On a scale of practicality, altering one’s home design/décor to suit the trend may seem superfluous, unless one has the moolah to back the choice and toe the style quotient. But if you are looking to simply go all out to give your home a makeover without breaking your bank, a window treatment may be all that is needed to get on the trend boat. The choice could be between dressing up your window with fancy curtains or some designer treatment to enhance the aesthetics of your home by adding elements to your window. While curtains are easy to source and are available in a variety of styles and price ranges, window treatment, which is all about incorporating interior decorating elements on or around the window, might require some professional help.
Dress Up Your Window
But if your objective is to create a refreshing change in your living space, dress up your window with some personal touches and see how it will alter your very perception of the room. Since curtains are the first things that come into your visual periphery as you enter a room, make a quick checklist of the colours and patterns that will complement your sofa and other furnishings in the room.
Fabric Of Curtains
The fabric that you choose also determines the effect you want to create. While silk curtains are classic and infuse a formal look to the room, they may not create the appropriate ambience during the summer months owing to the sheer texture. You could, of course, line it with thicker fabric or opt for the reliable cotton ones. There are a host of styles and varieties readily available; if not, you could buy plain cotton material and add your own imprints or embroidery to it. But if you are looking to inject a feel and look of luxury in your room, your best bet is velvet.
Size Of Curtains
Once you have decided on the colours, patterns and fabric, follow that by identifying the curtain size to enhance the look. Ideally, your curtain should be at least double the width of the window (even more, if the material is sheer and you want to cut out sun rays peering in) and long enough to add to the effect. If you are looking for drama and if your room is large enough to accommodate it, keep it longer than the floor-length; if not, the minimum is to let it skim the floor.
Here are some window dressing ideas to get you started:
Drapes That Sweep
Curtains that flow from floor to ceiling have a regal appeal. They can immediately add space to your room and infuse a feeling of relaxation, making your home all the more warm and welcoming. Solid colours and simple designs are just right to give you the desired look. You could let it hang loosely from the rod or tie it back in an arch to make the effect dramatic.
Valances
If you love the idea of natural light in your living space, opt for a window valance and feel the change that the choice of colours and designs can bring into your room. For the uninitiated, a window valance is simply a form of window treatment that covers the top part of the window. With summer sun turning up the heat, it is best to pair it with blinds or curtains, which can be kept drawn during the day. You could pick the fabric and design of your choice from your favourite textile shop and get it stitched in the style that is suitable for your room – rounded edges, triangular shapes or curled. Valances are chic and can up your room’s style factor with ease.
Style Notes
What is important to notch up the look is the style that you adopt to dress your window with the curtain of your choice. Remember, curtains and drapes come in a variety of styles and it is up to you to decide what style is apt for your room and the window in question. For larger windows, it is best to go for double panels that create symmetry; smaller windows can well accommodate single panels. As for your window heading, you could choose from pencil pleats, grommets (this style creates a structured, symmetrical look and falls into gentle folds), French pleats (also known as three-finger pleat, it is a classic heading) and pole pockets (sewn-in rod pocket at the top of each curtain panel) or create your own novel style.
Dress your window right and add a whole new dimension to your living space.