Window Treatments: The Basics

Your approach to window treatment depends on your personal liking and the overall effect that you want to achieve. In choosing the right window treatment you may be overwhelmed with the varied choices that are available and it may be difficult for you to decide which one will answer your needs. In any case, make sure you base your preference on what suits the overall look of the room and the house as a whole.

Before executing a window treatment, you need to choose between these two priorities: functional and decorative purposes. You can actually achieve a combination of the two depending on the materials you will use. For instance, curtains can be functional because they drape the windows and shield the room from the sun's heat and at the same time allow some privacy whenever necessary. In the same way some curtains with lovely designs and colors can also be decorative because they can complement the color motif of the room as well as give a cozy ambiance.

Here are basic tips in window treatment.

1. Decide what look you want to achieve for a window.
2. Sketch the window according to your visualized design.
3. Measure the length, width and depth of the windows. In order to easily remember the measurements, label each window and write down the corresponding figures at once.
4. Take note of these three basic considerations in window treatment: (a) privacy for the occupants, (b) lighting control, and (3) decorative effect. If your main purpose in treating a window is solely for privacy and light control, you may use blinds but if you want to achieve a decorative effect, you may opt for drapes and colored glass.
5. When installing curtains, make sure the rods fit the frame. Rods should also be durable and unbreakable.
6. Have an overhead casing constructed for the curtain rods to create a tidy look. If possible, lock both ends of the rod by attaching a stopper.
7. Small windows require curtains with light materials. Thick drapes are not suitable for narrow and short frames because it will create a cramped and dragged look.
8. If you have a nice view outside, tinting of the window is not advisable. Just use curtains or blinds for light control. This way you can push the curtains aside or pull up the blinds anytime you want to have a peek of the lovely scene outdoors.
9. In some window treatments, the outside casings of windows are made to match the color of the roof. This can lend a gorgeous effect if your roof is visible enough from the ground.
10. Window treatments should not be so intricate as to create a cleaning problem for the window washer. Beautifully treated windows can change the overall look of your house from the outside however too much artistry may result to tedious cleaning work later on.

If you are planning a window treatment, it is a good idea to visit showrooms of home building stores in your area. Or you may also search for online catalogs. Home magazines are also good sources of ideas and of course, you have your own imaginative self to rely on.