When it comes to decorating a home, wading through the multitudes of different curtains, valances, draperies and more can be extremely difficult. Your decorating ideas can quickly change when you begin browsing through the different window treatments available. Window treatments can help make complete a room and make the room feel more like home. Knowing what the different options are will help you wade through the world of interior design and help make your house a home.
Curtains and Drapery
Drapery and curtains are two entirely different sets of window treatments in interior design; though the terms are often used interchangeably. Drapery refers to pleated panels that hang from decorative rods or poles. This type of window treatment is moveable and can be opened during the day and closed in the evening.
Meanwhile, curtains are stationary and cannot be adjusted at the top. Instead, to open curtains, you must tie them back. For visual appearance, this makes them a popular choice in bedroom designs and living room designs.
Despite these differences, these options do tend to be the most flexible. Curtains and drapes come in a plethora of textured fabrics with different colors and prints, making them an easy accessory to insert into your various interior design ideas.
With curtains, consider placing a chic, modern oval mirror on the opposite wall to help reflect light. This is important since curtains do prohibit some natural light from entering your home. Pairing them with a mirror can help increase the amount of natural light you receive during the day.
Valences
In interior design, a valence is a type of window treatment that is mounted across the top of a window. Typically, these are combined with the aforementioned drapes or curtains.
Valences can be gathered bunches of fabric, pleated, arched wooden structures and so forth. Like curtains or drapes, valences are extremely versatile.
Shades or Blinds
A common staple for many homes, shades or blinds come in a number of colors, styles, shapes and sizes. This type of window treatment can accommodate a number of decorating ideas as it is available in different styles such as Roman shades, balloon shades, cloud shades, Austrian shades, honeycomb blinds, vertical blinds and many more.
The most appealing thing about blinds is that because they are so versatile, they typically can be blended into existing decor without detracting from the overall design of the room. Installing blinds, no matter what size shape, color or style, will not take away from a prized painting or other accessories in the room.
Cornices
The cornice is a padded box that is covered in fabric and if desired, a type of trim. The edges can be shaped, such as scalloped, rounded or straight. These are often favored because they can help to conceal any existing hardware that is used to hang other window treatments, thus providing a more seamless overall look in a room.
Sheers
Another popular type of window treatment in interior design, sheers allow light through during the day and are perfect for use in the spring, summer and early fall. They are light weight and attractive to look at. In the late fall and winter, they can be swapped out with heavier curtains or drapery.
Of course, these are only a few of the options when it comes to window treatments. There are also custom window coverings for custom shaped windows, such as arches over doorways. Furthermore, there are skylight window treatments, swags, jabots and lambrequins.
