Selecting the Right Window Treatment

Choosing a window treatment does not have to be a difficult task. You want to select the right type of window treatment based on your budget, taste, and style. Keep in mind that two of the major functions of a window treatment are privacy and light control. Here are some tips to help you choose the right type of window treatment for your new home.

If you plan on using drapes, be sure you have determined the function of the drapes. Drapes can be used as the focal point of a window treatment to enhance your home's décor and they can serve a practical purpose of controlling sunlight and privacy. It's important to choose the right fabric for your drapes, because fabric will affect how the drapes hang, the desired effect of the window treatment and their overall appearance. Common fabrics are silk, velvet, rayon and cotton, but remember there are drawbacks to certain fabrics. For example silk drapes are easily damaged by exposure to sunlight and cotton and rayon wrinkle easily.

Blinds, shades and shutters are a great way to enhance your windows because they add style, privacy and insulation to your new home. If you have a small room like a bathroom where floor and wall space is limited, then shades and shutters are a great alternative. You can choose from wood blinds, pleated shades, cellular shades, plantation shutters, aluminum mini-blinds, vertical blinds and much more. For a green window treatment look into matchstick and bamboo blinds, which are readily available from most large window treatment manufacturers. If you plan on using shades in high traffic rooms like the kitchen and great room, you might want to consider electronic shades.

Keep in mind when selecting a blind, shade or shutter, that if you opt for an inside-mounted treatment you'll have room for a valance or draperies. If you would like your window to appear larger than you'll want a treatment that mounts outside.

When it comes to fabrics — they are virtually limitless. A great fabric for the winter is wool because it has some weight to it, is a great insulator and doesn't deteriorate as quickly as lighter fabrics like cotton and silk.

Silk adds a lot of dimension and style to your window, but doesn't wear well. If you like the look of silk, but are looking for something more durable try cellulose, a paper fiber blended with cotton that has the look and feel of heavy silk, but it won't deteriorate as quickly.

Your window treatments aren't just about the fabric, but the hardware as well, which is available in every size, style and shape. Choosing the right curtain rod and accessories can really add interest and style to your window treatment.