Thoughtfully designed window treatments create a fabulous finishing layer to your space that enhances the overall design, while also offering a multitude of benefits. Not only are coverings recommended to provide light diffusion, privacy and insulation around windows, designers understand how this feature can be a dramatic focal point and another canvas on which to add colour and pattern to achieve a desired aesthetic.
Choose wisely
Custom window coverings add style and value to your home, but can also be a costly investment, so it’s important to make informed decisions from the start. It’s a good idea to prioritize window coverings early in a design project to ensure that every detail is given careful consideration, including style, function, weight, pattern and colour palette, as well as the hanging and operating mechanism.
While it’s tempting to dive into fabrics and materials, I always advise my clients to begin by considering function. What role will the window treatment play in the room? If you need to filtre light or offer privacy, elements such as window size and shape, ceiling height, and wall space around the window will impact your selection.
Trending treatments
The roman shade is a casual yet classy choice, and a personal favourite of mine. The classic, tailored lines of a crisp white roman shade sewn from quality linen will always be a timeless option. Designers often choose this effortlessly chic window treatment because of its ability to complement any interior aesthetic.
Another often-used element is to bring in a layered look, especially with window treatments. To achieve this look, I prefer to begin with a base shade, such as a roller or roman shade, and then layer the window with sheers or drapes for added weight, pattern, colour and texture. 11
Textured shades, made from woven natural fibres, are another popular choice. Materials used in woven shades, such as wood, bamboo or grass, are of interest because they add another layer of rich texture to a room. And the casual design can easily be paired with drapes or sheers for a custom and tailored finish.
Stylish interiors
There is no need to sacrifice on style when designing window treatments. With a variety of options to choose from and an endless array of materials to use, the age-old battle of form versus function need not apply to your window coverings. A thoughtful approach will result in window coverings that do their intended job, while enhancing the beauty of every room in your home.
Blinds: Hard slats or louvers made from wood, vinyl, bamboo or other materials attached to a window by a frame. Can be tilted to adjust the amount and angle of light allowed through.
Shades: These comprise a panel (or more) of fabric fitted to the top of a window by a frame and includes a lifting and lowering mechanism.
Drapes: This is formal, floor-length fabric hung by a rod that can be functional or purely decorative.
Curtains: Shorter than drapes (typically falling just below the windowsill), curtains usually feature a lighter fabric that is also hung by a rod.
Pro tips for designing window coverings
- Strive for consistency throughout the home. This doesn’t mean every room has to be the same, but you should have some consistent elements that connect rooms, whether that be colours, types of shades or the fabrics used. For instance, you may choose to install woven shades throughout the home and then layer on luxurious drapery panels in the living room and soft sheers in the bedrooms.
- One element you should always add to custom drapery is a liner. The lining will add fullness to drapes, protect your fabrics from sun damage and provide additional insulation around windows.
- If you’re building a new home, schedule time with your electrician to discuss motorized options for window treatments. The cost and ease of roughing in low voltage wiring at the early stage of your build will save you valuable time and money.