Dr. Decorator Examines Window Treatments
Window treatments present a constant design challenge. Windows come in all hsapes and sizes; they differ from home to home and from room to room. They often vary in shape and size even within the same room. The solution that was wondrous in one space becomes disastrous in another. The variety of products and options is overwhelming; the combination is definite material for a major decorating migraine.
In addition to the plethora of possible choices, window design presents another challenge in that it must satisfy so many requirements. A well designed window treatment must not only be beautiful, but – perhaps even more importantly – it must be functional. Window coverings must control light, offer privacy and security, sometimes control heat and glaring sun rays, and – even while working hard to accomplish all these goals – make the window look good.
Window coverings can camouflage architectural flaws and complement architectural favors. With the benefit of the decorator’s magic wand, a small, awkward window can be made to appear large and glamorous. Conversely, if a window is over-scaled for a room, a few well-chosen yards of fabric can change a cold glass wall into an elegant backdrop. If you have a beautiful view, you want your window covering to frame and enhance it. If you view is less than wonderful, you want your window covering to obscure it. Installing a window valance just below the ceiling molding can give your room the illusion of added height. A small, narrow window can be made to appear wider when fabric panels are hanging on the wall to each side of the window rather than being installed directly on the glass. Well-chosen window designs can transform problem windows into decorative assets.
In designer trade lingo, window covering come in two varieties: hard treatments and soft treatments. Hard treatments are the products which cover the glass areas and are used to control light and privacy. These include such well-known items as mini-blinds, two-inch horizontal blinds in metal or wood, vertical blinds, and the ever popular shades and shutters. In recent years, the phrase “hard treatment” has come to include certain more decorative products such as pleated shades, cellular shades, roman shades, and silhouette shades. For modern décor or for very tailored spaces, the hard treatments can often be left to stand on their own. They cover blank glass spaces and also serve munch-needed functions. When the room setting is more traditional or more decorative, the hard treatments are framed by fabric window coverings, called “soft treatments”.
If you think that the variety of hard treatments can make your head spin, just wait until you are confronted with the world of soft treatments. The choices are infinite. When making selections of soft treatments, designers are faced with a variety of choice which must put together in a cohesive unit called “window décor”.
First we start with the architecture of the room, the size and location of the windows, and the style of the furnishings. Selections have to be appropriate to the space and the décor. If a room has a high-tech modern ambiance, we certainly would not treat the windows with formal drapes that “puddle,” or hang on the floor. Conversely, in a traditional space with elaborate wall molding and antique and reproduction furniture, metallic mini-blinds would be an incongruous choice.
The next step is to figure out the style of the window treatment. The phrase “top treatment” refers to the valance treatment that sits across the top of the window. These come in a variety of styles and can be made to use alone or in conjunction with the draper panels that hang along the sides of the windows.
After all this, we still have to select fabrics and trims. Fabric choices have to complement the furnishings and wall coverings in a space. Fabric and color choice make a very strong design statement, and must be carefully selected. Fabric trims are the embellishments that dress up the treatment. Fringes, tassels, rings, and all other sorts of interesting items that are utilized for window décor installations. The choices are limited only by your imagination.
The “before” and “after” photos shown here provide striking examples of the power of window design to transform a room setting. In the feminine bedroom (left), I used the window design not only to drape the window, but also to drape the bed. Because the wall space between the windows was so much smaller than the actual bed, I designed one large treatment which would take the eye away from the size disparities and frame the bed just as a canopy would. Pleated silhouette shades are the hard treatment which controls light and privacy. The window valance made of embroidered silk and the delicate lace draperies are the soft treatments which create the mood of the space. The window fabrics are repeated on the bed for a coordinated décor.
The photo of the single large window and window seat are another example of the variety of choice. A pleated shade can cover the window if needed. The view is beautiful and the shade is designed to hide behind the valance when not needed. This is a version of a layered treatment. The bottom layer is an elaborately draped and arched balloon shade of richly colored lace. The top layer is a swag overlay made of floral patterned silk, lined in a complementary silk plaid. The combination illustrates how a window can frame a beautiful view while also embracing the room’s décor. The treatment is rich and luxurious without overwhelming the space.
These are just two examples of the multitude of choices available to enhance the home. It is often said that the eyes are windows to a person’s soul. In the world of interior design, the soul of a home can sometimes be glimpsed through its windows and window décor.
