window treatments

Are you contemplating finishing off the look of a room with a beautiful window treatment? An excellent idea, but one that can feel overwhelming. There are literally thousands upon thousands of potential options and choices to sift through before your naked window gets dressed. From fabric, color, and style to hardware selections and installation decisions, getting the right look for your windows is a labor of love and well worth the effort. Here are few things to consider before embarking on your quest for perfectly well-dressed windows.

 

1. DIY or Hire a Professional

Deciding whether or not to hire a professional depends on a number of factors.

DIY: If you are on a budget or living some place short term (like an apartment, college dorm room, or rented home) then a do-it-yourself option may be the best choice. There are plenty of ways to creatively enhance a room utilizing retail options and your own creativity – like these ideas shared by apartment therapy – and loads of guidance on the technical aspects of measuring and understanding all the style options. Even practical options designed for function can be jazzed up, like this fun roller shade.

Custom Drapes- french return rod

 

 

Interior Designer: If you are looking for a custom option and someone to guide you through the process then partnering with a professional designer is the way to go. A professional will not only have access to fabrics, trims, and expert custom manufacturers that are not available to the general public, but will be able to factor in the overall look and feel of your home decor to find the best style at the best price for you. They speak the complex language of window treatments and can narrow down the myriad of potential options to a few choices and take care of all the ordering and coordination with the vendors. For a large home or a home with non-standard windows (like many older homes) you’ll be particularly glad to have someone with this particular skill set steering your course.

 Natural shades

 

 

2. Know your Budget

Whether you do-it-yourself or hire a design professional to help you, good window treatments are rarely an inexpensive endeavor. Basic budget blinds and shades off the shelf start at around $25 per window and go up from there while luxe designer drapery fabrics may start at $75 per yard. To dress a single window with shade, two drapes with lining, and hardware off the shelf from a retail store like Pottery Barn runs about $360 per average window (they have a nice Design Your Window tool you can try to get a general idea about your retail choices). Homes with taller or wider windows will almost certainly require custom fitted treatments, which are labor intensive and are priced accordingly. So, you can see how it is important to know your budget before you get started as this figure will not only inform your decision about whether to hire a designer or not but will also drive your design choices.

 

Custom Roman Shades by Marcelle Guilbeau

 

 

3. Not Just for Show

Window treatments serve a vital functional purpose in your home. Well-designed and fitted window treatments make your windows more energy efficient, can add value to a home for sale, and allow you to control light and provide privacy.

French Silk Ivory Drapes

 

Speaking personally, window treatments are one of my favorite custom furnishings to work on because of the way they set the mood for a room. Here are some more inspirational links to get your imagination flowing!

– marcelle

Elle Decor – 8 Ways to Makeover Your Windows

Real Simple – Your Guide to Curtains and Window Treatments

House Beautiful – Designer Window Treatments

Architectural Digest – Window Treatments

Subscribe to Marcelle's Newsletter

Pin It on Pinterest

Verified by ExactMetrics