In our last blog we discussed the functionality and style (aesthetics) of window treatments for your home. Today, we will discuss some of the different types of window treatments available.
CURTAINS AND DRAPES
Versatile custom curtains and custom drapes are classic treatments that can be contemporary or traditional in style.Curtains and drapes add just the right amount of softness to a room and work wonderfully to add color and pattern, giving a room depth and texture. Drapes can give a sense of greater height to a room by adding a vertical line.Hanging the drapes high (close to the ceiling) and allowing them to “kiss the floor”will make the room feel larger.
Selecting a fabric that works for the room, is an important part of the process.Long, velvet drapes give a dramatic romantic feel while linen and silk fabrics give a lighter luxurious feel.
Pattern can make a big statement in your space. Be sure any pattern used on drapes is consistent with the style of your room, whether casual or formal, contemporary or traditional. For example, you don’t want to use a casual gingham pattern in a formal room. Or a multi-colored floral in a contemporary room. Consider the weight of the fabric. Do you want heavy dramatic fabric or lightweight and translucent sheers that allow natural light to filter through?
Fabric liners attached to drape panels help to regulate the amount of light in your room and can provide privacy. Liners can partially or fully blackout light. Decide what type of lining you need based on the room and what its main function will be.
You can add decorative accents with the hardware you choose for curtains and drapes.A decorative rod consists of a pole, brackets, and finials. You also may choose to use rings or grommets on your drapes.Hardware can be very contemporary or traditional and will add to the overall aesthetics of the window treatment. Typical materials are wood or metal.
SHADES
Simple and elegant, shades cover windows from top to bottom when closed to provide privacy and style in your space.When used with curtains, valances or cornices, shades blend form and function in both casual and formal rooms. Awide variety of functional and decorative window shades are available to accommodate specific needs and personal preferences.
Solar shades are designed to reduce glare from bright sunlight as well as provide protection against ultraviolet rays. Roman shades complement any decorating style or color scheme bringing a tailored look to any room andare an excellent way to add color and texture. Roller shades give the window a clean, contemporary appearance. Natural woven shades add a textural, natural feel to a space. They are made from eco-friendly, renewable sources, such as bamboo, exotic grasses, reeds or wood. Cellular, or honeycomb, shades are designed with open pockets between two or three layers of material. This design provides an insulating layer between an interior room and window, helping to maintain a more consistent room temperature. Balloon shades form folds along their base when open, framing the window with a romantic look.
BLINDS
Blinds are crafted with slats of metal, wood or other material, and are classic window treatments that provide excellent control of privacy and light levels in the room. Wood blinds bring an organic feel to the room, while metal blinds add an industrial touch.
Vertical blinds that stack to the left or right of the window work well spanning sliding doors or wide windows. Today’s updated versions of vertical blinds include a sheer over the span of vanes to soften the look or panel tracks which offer flat panels that slide open.Regardless of the blind type, pair with drapes or valances to add color and sophistication.
VALANCES AND CORNICES
Short and sweet, valances and cornices add decorative interest to any window but work especially well as kitchen window treatments.
A valance is a fabric treatment installed at the top of the window and offers the option of any style fabric to be used. Valances can be installed on a decorative or hidden rod.
Cornices are typically wood or upholstered. Mounted to the wall, cornices are well-suited for rooms without architectural details like crown molding. Both valances and cornices pair well with sheers, curtains or shades and are great way to bring in color, texture, or pattern.
To Design Custom Drapes Online, please visit us atwww.thecontemporarycurtain.com While there, register to receive our complimentary interior design reports full of contemporary design ideas.
Design Team
The Contemporary Curtain
A brand of PKB DESIGN LLC
