N’Teriors:
Stylish Window Treatments

When decorating a room, the window treatments are one of the most important accessories.

There are two types of window treatments, hard treatments and soft treatments.

Blinds and shutters are considered hard window treatments.
Horizontal blinds are available in many sizes, ˝” Micro, 1” Mini, & 2” wide slats; and are made of vinyl, aluminum, wood and faux wood for a less expensive alternative. Horizontal blinds are installed to inside the window frame; provide privacy and blends in traditional, modern and contemporary design styles. Wood blinds are easily cleaned by dusting with a cloth, while aluminum and vinyl blinds can be taken down and washed in with a mild soap and water and re-hung to dry.

Soft window treatments are fabric and available in many styles and materials.
The most well known are sheers; thin see-thru fabric usually installed underneath drapes, which are made from a heavier, more opaque material that provides privacy and insulation. Yet there are many other types of soft window treatments. Shades are a type of soft treatment, combining the look of blinds but fashioned with fabric. Roman Shades resemble blinds as they are mounted close to a window, yet soften windows with billowy folds, constructed from silks, cottons and damasks. Shades started with the simple roller shade that was first made from a vinyl that was more like plastic. But shades have come a long way; today there are Pleated, Austrian, Balloon and London shades, similar to a roman in application, each fabricated for a different shape and feel. Cellular shades, which are rows of honeycomb-shaped pressed polyester, resemble blinds but provide more privacy and excellent protection from light and the outdoor elements.

But the piece de resistance is a decorative topper.

Scarf valances are loosely draped over a decorative pole made of metal, wood or even a tree branch, lightly outlining a window. More formal swags are half moon in shape, mounted to a fabric covered piece of wood and usually framed with cascades, a loosely pleated side treatment, or jabots, vertical pleats sewn from small to large, presenting a more formal look. Another type of top treatment are cornices, wooden frames, cut in different shapes and styles, then upholstered in fabric and hung over a window or group of windows.

There are many ways to dress your windows, remember to have fun with the style, color and fabrics.