It could be difficult to decide what type of window treatment to use in our homes. When confronted with countless possibilities of window treatments, the feeling could be overwhelming, to say the least. Some windows call for shades, some call for curtain panels, some even for indoor shutters and others beg to let be bare. It would be exceptionally easy if within those previously mentioned categories, weren’t a bunch of other subcategories to choose from. Under shades along, for instance, we have the Roman shade, balloon shades, roller shade, scalloped shade and so on. Under curtain panels, we have different types of pleats to pick and whether or not use a balance or a cornice on top of the curtain. You see where I’m going… I’m amazed at how some people still wonder why there is a reason to hire an Interior Designer… Spoiler alert, because we make things easier.
For my office and dining room, I wanted light and privacy at the same time so I chose cafe curtains made of embroidery lace to add some elegance to the otherwise casual look. Cafe curtains take their names from the Parisien cafes where these types of window treatments have been used for centuries. Cafe curtains hang halfway on the windows and whether lined or not they provide privacy while letting lots of uninterrupted light come in. For my bedroom, living room and t.v room however I opted for plain curtain panels with classic pinch pleats. I avoided any extras such as a balance or cornice since our ceiling is not more than 9 feet tall. I think that balances and cornices tend to bring the ceiling lower when the ceiling is not high enough.
If you are debating what kind of window treatment to use in your home then this post is for you. Below you’ll find a bunch of ideas to dress up your windows with style and appropriateness.
Above are four examples of window shades. Shades can be mounted inside the window frame or outside, as all these examples show. By mounting the shade outside, the window will look bigger and it could also help to hide unattractive wood conditions. From top left, the flat Roman shade has a tiny balance and is mounted from the ceiling. Top row right, balloon shades add a sense of drama and elegance to this space, design by Veere Grenney. Bottom left, fold roman shades. Bottom right, a shade of natural material is easily available and more affordable, design by Marie Flanigan.
A shot of a home in California designed by Rita Konig and renovated by Gil Schafer. Rita added matchstick shades to the transom of the french doors. Shades made of natural materials are not only environmentally friendly but they also add a ton of charm and character. Below a list of where to find them.
- Matchstick Blinds
- Smith & Noble
- Amazon
- Pottery Barn for fabric and natural material shades as well.
Curtains Panel Ideas
From curtain panels on the left image to the one with a balance, the choices are endless. In the living room with green walls and neutral tones, the white curtain panels work as elegant columns that add proportion to the space. In the bathroom, the curtains and balance add incredible elegance and coziness to a space that often feels cold.
Window treatment can also be used to create layers and texture to spaces. On this image above, the windows were dressed with shades as well as decorative panels in order to add softness to the walls.
Elaborated cornice by David Hicks. When regular cornice is not enough.
Lambrequin is another albeit less used window treatment that has been used also for centuries. They were originally made out of wood and hand-painted. If you are looking for something unique to cover your windows, then lambrequin is for sure the option, however, you either will have to be extremely skilled and DIY it or it’s going to cost you more in labor than regular panels.
Miles Redd right and David Kaihoi.
