Window Treatments

Sheared or gathered onto a rod. Curtains Sheared or gathered onto a rod.

Formal, heavier fabric, pleated panels hung on a rod. Drapes Formal, heavier fabric, pleated panels hung on a rod.

Shades – Blinds - Shutters Used to completely cover a window or opened to let in maximum light.

A shirred, pleated, or draped soft treatment across the window top. Valances A shirred, pleated, or draped soft treatment across the window top.

Cornices Made of wood or metal and placed at the top of the window treatment. May be painted or covered with a fabric valance.

Swags A type of valence treatment wherein fabric is draped over a rod at the top of the window.

Window Treatment Considerations The selection and placement of windows creates a powerful design statement. Poorly placed windows inpede furniture arrangement and may allow for undesirable views.

Window Treatment Considerations The exterior view may need to be enhanced or hidden.

Window Treatment Considerations Privacy may need to be created either at night, during the day or both.

Window Treatment Considerations Light may need to be blocked to prevent glare or to perserve furnishings.

Window Treatment Considerations The window design should complement the furniture style and placement.

Window Treatment Considerations The treatment may need to conserve energy.

Elegant Yet Simple To match the scale of the formal dining room, designer Lori Dennis hangs heavy brocade curtains right below the tray ceiling. A simple ring heading is used to balance the luxurious fabric, while silk ties hold the draperies back to allow natural light into the space.

Layers of Pink Layer a mixture of curtains to create an updated design. Designer Andreea Avram Rusu pairs vibrant striped sheers with deep pink panels for a bright and contemporary bedroom.

Bold Contrast A grommet heading, rings inserted into the top of the curtain fabric, is a contemporary and clean solution for hanging drapes. Make a bold statement with black and white stripes, like the Horizon in Shantung panels from Wildcat Territory. Photo Courtesy of Wildcat Territory.

Curtain Combos Valances provide a streamlined look by hiding drapery hardware. Designer Troy Beasley pairs a valance with cream panels trimmed in brown to add warmth to the bedroom while still letting in a little natural light.

Unified Style Multiple windows don't mean you have to use identical window treatments. Designer Judi Ackerman uses the same striped-and-dotted fabric to create a cohesive look between two different window treatments: a Roman shade and panels.

Sleek and Blue Designer Lori Dennis maintains the contemporary look of the living room with sleek panels hung close to the wall. Hidden hardware gives the window treatments a streamlined look.

Full of Frills Unique window treatments complete a room. Designer Shelly Riehl David creates custom puff-top silk draperies for this romantic and feminine bedroom.

Creative Treatments Windows aren't the only place for beautiful draperies. Designer Tracy Morris fills a luxurious bathroom with soft pleated curtains hung along the walls to add warmth and to create different spaces.

Pretty and Practical Combine panels with blinds for privacy and to add warmth to a room. For a natural and unique touch, designer Jennifer Duneier uses a bamboo rod to hang the panels.

Flowery Style Floral patterns don't have to look outdated Flowery Style Floral patterns don't have to look outdated. Look for ones with a large print, like the black-and-white Roman shades designer Erinn Valencich uses in this modern bedroom.

Keep It Simple Simple shades and panels in a modern geometric pattern frame the view of this stylish study. Designer Troy Beasley says, "Keep windows open and light. Don't dress up the windows with jabots, swags or other old-fashioned, fussy treatments."

Window Trends

Let the Light In One trend that's always in style is using window treatments that allow a lot of natural light into the space.

Natural Elements Organic materials are bringing nature indoors. "It’s all about nature-inspired and eco-friendly materials and designs," says designer Lori Gilder. "It’s no longer a trend, but more of a philosophy in the evolution of design. Bamboo, matchstick blinds and natural woven shades layered with simple sheer linen panels create an elegant, yet earthy sophistication in any space."

Trim It Up Personalize window treatments with decorative embellishments. Designer Jennifer Duneier uses trim to create custom-designed treatments with store-bought pieces. "Samuel and Sons has a fabulous trim with Murano Glass beads hanging from the tape that is unusual. Tapes with shells or buttons attached to them are becoming more popular as well."

Metallics "Metallic surfaces are back in vogue," says Lori Gilder. "Silver, bronze and gold metallic fabrics layered with sheers are making a grand appearance in living rooms and bedrooms. The simple layering of these metallics draped from a classic metal rod blend beautifully with the latest color trends." Image Courtesy of Wildcat Territory.

Layer Shades "Another trend is to layer shades," says Jennifer Duneier. "A blackout shade might be installed right next to the window with a sheer shade in front of it. The Shade Store is a great resource for this, and they have a great line by Chilewich and also Robert Allen/Beacon Hill fabrics." Image Courtesy of Smith + Noble.

Stainless Steel Not just a favorite for appliances anymore, stainless steel is making its way throughout the home. To incorporate this trend into your window treatments, designer Lori Gilder suggests threading stainless steel and other metallic curtain rods through simple eyelets at the top of panels to create a simple unadorned look.

Jewel Tones Window treatments in jewel tones, which range from deep reds to subtle blues, are sophisticated and create the atmosphere of luxury in any space. Designer Jennifer Duneier says, "Jewel tones, like amethyst and turquoise, are popular mixed with soft metallics, such as platinum or brushed nickel." Image Courtesy of Casa Fiora.

New Neutrals Designer Lori Gilder says "charcoal and slate are the new neutrals and blend beautifully with the metallic trends." This darker neutral frames a window elegantly and adds a more sophisticated look to your room. Design by Genevieve Gorder.