When it comes to window treatment ideas, the first step is to establish an image of what you are trying to achieve with a new look. Since there is such a plethora of products available, and all of them are attractively presented in the sales brochures, a list of the features you truly want is a critical part of the process.
If, for example, energy efficiency is a major factor in your decision to upgrade window treatments, that goal must not be lost sight of. It is all too easy to find oneself so beguiled by an especially attractive look, that the need to cut down on the utility bill goes flying out the window. Keep all of your criteria in mind at all times, and check off products one-by-one as they either meet or fall short of your expectations.
Image by Posh Living, LLC via Flickr
It may well turn out that nothing fully matches your list of requirements. In that case, you still have a list of the closest matches to choose among. Here are a few factors that can guide you in your search for new window treatment ideas.
- As already mentioned, energy efficiency is a consideration. When two products are about equally suited to the task, picking the one that will help pay for itself is an easy call to make.
- Consider the presentation aspect of new window treatments. A stunning view of inner city skyscrapers or snow-capped mountains suggests a treatment designed to showcase these assets, rather than call attention to the treatment itself. Conversely, an ordinary or even unattractive view can be disguised by more elaborate presentations that grab attention in their own right.
Image by Posh Living, LLC via Flickr
- Material factors come into play when one is dealing with windows. All materials that are exposed to sunlight for long periods of time will fade and degrade. Give some thought to how gracefully your new accessories will weather in terms of color and durability. Likewise, ask yourself if you are primarily interested in letting sunlight in, or keeping it out. This will also have an effect on the materials and styles chosen.
- Unity of presentation should be kept in mind. A little girl’s room done up in bright yellows and pinks will not look right if equipped with heavy blue velvet draperies covered in space aliens or race cars. Danish modern furniture in the living room will not complement the same window coverings as does a room filled with Louis Quatorze pieces.
- Fashionably fresh concepts need to be balanced against the likelihood of enduring timelessness. Make sure that you are not purchasing the modern equivalent of tie-dyed love beads. It is not always easy to determine whether something is a fad or a style. Fads can be quite entrancing while they are en vogue, but it is not a good idea to tie up large sums of money on window coverings that will be replaced in a year or two.
- Ease of cleaning is an often overlooked idea when it comes to new window treatment ideas. Apart from the windows of a Halloween Haunted House, dust and cobwebs are never a plus. Think about how easy it is to keep new window coverings pristine.
- Ease of installation is another factor to keep in mind. Some very beautiful presentations simply cannot be installed on the type of window openings in your house.
Image by MeganMorris via Flickr
- Finally, consider ergonomic and maintenance factors. Not only must these new purchases be easy to operate, but they must also be sturdy enough to withstand children, pets, and hard yanks on the cords. Be wary of ‘here today and gone tomorrow’ products. A matched set of window louvers can be rendered useless by the failure of a single member of the set. Make sure that replacements, or near-perfect matches from another company, are obtainable.
Like all other decorating ideas, redoing the windows is a balance between what you want and what will work. Perfection is not always possible, but improvement most certainly is.