxurious textiles.  If you want your office to appear chic and modern, go with simple lines and minimal detail.

            Window treatments can also be used to disguise flaws in a room, or to accent its features.  If your living room has only a tiny window, you can make it appear larger by hanging a drapery higher than usual and using more fabric to accent its sides.  If a room is lacking texture or warmth, you can bring these elements in by choosing opulent fabrics or vivid hues.  If you want to display a stunning ocean view, keep the window treatment simple yet elegant to draw the eye to the outside.

            Most importantly of all, stay true to your own personal style while being realistic about how your window treatment will perform inside your home. 

Common mistakes to avoid:

•  Never put mini-blinds over a sliding glass door.  Because of the height of these windows, the strings become too long once the blinds are pulled up.  The blinds will stack so thickly at the top of the windows that people may bump their heads passing through the doors.

•  Never use a fabric tape measurer or attempt to “eye-ball” a window's size. Always use a steel tape measurer to take your windows' measurements. 

•  Don't forget to consider whether your window treatment will be visible from another room, and to account for that when choosing colors, textures and shapes.

•  Don't try to do it all yourself.  Consult a professional or buy my book, The Encyclopedia of Window Fashions , which has tons of information along with 1,000 ideas.