Window treatments, so many choices…what do I do?

The number one question when designing a room is “what window treatment looks best on this window?”  To answer, you need to consider a few basic questions that will help you in the decision process. 

What is the purpose of the treatment?  Is it for or privacy or is it for sun blockage or room darkening or is it only for room design? 

We recommend that you consider the fabric style first.  Like everything else, it must work well with all the other design elements of the room.  Is it casual, formal or modern?  Although mixing styles can work, it can be risky getting it right.  Make sure the color scheme is consistent.  Our site has some color recommendations on the “Paint Design Center”. 

If you are going for a comfortable casual look for a den, it would be wise to look at fabrics and textures that lend themselves to that look; plaids and stripes for example.  The type of fabric is equally important.  For a casual look we recommend cotton and not silk.

For bedrooms, we like to keep the window treatments cozy.  Treatments should dress the window.  If room darkening is required, we try to achieve that with shades or blinds in addition to the fabric treatment.  Room darkening drapes run the risk of making the window look like it belongs in a hotel room.  We generally suggest a wood blind for sleeping purposes with panels on the sides for decorative purposes.  For a more formal look you can add a valance on top.

For bathrooms, the key is to choose a fabric that will withstand the moisture in the room.  We would not recommend a silk fabric which is prone to water spots.  Although we always stress design and style above all else, the bathroom requires extra thought regarding privacy.  Fabric in the bathroom is not the way to achieve privacy.  We recommend café shutters or bottom-up shades to leave the upper half of the windows clear to let in natural light.  To dress the window, add fabric panels, a roman shade or valance.

Secrets of the trade

There are a few tricks to the trade that you should know when investing in window treatments that will set them apart from the ready made “store bought” look.

• Your window treatments should always be lined.  Whether you make them yourself or have them made for you, custom made products are lined.   Lining provides many benefits. For one, a lining will improve the way they hang.   The appearance of your treatment will hang straighter and will look more substantial.  Lining also helps protect your fabric from sun damage greatly slowing the fading process.  Note: certain fabrics such as silk are not good in direct sunlight since the sun over time will break down the fabric.  When using silk, we recommend not only a lining but a felt interlining as well.  Lastly, lining can help reduce window drafts.  Since your window treatments are either on the top, sides or face of your window, it will help to keep the cold air out during the winter and the hot air in during the summer.  

• Pick a contrast color from the wall paint.  For a custom design look, you should pick a fabric color that “pops” off the wall, avoid blending.  The color you choose should be an accent color that is picked up throughout the rest of room.  For example, if your walls are pale yellow and you have a red upholstered chair in the room, choose fabric with the same color red for the windows.  Don’t forget when you do the finishing touches to add other accents in the room in the same shade.  Some ideas would be candles, accent pillows, picture frames and flowers to bring it all together!

• Add tassels and trim to your project.  Designers love to add tassels and trim on their client’s work.  Brush fringe, bullion, tassel fringe and braided cording all add a finished look to your projects.  If you are interested in accents pillows, table skirts, placemats or table runners, adding trim will truly change the look of your end product.   Most custom fabric products you see in magazines or at expensive stores are made with beautiful trim.     We also recommend using trim on your window treatments.   If you are having your treatments custom made by the Fabric Workroom, the trim that works best with your fabric is selected for you.  If you are making them yourself you can either sew the trim right at the seam or you can glue gun the trim along the side of the treatment.  Glue guns are easy to use and you can add trim to almost anything with very little time and money.