Few elements of
interior design seem to confuse people as much as window treatments because
windows vary so much from house to house. The question of décor, the
amount of privacy required, how much light to allow in or block out, and
whether or not there is a view are all questions that need to be addressed.
Wooden venetian blinds, in wide (my preference) or narrow slats, are a terrific
choice. They look chic in a study, library or bedroom. You can find wooden
blinds in lots of finishes, from lightly pickled to dark mahogany. Their
fabric tapes, which come in a wide range of colors, can be coordinated
with the fabric on upholstered furniture. In a kitchen, for example, white
blinds with red tape can immediately brighten and bring cheer. Make sure
the cord is on the less conspicuous side (and in the kitchen, away from
the stove.)
Metal blinds,
which are still ubiquitous in office settings, have a harder look to them.
Lately, with so many homeowners leaving the high-tech look behind in favor
of a warmer, cozier feel, they are not used as much for residential interiors.
Shutters can darken
a room well and offer a lot of privacy. Standard-size shutters are best for
smaller rooms and are compatible with country –style interiors. Painted
white or stained dark, these window treatments work well in libraries too.
For larger eclectic or contemporary-style rooms, wide plantation shutters,
from floor to ceiling, can make quite a dramatic statement. Shutters can
be costly because they are generally custom-made but make truly elegant window
coverings.
Sheer curtains
can be used in many situations. Not only do they allow light in, they offer
privacy as well. Sheers can flow to a windowsill or the floor. When gathered
together on rods inside the top and bottom of a window frame, they can offer
additional privacy. Choose a plain sheer, without any pattern, that doesn't
draw attention to itself and away form the room. It will give you a soft,
dreamy impression of the view outside.
Lined curtains
in heavier fabrics will always remain a beloved classic, but more and more
people are opting for a lighter look, requiring less maintenance, even in
the winter months. If you choose to use a lined fabric on your windows, hang
it on wooden or metal poles with coordinated rings and finials for a more
polished look. This option is usually not sufficient without additional window
treatment. Lined curtains that are swagged or simply hang straight down to
the floor require another veering over the actual window such as shades or
blinds. Most of the treatments mentioned here will do, with the exception
of balloon or Roman shades.
Balloon shades
work best in traditional homes. These romantic shades block more light and
view in the "up" position than any other treatments because they
cover one-third to one half of a window's top surface at all times. Bedrooms
are the best place for these fabric-heavy treatments.
Roman shades give
more light control while using less fabric. They can be made from a dreamy,
gauzy material that allows a lot of light in our heavy cotton duck or canvas
that will block light.
Bamboo blinds
in a tortoiseshell finish have become a classic. Hung with lined curtains
in a traditional home, they add an air of elegance. Hung alone, they convey
a tropical look. In country houses or second homes, matchstick blinds are
an inexpensive alternative that are easy to maintain. It's best to hang these
blinds inside the window frame, even if there are not curtains, for a custom-size
fit.
Duette shades
are very popular, for good reason. Available in transparent, semi-opaque,
opaque and blackout densities, these custom-made pleated honeycomb shades
have built-in dust and soil repellents. Light sleepers especially appreciate
their blackout shades, which block out 99.5 percent of light. This is also
a good option for windows that don't have a deep frame or windowsill. Duette
shades can even be used on greenhouse and fanlight windows.
Their dual control, which allows owners to have the top "down" or
the bottom part "up," is an added plus. For instance, if you live
on a street close to another house or building, or one that has a lot of passing
traffic, keeping the bottom half of the window covered while the top is down
will offer you privacy while still allowing light and sky in. Duette shades
come in small, medium, and large pleats and a number of colors. For the best
effect, choose one that matches your wall color.
Silhouette shades are one of my favorites. These ideal shades, also custom-made,
are soil and dust repellent like the Duette shades, and can transform a
room very quickly by offering a lot of flexibility. IF you have a view,
the transparent mod adds a not of softness, giving the effect of a sheer
curtain. If privacy is an issue, they will give you maximum coverage: by
simply pulling a cord they will be come opaque. Bon Soir Silhouette shades
are available for the bedroom. Constructed with denser center blinds, they
offer greater opacity.
Silhouette shades require just 3 1/4 inches of depth to be hung inside a window
frame; otherwise, they can be hung outside of it. Available in lots of colors,
they are most effective when matched to your wall color, giving it a smooth
soft, transition between your windows and walls.
Luminette vertical blinds are most appropriate on a sliding door or with a
sliding door and window combination. The effect is just like that of a
Silhouette shade.
