Window Treatments: Shades, Curtains, Accents for Patio, Indoor

Window Treatments

Window treatments offer so many exciting ways to dress up a room. Available in so many styles, there is no limit to how you can change, rearrange, update or fill a new space. Design choices include fabrics, colors and patterns as well as the approach you want to take in presentation. While our selection is vast, we think you'll have fun searching for just the right look.

Whether you're a traditionalist or starkly contemporary, there's a curtain or shade that will match your style. Not only should your choice be based on decor, it should also reflect your personality and lifestyle. Those factors add to the challenge of shopping. You may be in search of a sheer look for a sunny window or trying to camouflage a problem area. You might also be searching for ways to freshen existing panels with the addition of swags, valances and new hardware or decorative rods. You can also go bold with tab tops or dainty with voiles and ruffles.

In today's design world, you can go far beyond the traditional. In fact, adding a new covering is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to instantly change the look of any space. Bolder colors and heavier fabrics are providing a showcase effect for many homes. Some decorators are pulling together their window treatments first, then coordinating the rest of the room.

If you want to add height to a room, choose a longer panel and raise the rod. You can also select oversized rods and add extra panels to cover up an odd-shaped window. With neutral walls, you can add warmth with deeper tones. For patterned wallpaper, you can do the opposite and select panels in solids. A combination of shades and overtreatments will provide the ultimate in privacy. You'll have added flexibility, too. Just pull back drapes and you'll still have subdued light.

The type of headers on curtains and drapes is also an important part of your design decision. These can be as simple as a rod pocket that creates a self ruffle at the top. Goblet and inverted pleats are among the formal offerings. Tabtops look wonderful in a contemporary space, but can also work wonders in a casual area.

The room in which you're adding coverings is another aspect to consider. Bedrooms should trend toward softer fabrics and colors while an office might require only a top treatment.

To enhance the appearance of depth, layering is a popular method used by professional and home decorators. Swags and valances bring an extra level of complementary color. Your room will quickly transcend from drab to spectacular. These window treatments can be crafted of the same material or in matching hues that also highlight secondary colors from other furnishings. Florals are often formal choices for dining and living areas. Brighten up a breakfast nook or kitchen with a classic checkered pattern; it's one of the cheeriest looks available for country or casual decor.

Sets are also available for all size windows. Patterned combos include striping and checks that will lift the appearance of a smaller room. Solids and duotones can enrich larger expanses.

Accessorizing is also part of dressing up a window. Rods with decorative finials will provide character accents and add to the impact. Tiebacks are elegant and practical as they keep panels out of the way to let light in and provide shaping at the waist.

At the Window Treatment Showcase, you'll find the solution to your decorating needs. Remember to consider all the important aspects of adding a covering, including privacy, light enhancement and, perhaps most important, style.