Ultimate Guide to Styling Windows

When someone goes to renovate their room, they first look at the paint colors, the furniture pieces, the layout, and so on. This is all well and most people know that the lighting in a room makes a big difference as to how everything looks. This expands beyond the traditional wall lighting and lamps, though. One often-overlooked element of a room is the window treatments. Their material, shape, and function are all important aspects to consider when choosing the perfect one for your room. It's not ideal to have a budget for the whole room then decide on some standard or ill-fitted window shades that will mess with the whole look of the room. Even if you don't think it'll make a difference, trust us, the room will lay much better with appropriate window treatments. Here are some important questions to consider when deciding what type of shade is right for your windows:

Do you want the shades to make an aesthetic impact or be more functional?

If you have a large room that needs window treatments, then you may want some extra texture to help complement the space. In this case, drapery with swag, or movement, would be suitable. If the window is in a high traffic area like the kitchen or an entryway, shades that stay close to the window and are easy to clean are ideal. Say the window is large, then we like to add horizontal shades that remotely move up and down to add necessary shade and function for the best of both worlds.

Do you have any small kids or pets that risk tearing them up or pulling on them?

If you have any little critters running around, be mindful of the chance curtains could be torn down or shredded. In this case, definitely stick with valences that just add texture or roman shades that adjust while staying off the floor.

Is the surrounding room small or big? What is the proper placement of the hardware?

The curtain rod should be placed above the window casing; to make your walls appear much taller, install the rod right below the ceiling. The curtains should end 1/2" before reaching the floor. The rod should extend 6-8" on either side of the window to account for stack back and allow for more light to flood the area. Stack back is the amount of space a curtain takes up when pushed to the sides of the window or door. This overlaps onto the wall and is suitable for large surfaces to help break up rigid lines. Like we said if you're dealing with a large wall that can easily fit a stack back and shades underneath, go for it!

Did you double-measure the dimensions needed to select the appropriate size?

As an experienced interior design firm that has been around for a while, the worst feeling is going to install something that has the wrong measurements. If you're DIYing these curtains, google the proper measurements you'll need when selecting hardware and treatments. And then measure again! Talk to a professional in-store if possible to ensure you are getting the correct system that will fit the window.

 

Our Go-To Window Treatments

Elwin® Roller Shades

Elwin Inc.® manufactures roller shades with aesthetic and current technology in mind, creating the perfect option for many of our design choices. They look great hanging alone and under some beautiful fabrics. They're remote-controlled, proving to be convenient and provide the best service for our clients. Our go-to option is the alternating horizontal stripes that can be overlapped to allow for more sunlight, or alternated to block more. Here you can see them providing function to beautiful coverings. In the bedroom, it allows for privacy and is also the perfect option to be close to where people eat.

 

Roman Shades and Valences

These window treatments sit at the top of a window to provide aesthetic and/or slight shade. We often prefer these where long fabrics would be ruined or take up too much space. If a client loves a bold print, these are also great options for incorporating them in a non-overwhelming way. The roman shades fit within the window casing while valences add dimension beyond the window, as you can see in the above seating nook picture.

                   

Custom Leading Edges

Often times to help our clients who want to save money but still wish for unique coverings, we'll offer custom leading edges. This is when we handpick trim to be applied to run-of-the-mill curtains. We love this option to add spice to a room with subtle texture and color!

                      

Custom Curtains

If the client's budget allows or we have to due to measurements and spacing, we love installing custom curtains. This allows for a truly one of a kind space. Clients love the catered look and flexibility they have with the color, pattern, and size options. In the space to the right of this picture, we installed "dummy panels" to draw in the large windows and add movement to the room. What you see in the dining area are "relaxed valences." They are tucked away from the food while adding softness to the monochromatic room.

 

With so many options and things to consider when picking window treatments, we're sure it can get overwhelming. Hiring a certified interior design expert can help ease this and make sure you're not wasting money on reorders or end up unsatisfied. Plus, many companies that create custom window treatments require contracts to source their items from. With that in mind, it is often more budget-friendly to consult these jobs with the interior designer that will help create the perfect space for you. A.Clore offers these custom services, anything from picking color schemes to working with construction teams.

 

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