Giving Windows the Royal Treatment

By Tiffany Razzano

Though it might not seem like it at first glance, designing the perfect window treatment to enhance your home is more complicated than you might think.

There are many things to consider when designing a window treatment, but ultimately everything you need to keep in mind comes down to two things: function and design. And there are many questions to ask yourself as you consider your window treatment options. How much privacy do you need? How much sunlight do you want to allow into the room? Are you using it as insulation? What is the shape and size of the window? How is the rest of the room decorated? What is the function of the room?

So while the function of the window treatment is imperative to consider, the decorative aspect of it is equally as important says Diane Bianchini, who owns Dream Windows in Westhampton. "You can tie it into the furniture," she said. "It makes the room complete. It's kind of like when you get all dressed up and then you put on your make-up and accessories."

With that in mind, there are two different types of treatments: hard and soft. Then, within each category there are many different materials and styles to choose from. If you choose a hard treatment, you might consider a shade, blinds, a roller shade, wooden treatments, pleated treatments or, perhaps, a honeycomb. Should you decide you want a softer look for your window treatment, then you can choose from drapery, a valance (a decorative piece of fabric that runs across the top of the window), a cornice or a roman shade. Different materials give the room a different feel. For instance, wooden window treatments have a natural, earthy feel, says Linda Nuszen, owner of Windows & Walls Unlimited in Southampton. "We like our surroundings to feel natural... [Wood treatments], whether it's wood blinds or woven wood, makes people feel comfortable. It's like comfort food, but instead a comfort window treatment." Meanwhile, she says, using fabrics as drapery can "warm the place up" and have a soothing effect on the room.

And if you're concerned about upkeep, both hard and soft treatments are easily maintained - hard treatments can simply be wiped down, while fabric treatments can be taken to the dry cleaner. So don't let maintenance sway your decision, because ultimately it comes down to which type provides the exact function you're looking for while matching the style of the room. With so much to choose from, homeowners might easily feel overwhelmed while making a decision. "It can be very confusing for people," Bianchini said.

This is why it's important to hire a professional when designing a window treatment, rather than attempting to do it yourself. Sure, you can pick up inexpensive readymade blinds or curtains, but hiring a professional is the best way to come up with a window treatment that truly brings the room together. And if you make an attempt yourself and it doesn't come out the way you like it, you'll wind up bringing in a professional anyway. "A professional will really help make sure that you're not making a mistake," Nuszen said.

Bianchini added, "Nobody should do it themselves, even if they think they can. It's better to have a professional customize your treatment. Every window is different. Every space is different. There are so many different styles and there are a lot of elements involved in making a decision about what's appropriate for the space."

Back to Contents