The Right Treatments for Your Windows
So, you’ve purchased your brand-new Windows Mart energy efficient windows. You can already feel the temperature in the house regulating, and the interior of your home looks cleaner and more modern. But there’s one thing missing: window treatments. The possibilities and combination of curtains, blinds, shades, valances, drapes, and sheers are probably circling your head a million miles per hour. There are just so many window treatment options available that it’s hard to narrow down your choices. How do you choose?
What NOT to Do
There are specific selections you shouldn’t be making for certain types of windows based merely on common sense. For instance, kitchen windows that are situated close to countertops or the stovetop should not be made out of flammable or loose material like velvet, cotton, or any other type of synthetic fabric. You probably don’t need black-out curtains in your kitchen, and the material should be as stain-resistant as possible. Consider the room itself before purchasing a window, and err on the side of safety and sensibility.
Is There a Right Length of Curtain?
It doesn’t make much sense to purchase curtains that don’t cover the entire surface of the window. But does it make any more sense to buy curtains that trail five feet past the bottom of the window? Window treatments influence the look and feel of the room, so choosing the right length of your windows is crucial. For upstairs windows like casement windows, slider windows, and fixed windows, where there is not too much space between the bottom of the sill and the floor, curtains should sit right on top of the floor or radiator. If yours are too long, get them altered by your dry cleaner to avoid trips, dust build-up, or (in the case with heaters) burns.
If you want hanging curtains for shorter windows in your basement, consider shortening the length so that you don’t have material trailing all the way to the floor or covering a bare wall. You may find that shorter curtains are a bit awkward, but you can offset that empty area between the bottom of your curtains and the floor by placing decorative furniture, a plant, or an armchair in that space.
Do You Go Vertical or Horizontal?
If you can’t decide between curtains or Venetian blinds, first take a look at the surrounding walls of the window. Is there enough space on either side of the window to accommodate drawn back curtains (at least 12 inches)? Or is there a wall abutting one side? If there’s an architectural limit that prevents you from opening curtains horizontally either attractively or sensibly, you may be better off buying blinds that open vertically.
Colour and Texture
Colour and texture of window treatments play a critical role in the look and feel of a room. Dark colours will darken the room but will also frame the window and make it pop. Lighter shades can make the room look bigger and brighter but may clash with the décor and get dirty faster. Velvety textures add a rich tonality to the ambiance, while sheer fabrics can add flare and brightness.
When it comes to choosing the right window treatments, the most important thing to remember is to determine what you like best.
Are your windows in need of a serious upgrade? Contact Window Mart today for a free quote.
