Perhaps you’re looking to spruce up the space with the change of the seasons, or perhaps your old curtains or drapes don’t have the same charm anymore.
Whatever the case, you’re thinking of switching up your window treatments and, as with everything else in interior decor, there are more choices than you can really consider in full.
Having the right idea of what elements you want to prioritise can help you narrow those options down. As such, here, we’re going to look at what you should be thinking about first.
Match Them To The Style Of The Space
As one of the key defining decor pieces on your walls, window treatments can play a big role in defining the style and mood of any room.
As such, you should think about what kind of style, colour scheme, or design you want to go with for them, as well. For instance, sheer curtains can offer softness and natural light, ideal for casual or coastal rooms.
On the other hand, velvet drapes or layered shades give a luxurious, tailored finish perfect for formal spaces.
If you’re not certain what to go with, then look at the room you’re adding them to or find out what your personal style is, first, then choose the treatments that fit them.
The Importance Of Quality Materials
If you’re focusing on aesthetics alone, then it’s very easy to end up getting a pair of curtains that look great on the wall but, in reality, are flimsy, show their wear and tear easily, and might not even be very effective at keeping the sun out of your space.
Look for UV-resistant fabrics, fade-resistant dyes, and sturdy mounting systems. Linen, cotton blends, and polyester offer durability with easy maintenance, while wood or faux wood blinds add a timeless feel with lasting strength.
Setting a little extra budget aside to ensure better craftsmanship means that you’re not going to have to replace your treatments as well. You should also consider how quality affects texture, such as how thicker fabrics can add a more cosy feel.
The Right Fit Is Vital
There are a few things that matter more than fit when you’re choosing your window treatments.
If your curtains or blinds are even just a few inches off, then they can not only look awkward but also be a lot less functional, compromising your privacy and letting in unwanted light.
Made-to-measure options provide a tailored solution, ensuring your treatments match your window’s exact dimensions. This creates a polished, high-end look and helps achieve better insulation and light control.
Choosing your dimensions can go a lot further than simply ensuring a good fit, too. For instance, floor-to-ceiling curtains are a popular style for those rooms that benefit from being able to guarantee privacy.
Don’t Forget About Energy Efficiency
Although your window treatments are certainly not the star of the show in terms of stopping heat transfer through your windows, the right choice can still help you reduce your energy bills.
Well-insulated drapes, cellular shades, and thermal blinds can do a lot to maintain indoor temperatures, stopping the heat from escaping through the window in the winter and blocking excessive heat from the sun in the summer.
If that’s a priority, then you should make sure that any treatments you choose list their materials as energy-efficient or have features like thermal linings that can improve their performance.
You can also layer up your treatments, such as using curtains over blinds to trap air and enhance your insulation.
Consider Your Other Practical Needs
Aside from being a big part of the look and mood of any room, your window treatments play a practical role and, as such, you have to consider how well they fit your practical needs, as well.
For instance, if you’re looking ot keep as much light out as possible, then blackout blinds might be amongst your best options. If it’s in a space like the kitchen or bathroom, you might need easy-to-clean blinds.
Privacy and flexibility in how much you let in exterior light can be worth considering as well.
As can child safety, such as with cordless options. Function should guide form, as even the most beautiful window features won’t be as effective if they’re not convenient.
The right window treatments are found by putting your wants and needs first. Hopefully, the examples above can give you a good idea of what, exactly, those might be, helping you choose those curtains, drapes, or blinds that work best for you.