Windows are a key element in any home - every house has them. Depending on
how you dress them they can be a design feature in a room, a focal point, an
accent or a contrast. When decorating a room it can be easy to get swept up in
choosing the wallpaper, carpets and furnishings, but you shouldn't overlook the
windows. Updating the look of your windows can change the look and feel of a
whole room. Windows should not just be seen as purely functional - only there to
let light and air in - but as an important contributing factor to the style of
the whole room.
Before wading in and covering your windows with swathes of fabric, you will
need to take the time to consider the overall theme and style of the room. There
would be no point in adding sleek and streamlined window treatments to a room
that has an old-fashioned charm. Equally, hanging fussy or overly decorative
window treatments in a modern or minimalistic room can ruin the aesthetic.
As well as thinking about the style of the room you should also bear in mind
the functionality you will require from your windows. If you like to have your
windows open to let the air in, avoid overly complicated window treatments that
will only get in the way. If the windows face the west (or the south) then you
may have to factor in whether you will need your window treatments to block the
sun at certain times of day. Rooms that look out onto a street or a neighbour's
garden may need more privacy.
Arguably the most popular form of window treatments are curtains. Changing
your curtains can quickly liven up and update a room. Colour and pattern are
hugely important. A high-contrast colour can work well in modern rooms and
patterns can add interest. Textured fabrics can bring a degree of warmth and
softness to a room that is primarily furnished with hard woods. For those with
low ceilings, a vertically-striped curtain can help to add height to a room.
Curtains do not have to be full length, opaque fabrics, more and more
suppliers are now offering a variety of styles. A white or sheer curtain can
provide privacy during the day but will not block the light out. For a more
rustic feel café-style curtains are also a good choice for those concerned with
privacy. A sheer under-curtain in a bright colour can add a splash of colour to
a room without being overwhelming.
A form of window treatment that works well in both modern settings and with a
rustic style, are interior shutters. Wooden shutters can be a durable and
low-maintenance option. Plantation shutters with adjustable slats (or 'louvres')
can provide privacy while letting in the sunshine and airflow. Similarly, hand
carved shutters let the light filter through an attractive pattern carved into
the wood. You can paint your shutters an accent or contrasting colour, or simply
leave them as they are, letting the wood finish add a measure of warmth.
Shutters come in a variety of styles depending on your needs. Solid shutters can
play up the architectural features of a Georgian house, while café style can
provide privacy for street level rooms without losing the natural light.
It can be easy to get confused between certain types of window treatments.
Valances, cornices, pelmets, swags and lambrequins do have certain aspects in
common, but there are differences between them.
A valance is a fabric window treatment that spans the top of a window
horizontally. They can be used to add interest to a window while concealing the
window hardware. A valance can be used in conjunction with a cornice to give an
old-fashioned style.
Cornices and pelmets are essentially different terms for the same type of
window treatment. Like a valance, a cornice spans a window horizontally but is
more structured and is usually made of wood such as MDF. Cornices can be
upholstered with fabric to match the curtains or blinds.
A lambrequin is very similar to a cornice, in that it is a structured window
dressing, but it comes further down the window, usually at the sides.
Swags are simply made of long pieces of hemmed fabric that are wrapped around
the curtain poles. This material is then pulled down to form swags.
Choosing one or a combination of these window treatments can help to frame
your window. Scalloped valances can bring an old world charm while a straight
cornice can play up the modern feel of a room. A cornice fixed above a window
can help to make it seem larger. Adding curves to a window treatment such as a
lambrequin or a cornice can soften rooms like kitchens that are usually full of
straight lines and boxes.
You may, however, want to let the window speak for itself. For modern rooms,
painting windows a bright colour can really turn them into a focal point. Adding
window boxes filled with greenery, flowers or herbs to the outside of a window
can help to improve the view and make nature feel closer.
If you want a certain
amount of privacy without bulky curtain or shutter options you can add a frosted
film. These are a good option if replacing the window pane with frosted glass is
too pricey. You can find films that have clear detailing and patterns and you
can choose how much of the window you want to cover. It can be a useful option
for renters as the film can be removed quickly and cleanly. For a slightly more
ostentatious (and expensive) look you could replace the panes of smaller or side
windows with stained or etched glass.
Finally, if you want to update the look of your windows, you should not
forget the detailing.
Simply replacing the catches and handles of a window can
give them a new lease of life. Exchanging old window catches for brushed metal
ones can help to modernise a window. Alternately, if you are going for a more
classic look, antique style handles can help the window to stay in-keeping with
the décor. A lick of paint on the windows will also help to freshen them up!
Curtain ties do not just have to be strips of fabric; strings of beads or
antique doorknobs can give a unique feel, while tasselled rope tie backs provide
a more opulent look. Taking the time to decorate your windows can really help to
complete the look of a room and can put new life into your house.
© Izzy Evans 2013
If you would like to find out more about wooden treatments for your windows
then you should visit a
shutter supplier.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Izzy_Evans
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