10 Tips for Selecting Window Treatments
Be Prepared When Selecting New Window Treatments
Q: My room has front facing windows and side facing windows. Should I select something different for the front and something different for the sides?
A: Select the same window fashion for the front and side windows. Selecting the same blind, shade or drapery allows for visual continuity in the room. The room will appear much more finished if the products match. The impression will be pleasing to the eye, without creating a distraction. Otherwise different products creates a mixed up impression. Using different products may seem like you can’t decide on which to use or you are using hand me downs to make do. Remember opposites don’t attract but distract in this case.
Q: How would room size influence window fashion selection?
A: Room size should always be taken into consideration in selecting the right product. Larger rooms present you with an opportunity to use products that have larger proportions. Use larger pleat sizes in honeycomb shades & soft fold roman shades. Don’t be afraid to use bolder colors in fabrics or larger fabric repeats provided this is in harmony with other decorative aspects of the room. Play up the fact that you have the space. Proportions need to balance within the size and scale of furniture, artwork, lighting, and decorative accessories. Use larger diameter drapery hardware and make drapery side panels wider and full length to the floor.
Q: How does window size influence the product I select?
A: Consider where the window is located along with its size. Window size affects how much light enters the room. Do you want to soften the light, block the light, control Ultra-Violet rays that could fade furniture and carpet? Do you want an open view during the day, but privacy at night? These factors affect the function and decorative style of the product selected.
Q: How do I choose the right color of my blind or shade?
A: What color is the trim? In most cases if you coordinate the window fashion color with the trim which in most cases is a neutral color such as white or cream, this is a safe. Neutral colors blend well with the overall surroundings and offer lasting value as one will not tire of them. They can be used for long periods of time. Window fashions are a background to the rest of the room. They should not be a focal point. Window fashions with color can be used to balance other definite colors in the rooms present in furniture, pillows, carpets, wall color and other textile colors.
Q: Should I be concerned what my window fashions look like from the outside of the home?
A: When looking at the windows standing outside of your home, color plays an important role. The color of your house should not clash with the color of the window fashions. This may seem obvious but isn’t always something you’d think about. It’s best not to have a lot of different colors facing outside as this is not tasteful and can detract from the homes overall appearance. Many of today’s window fashions are neutral in color to the outside which relieves one of this concern.
Q: Long versus Short Drapery?
A: It depends which room the drapery will be used in. Living Rooms and Dining Rooms look better in most instances with longer drapery, Longer drapery is more flowing and can give the room more height. The decorative part of the fabric can be seen better and decorative details such as trims buttons, bands, tiebacks are seen better, However if there is a radiator immediately below the window and the radiator location blocks the drapery from going longer, this physical impediment will become the deciding factor. Forced air heating vents located at the bottom of a wall will make a longer drapery flutter as the air blows in or out. This is something to consider in deciding long or short. Furniture placed in front of windows may prevent the drapery from being seen and needs to be considered. Bedroom drapery for kids may be better shorter as it may pose safety issues. The behavior of pets in the house may also influence long or short.
Q: Should I choose one color for the entire house?
A: Generally stay away from the one size fits all approach. It can be an easier decision to make but may be boring over the long term. Different rooms are used for different purposes. A sun porch may have rattan furniture with cushions and pillows in bright festive colors and bright walls. A lighter color will be more complementary on the window whereas a study may have mahogany bookcases and be better paired with a deeper color.
Q: Should I choose the same window fashion for all the windows?
A: Window fashions are designed with many factors in mind such ease of use, functionality, beauty and budget to name a few. Some windows treatments insulate better, some reduce noise better, some require less maintenance than others. Each room in your home has its own individuality. The color of the walls, the color of the carpet, it’s usage and purpose are different. The window treatments finish the room and add a touch or personalization to the space. Using the same item on all the windows may not offer as desirable an end result.
Q: Why buy a brand name window fashion?
A: Brand name window fashions have quality built in. They function better and will provide years of enjoyable use. Branded window fashions are assembled using quality components that are designed to last. They offer more choices in materials, colors, textures and styles. They are often designed and assembled in the USA. The companies will back up the product and offer support should the product ever need service or repair.
Q: Do my window fashions need to fit flush into the window opening?
A: The choice of window fashion does not need to match the available depth of the window opening. The mounting hardware and product do not need to fit flush. It may look squeezed into the space and the product choices will be very limited. If the blind or shade extends beyond the opening its visual appearance should not be viewed as fitting improperly. On the contrary, a smaller window can look larger with products that have wider spacing and make the window look more spacious.
Come visit Blindworks Custom Interiors showroom in Westfield, NJ or contact us for a free in-home design consultation today!
