Getting Started with Window Treatments

You’ve just moved into a new home and there is nothing on the windows. The bedrooms and living room need privacy, the office needs shading, and the kitchen needs some pizzaz. Where to start? How much will it cost? What colours to choose?

These are just a few of the questions that are probably running through your head. Well, don’t panic, I have a few tips for you!

Where to Start?
Start with rooms that need window coverings the most. This is probably the bedrooms. If you want total light blockage, you will want to use either roman shades or draperies with black-out lining. In this bedroom sheer Relaxed Roman Shades are combined with lined draperies. A layered window treatment like this will offer the most versatility in terms of light control and privacy.

Traditional Bedroom by San Francisco Architects & Designers Sutro Architects

Classic roman shades are functional and can suit any decor. For a child’s room consider having some trim added to the bottom of the shade. Roman shades with a continuous chain come with a child safety device, so they are safe for children’s rooms.

Master bedrooms can have more elaborate treatments – wall-to-wall curtans create a “hotel” feel and will make the room feel cozy and sophisticated.

Once the bedrooms are done, your next priority is your main living space. If you have an open concept living area, you will want to make sure all the window coverings coordinate. You may have french doors in one area, tall, skinny windows in another area, and a large picture window in a third area. The trick to covering all these different windows in a way that looks good and is still functional, is to use the same fabric but different styles. Here are some examples:

Traditional Living Room by Minneapolis Photographers Spacecrafting / Architectural Photography

You may also want to read an article I wrote on how to choose the right window coverings for different types of windows, and window treatments for problem windows.

How much do window coverings cost?
Start with a budget. Figure out how much you have to spend on your window coverings.
If your budget is very low, look for the highest quality fabric you can afford in ready-made curtains. If you can sew, you can consider making your own curtains, or adapting purchased curtains to fit your window. You can even add embellishments to make ready-made curtains more unique and custom for your decor.

Here is a tutorial on how to make your own drapery rod

If you have good sewing skills, you can try making your own roman shades, but I will warn you, you must be very accurate in your measuring and cutting!

Roman shade by NikkiDesigns

What are the best colours for window treatments?
If you want your window coverings to stand out and be a feature in the room, use colours and patterns that are bold and contrast with your walls.

curtains, bold, stripes, black and white

photo source unknown

Roman shades in a bright yellow pattern by NikkiDesigns

If you want your window treatment to be subtle, and blend in with the rest of your room, choose colours that are neutral like white, ivory and oatmeal. Patterns should also be muted, or tone-one-tone.