Designing custom window treatments on your own can take time and effort. You spend hours in the store, feel overwhelmed by the options, and get frustrated trying to find the best solution for your space.
Then you start questioning yourself. What if this never works? What if I have no idea on how to create a stunning home?
That’s when you realize something: You need a full-service window treatment design professional to help you choose the elements that will make your home beautiful.
Hiring a professional is the most effective way to get the right window treatments suitable for your home. But if you know certain things—like these secrets we’re about to share with you—the process will be even easier!
11 Window Treatment Design Tips & Tricks for a Beautiful Home
1. Measure the windows beforehand
If you don’t measure your windows beforehand, you’re more likely to end up with something that doesn’t fit properly. So, measure each window you intend to dress before buying any window treatments. Also, ensure at least 1½” extra on both sides of the inside frame when measuring outside structures. That way, if you have to make any adjustments in the future, you’ll be able to do so quickly!
2. Prioritize functionality over style
Window treatments are so much more than just pretty window dressing. They also provide light control, UV protection, and insulation. For example, honeycomb shades can help you remain at a comfortable temperature throughout the year, and blackout window shades can enhance privacy and create a darker room. In short, consider what you want the function of the window treatment to be.
3. Pick the suitable material for the type of room
It’s challenging to decide which material will look best in your home. For example, having modern curtain rods will look out of place if you are in a farmhouse-style residential area. Woven woods can bend or crack in humid rooms, such as bathrooms and kitchens, while heavy drapes don’t fit in children’s bedrooms and playrooms. Considering these factors, you’ll want to schedule a window treatment consultation to determine which one works best for you.
4. Choose washable fabrics for curtains and drapes
There are a few points to consider if you’re looking for curtains and drapes. One is the fabric. Washable fabrics are easy to keep clean. So, choose washable fabric samples when deciding upon your curtains and drapes to save time and money.
5. Keep the positions uniform
Keeping your window dressings uniform is a simple way to bring a sense of style to your home. It can also help you make your home look more symmetrical and visually pleasing.
To get started, align all window treatments across the front of your house. You can lower all shades halfway, pull back all drapes to the same place, or tilt all shutters open halfway. Remember, if one window differs from the rest, it will stick out.
6. Match the window treatments to your window design
In case you’re having trouble matching window treatments to your window design, here’s a quick rundown of the different types of windows:
- Bay windows are typically the most expensive to cover but are also the trickiest. You’ll want to avoid curtains at this point because it’s difficult to hang them evenly across two windows. Instead, consider installing panels or shades over the two windows.
- Arched windows are another tricky one because the arch creates an uneven shape that you can’t cover with traditional curtains or shades. If you’re dealing with curtains, you should keep them short, so they don’t hang too low on one side and too high on another.
- Dormer windows are standard in older homes, but they must also fit modern styles. You may want to consider installing panels or shades here—they’ll help fill in gaps between the dormer and the main wall without making it look too busy or dated.
7. Choose window treatments that go with your room décor
Choosing window treatments can be confusing because there are so many styles. For a more modern home, opt for streamlined window treatments such as roller shades, vertical windows, or simple drapery panels. For a transitional home, consider pirouette and silhouette window shades. And if your home is more traditional, try getting plantation shutters or wood blinds with wide slats or statement draperies.
8. Select window coverings that suit your lifestyle
If you like to entertain, consider blinds or shades that you can keep open during the day and shut at night for privacy for your guests. If you prefer a more formal look, consider curtains or shutters. And if you are worried about energy efficiency or want to block out sunlight during the summer, cellular shades are a wise choice.
9. Consider convenience and safety risks
Aside from style and practicality, it also helps to consider the following:
- Privacy: If your windows are visible from the street or neighbors’ windows, consider dressing them with a solid color curtain that blocks any view into your home. You can also use blinds or shades that reflect light away from the window.
- Safety: If you have young children or pets at home, you should choose your window treatment wisely. For example, horizontal blinds with cords pose a safety risk to animals and children. Likewise, the window treatment with pull cords, chains, lifting loops, inner cords, and looped cords poses safety risks.
- Convenience: If you like to open and close your curtains quickly but don’t want people outside noticing what’s happening inside your house, vertical blinds can be a good option. They don’t have cords and typically have slats that don’t stick out as far as horizontal ones.
10. Keep curb appeal in mind
Keep curb appeal in mind when choosing window treatments. You want to ensure that what you choose from the inside looks good from the outside and vice versa. For example, if your exterior is painted red and white, don’t go for an orange curtain that will clash. Instead, think about staying within the same color family (like reds and pinks).
The same rule applies if you have an earthy exterior; don’t choose blue curtains unless they’re dark and almost blackened out.
11. Choose high-quality window treatments over “okay” and outdated ones
To give your windows the makeover they deserve, you must avoid the urge to settle for “okay” and outdated window treatments. Blinds that are difficult to use or don’t fit well into your home or apartment style will only end up detracting from the rest of your decor. Plus, by investing in well-made blinds or curtains that complement your existing design choices, you’ll create an attractive space that looks great and functions smoothly.
Why Hire A Professional Window Treatment Installer
1. Overall convenience
DIY window treatments can be a drag. You’ll have to purchase drapery hardware, clean up the mess, and spend too much time figuring out how things work. On the other hand, professionals can finish in half the time. They’re experts at this type of project, so you’ll be able to install your new windows faster without you having to lift a finger.
2. High-quality results
Professional window treatment installers have years of experience knowing which methods work best for different styles and fabrics. And not only will they provide advice on what works best, but they will also share information on how long each type lasts and how easy they are to maintain. Plus, they have a full-service custom drapery workroom where they can cut treatments for any size window, ensuring perfect results.
3. General safety and reliability
Since professional installers are board-certified, you can be sure they’re reliable enough to keep their work well within the safety standards. This way, you don’t have to worry about anything falling out of your windows or breaking during installation. It also means that you can install your windows in the safest way possible, which everyone wants for their homes.
4. General awareness of current industry trends and standards
Professional window installers always continue learning about different window types. They update their knowledge and skills so their work is always on par with the latest standard and trends. So, if you need a professional window treatment installer, look for someone who knows the latest colors, materials, designs, and finishes. This way, you’ll be able to get the right look for your home.
Need to Refresh Your Home’s Look? Let a Window Treatment Design Expert Help You Out!
If you’re looking for the most reputable window treatment interior design company in the DMV area, Couvrant Interior Window Fashion is your best choice. We can install custom drapes and window treatments and ensure they fit perfectly in your home. And our Window Fashion Consultants are always available to help you dress your windows in a way that suits your style and needs. Call Couvrant Interior Window Fashions today at (202) 952-2204 to schedule your free consultation.
