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Window Treatments

In recent decades, Australians homeowners have embraced glass with gusto – windows are ever larger, bi-fold doors have become commonplace and entire glass walls are used both internally and externally. Accordingly, the market for window treatments has expanded greatly. And, alongside the ever-increasing range of options, technology is improving the way window treatments look and function.

Before You Select And Purchase

Choosing the right window treatment involves thinking about matters both practical and decorative. You need to work out your budget and just how much sunlight and privacy you want. Then determine whether you wish to frame or distract attention from the view. If it’s a beautiful window, sheer curtains are probably the answer. If it’s a problem window, heavier drapery can hide a lot of flaws. Beyond curtains, the choice is many from panel glides, roman blinds, shutters, roller blinds and Venetian blinds.

While most interior window treatments can be used in any room, the décor and role of the space tend to dictate the style. Bedrooms can be tricky because you need to factor in both softness and light blocking priorities. Typically window treatments are multiple layers, like a decorative side panel, a sheer behind that and then a blockout roller blind.

In the kitchen, keep things simple, taking into account airborne grease and food particles. For bathrooms, sheers can work to soften hard surfaces but don’t forget to consider the effect of humidity. Most times nothing needs to be hung in either of these areas.

Curtains

Transparent, gossamer-like sheer curtains are in vogue right now. Part of the reason for this is their ability to break up strong lines and soften architectural features. Today’s sheers have subtle iridescence, can be interwoven with unexpected materials and may even feature embossed printed patterns. We’re also seeing the increased use of sheers in dramatic colours such as cocoa and smoke among them and even two layers of coloured sheers used together for effect.

If you favour a weightier look and feel, a semi-sheer cotton or linen can work well with a French door. Tall, classic window styles often call for a heavy drape but tread carefully with boldly printed fabrics. Instead, opt for unadorned fabrics or subtle patterning, adding a dash of detailing with finials and tiebacks. The move away from minimalism has seen new demand for curtains and pelmets as well as blinds in all sorts of fantastic textures.

How to Properly Hang Window Treatments

An updated, beautiful window treatment complements the window without overpowering it. The best way to do that is to hang the window treatment so that it doesn’t completely cover the window. Even though there may be a need for light control and privacy, window treatments don’t have to cover up the window completely.

The right window treatment softens the window and can add colour, texture, and/or pattern. But it shouldn’t draw attention to itself exactly – it should draw attention to the architecture and the view beyond the window. Where there is space to do so, install the tracking for the drapery under the cornice edge, as it always makes a window look larger and let in more light.