Window treatments can enhance a room while providing a certain amount of privacy and light control. They’re an essential element of any interior design and are available in a variety of styles and materials.
Soft window treatments include curtains, draperies, and swags. Hard window treatments include blinds and shutters. Read on to learn more.
Valances
Valances are a great way to soften window treatments and add some decoration without taking up too much space. They often hang from curtain rods and are available in many different styles, colors, and fabrics.
If you prefer a more tailored look, an ascot valance is the way to go. This style features pleats that cascade down to points with lovely ruffles.
Another valance that can give your room a tailored feel is a box pleat. These pleats are generally made of velvet or silk and add a lot of drama to your window treatment.
Finally, a curved cassette valance can add some sleekness to your window. The fabric can be gathered up like a swag or it can be flat with a finished edge.
When choosing a valance, be sure to take your time and try different fabrics. This will help you narrow down your options and choose the perfect one for your home.
Swags
Swags are another type of window treatment that offers a bit less structure than cornices or valances. However, they can still be layered over blinds or shades for a formal or casual look.
They can be draped evenly between tiebacks at each corner of the window frame to achieve a formal look or hung asymmetrically to provide more casual appeal. The fabric used to create swags can be either solid or patterned.
The amount of fabric needed for swags depends on the width of your window. For a standard window, one swag is sufficient, but for larger windows, two or more are necessary.
Cascades
A window treatment with cascades is a great way to frame a beautiful view. This type of treatment is a combination of a swag draped across the top and a cascade, also known as jabots, that runs along the sides in vertical pleats.
These types of treatments are a favorite among interior designers and decorators because they’re timeless, classic, and can be paired with other window treatments. They’re also very easy to install.
They’re made from a solid material (like wood, faux wood, or upholstered) and fit over the top of the window to hide the frame and window covering hardware. They’re also great for bringing some architectural interest to rooms that have no trim or other window treatments.
Cascades are available in different lengths, depending on the size of the window and how much coverage you’d like. You can choose a straight cut, which offers a linear feel, or a curve cut, which has softer gracful fold lines.
Tiers
Tiers are a type of window treatment that cover the bottom half of a window, typically accompanied by a valance or swag at the top half of the window. They give a room a casual, relaxed look.
Tier curtains can be used in a variety of rooms, including bedrooms and bathrooms. They provide privacy without obstructing light passage and help keep a house warm in the winter.
When hanging tiers, it’s important to choose the length carefully. Start by measuring the width of the window, using a metal tape measure or yardstick.
Next, insert the drapery rod into the brackets at the desired height. Then, slide the tiers onto the rod.
There are many styles of tiers, so it’s important to find the one that suits your home. Some have a ring top, while others have tab tops or a rod pocket. Continue reading the next article.
