Why cover your windows? For sun control, privacy, to block a view you see from the window or to soften the interior of the home. But let's start with view-one you create or something natural. These views are often the reason you bought the lot or purchased the home. Lots of lush green outside? Interior plants will bring a repetition that will enhance the space. Red rocks of Sedona? Repeat the color even with an accessory-not necessarily the entire room. Motorization allows for sun control and privacy even with oversized windows. Controls are remote or on the wall. Knowing that a window covering is needed will allow planning for the spacing and electrical needed while remodeling or building. The space needed is referred to as stack. The goal is always to have natural light, optimize views, and minimize less desirable views and sun. The options are limitless! Outside shades may also be used. They allow a clean contemporary interior look with sun control and privacy. If you want inside control and/or the softness of window coverings then start with the windows you need to control sun, privacy or an undesirable view (another home, an outside wall, etc.). Do you want the light to come in and be able to see outside? Then a product with slats-shutters, wooden blinds, etc. allows for both. Color? Anything that is contrasted will draw attention so blending in with the wall is usually the most desirable. It will make the interior space appear larger. Shutters opened to allow the full view if there is one opens up space. Is there enough stacking space for the shutters against the wall? If not and you want to see out then draperies or shades that open and close are good options. Draperies can stack to one side or open from the center. Shades can be flat or have folds of fabric and pull up to the top of the window or stack onto the wall. These can be hand-drawn or motorized. Custom options and companies like Hunter Douglas allow many choices and price ranges. Cornices may be fabric, metal, or any material that is appropriate and are custom made so allow limitless options as well as softness, color continuity, or accents.
Window coverings can cover some window errors (the window is too low-mount a cornice, custom art, etc. above on the wall) and provide a correction option. The interior of the space can be stark or cozy. Treatments can be inside or outside mount. If the room needs to be totally dark this is especially important. Famous designers of bygone eras covered bedrooms and living areas with prints matching the upholstery and bedcoverings. We are now in a more contemporary phase but not having window coverings exposes window frames that may or may not be attractive. There is a huge difference between a beautifully designed contemporary home and a remodeled to contemporary that just looks uninteresting. If this is the only area you asked for design help in a home it would be worth it to get the best design assistance available. It affects light, sun control, privacy, and the overall ambiance of your home. Using different types of treatments with an area requires expertise!
Drapery hardware may show or it may be covered by another layer over or above. JAB has beautiful contemporary hardware. Helser Brothers, Kirsch (has to be the oldest), and Paris, Texas are all good companies.
Hunter Douglas has you covered! Great quality with options for most situations. The Roman shades, if standard sizes can be used, will be more economical than custom. Roller shade options, motorization, woven woods, Provenance shades, and verticals are versatile enough to solve many of the above considerations. Typically custom homes have custom window treatments. But you may not need any or just enough for privacy and sun control.
There is more inspiration and information on my Pinterest boards!
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