What would you do without windows? They allow welcome light and air into our homes, expand the sense of interior spaciousness, and frame our view of the world beyond.
Settling on a window treatment style is only a part of the process. In the 50’s and before, the only decision was whether to go with beige or ivory antique satin for the living room “drapes”. That attitude has evolved, and today’s window coverings are an integral part of a decorating plan.
Window treatments can really make an entire space. There is no doubt that today’s windows wear an astonishing array of window fashion. You probably like neutral colored furniture and carpet for your living room. Your living room window treatments are an opportunity to bring in color and pattern.
Before you think about fabrics and styles, take a look at the window itself. Study the window shape, its size and its relation to the rest of the room. Bear in mind the architectural style of the room as a whole; casement windows in a low-ceilinged cottage need a completely different window treatment from a large bay window in a victorian home. Aim for the curtains to work with the proportions of the room. Think about the light which comes into the room, and whether you’d like to take advantage of this, or if you need curtains that help to darken the room for sleep.
When one thinks of decorating his living room, one wants it to be such, that it is impressive, cheerful and elegant. Besides the furniture and the other objects of the living room, window treatment is one of the most important factors, that needs special attention. Before going for any drapery idea for your living room, you should first analyze, what all purposes that the window treatment has to serve.
The basic functions of any window treatment is to regulate the amount of light in the living room, providing privacy, regulate the heat and cold and lastly, adding beauty and grace to the room.
Here is how to find the right style for you and the right function for your windows:
You might begin by asking yourself some important questions about your decorating goal.
- What’s your style? Most of the window treatments can be considered either traditional or contemporary. What is the mood that you are trying to create in the space? Is it casual, formal or dramatic?
- Decide on the kind of theme you want, whether it be contemporary, modern or even country. Once you know what you require, it would not be difficult for you to decide what type of materials to use for your windows.
- What role will your window treatments play? Do you want privacy? Do you want natural light to come in and the view to be softened with sheers or opaque shades?
- What is the scale of your windows and room? Scale is one aspect that is easily overlooked when formulating a window treatment plan.
- What is your preference – blended or contrasting treatments? This question is an important one, because how much a window treatment contrasts with the walls dramatically affects a room’s ambience.
- If the walls of your living room are of neutral colors, the window treatments can be a great means of introducing a splash of accent color and pattern into the room.
- And finally, The cost. How often do you like to redecorate or change things? Do you tire of your decor quickly? If so, perhaps “custom” is not right for you since they can be pricey.
Kinds of window treatments
The way the windows are treated has a big influence on the finished look of a room. Curtains, blinds and shutters are some of the options for the living room which add depth and texture to your window. There are designs that offer a classic combination of draperies and sheers for a more formal touch.
- Curtains and Drapes are the most traditional types of window treatments as they have been around for years. Curtains are the most popular form of window dressing chosen for our livung spaces.Different types of fabric and textures can make a lot of statement to your home depending on what theme you are aiming for. Whatever the curtain style, the softness and drape of the folds of hanging fabric brings a cosy, comforting element to our homes.
- Blinds are a simpler window treatment tha curtains.They can be made from materials like slats of fabric, metal, bamboo or wood. The horizontal or vertical lines of the blinds create a geometric elegance to any window making it more attractive and interesting.
- Roman Shades are simple yet has an elegant feel to them that seem to blend a touch of class and antiquity. With just a piece of fabric that hung from the top of a window casing, it is easiest to manage , definitely functional and cost effective. They suit bedrooms and living rooms, and give rooms a smart look without being fussy.
- Shutters, whether traditional panelled designs or modern louvred versions made with tiltable horizontal woodeb slats, are an alternative to curtains and blinds. Shutters come in a variety of exciting colors which can definitely add a lot of pizzazz to your home. They look neat and clean and offers a myriad of options for lighting and privacy.
