Life, Styled
Window treatments are often the last element considered when decorating a house, but they play a crucial part in the overall look of the home. They are often considered the finishing touch to any space and can influence the feel as well. The fabric choice, the style, and even the function can bring several benefits to your home. Window treatments offer protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, shading you and your furniture from fading, while also lowering your electricity bill. Selecting a fabric that complements your particular design style or creates a beautiful statement in your home can make all the difference in any room. Window treatments also serve a functional purpose, as they can block the sun’s glare and provide you and your family with privacy. These elements make window treatments an essential part of your design, but how do you know which one is right for you? Let’s discuss how to choose window treatments that are right for your home.
Window Size and Shape
Size is one of the first things to consider when selecting window treatments, as it determines what you will need. Are your windows:
- Floor to ceiling
- Bay windows
- Narrow and long
- Standard
- Double
- Corner
Knowing your size helps you determine the type of window treatments that are best suited for your window. Floor-to-ceiling windows require extra attention due to their specific requirements and functions. Often, these types of windows are used to enjoy a gorgeous view and let in the sunlight, but this does need to be controlled, especially at the hottest parts of the day, and for privacy. Some of the best options include top-down shades, bottom-up shades, and light-filtering shades. Narrow windows can make a room feel small, and using large treatments will only make it seem smaller. Opt for window treatments that extend beyond the frame, creating the illusion of a larger space. There are several ways to optimize a bay window. You can choose window treatments that are applied across the window, creating depth and even height, or opt to frame them individually within the space, but use narrow choices or simple blinds to avoid a cramped look. Take inventory of the number and sizes of windows before shopping for new window treatments, as this provides a guide for you and your designer to select the right ones for your home.
The Purpose Of Your Window
Once you know the size and number of windows, the next step is to determine the function. Think through what activities will be done in this particular room, what direction it faces, and what time you will most likely be there. This information all plays a part in selecting the right window treatments for your room. Will you be working from home in this room and have to battle glare from the sun, or do you need to maximize the light for video calls? Selecting motorized blinds or shades means you can control when and how much light will enter your space during the day. Do your windows face east or west? Morning light is often not as strong as the afternoon sun, making it essential to have a way to dim the harsher afternoon rays, as they can fade furniture and make it difficult to sit and enjoy the room. Select fabrics that are treated against the UV rays or are a thicker weave, so they can darken a room when needed. This is a useful feature for those who work night shifts and need to sleep during the day. Sunrooms also require special selections since they have high exposure to the sun and can quickly increase your electric bill if the right window treatments are not chosen. All of this is critical information when deciding whether you need blinds, fabric, or both for a room. Feel free to gather inspiration from places like Pinterest and Houzz before making your final selections.
Choosing Material For Window Treatments
The material for your window treatments is important, as it will need to fulfill a purpose while also blending with the look and feel of your room. Selecting the right material is determined by the room’s function and the amount of sun exposure it will receive. If there is little to no sunlight coming through the window, you don’t have to be as concerned about opting for a treated fabric. If the purpose of the window is to enjoy the view, then you will want to choose something that is on the lighter side, such as soft sheer panels or blinds that can be easily opened and closed. Some rooms, such as your bedroom, require special consideration, as this is one of the most personal spaces in the home, necessitating privacy. Choose materials that are thicker so you don’t have to worry about turning a light on or simply relaxing in bed with a book. For areas of the home with high sun exposure, such as kitchens and sunrooms, it is ideal to have materials that can withstand the UV rays without hindering the beauty and benefits of natural light. This is where a designer can be of great help, as their experience can save you time and money by showing you the perfect options for your home.
Benefits Of Graber Blinds
Greenbrook Design is proud to be an authorized dealer for Graber Blinds, a company dedicated to detail and the safety of your family. They have a wide variety of styles and materials to suit every need and area in the home. You can select the shape of your window, privacy needs, fabric type, and even controls such as motorized shades from Graber, making them a great choice for your home. Because Graber also believes that safety and style can go hand in hand, they have several child safety features in place to ensure that your little loved ones remain safe. They also have energy-efficient design options that protect against drafts, glare, and UV damage. Graber’s window treatment selections are for both indoor and outdoor needs, including shades, blinds, and drapery, making them your one-stop shop for every need in your home. Learn more about them here, and to see their full selection, visit here. You can also see some of their samples in our showroom.
Walker WoodworkingOne of the best features of any bedroom is the closet. This is the place where not just your clothes go, but a myriad of other objects as well. As it is considered one of the more functional areas in the room, this means it has certain obligations to meet, including sufficient space and storage capacity. Few things frustrate a homeowner as much as a dysfunctional closet that is a hazard every time the door is opened. Having one that is designed according to your needs, with ways to keep everything organized and in its proper place, is a dream come true. Of course, while closets need to be functional, they can also be stylish and ever personalized to your particular needs. Let’s talk about what goes into designing the perfect walk-in closet.
Finishing a basement or renovating it completely can also increase the value of your home. There is also the possibility of gaining additional income by renting out the basement. A basement is a blank canvas waiting to be transformed into a useful and functional space for you and your family.
Greenbrook DesignHome is our place of refuge, the place where we can recharge and refresh ourselves before heading out for another day at the office, whether that is driving to town or walking down the hall to our desk. Our home is also our safe zone, especially when it comes to our health. We implement things that help us maintain and protect ourselves against illness, such as easy-to-clean surfaces and materials that hinder the growth of bacteria. Multiple companies are dedicated to the health of their customers, which is why they continually develop products that not only limit the spread of disease but also promote overall wellness, whether physical or emotional. Both work together to help maintain our good health. Let’s discuss some great home products that can be utilized in your home to increase wellness for yourself and those you love.
Walker WoodworkingCoffee is a staple ingredient for the majority of people’s mornings. We love the freshly brewed scent as we begin our day and rely on the boost it gives us to get the last of the sand out of our eyes, plus a little bounce in our step. Since it has become such an integral part of the start of the day, it makes sense to create a dedicated area in the home for our beloved beverage. From a sideboard near the kitchen with all the essentials necessary to make the perfect cup or an entire section set aside for its use, there are multiple reasons why you should have a coffee station in your home. Let’s talk about how to design the perfect coffee bar area in your home, as well as some helpful tips for creating it.
Seating is a crucial element in the kitchen, as it serves as the primary hub for nearly all activities that occur in the home. Having a place to sit and talk while dinner is being made or to enjoy that morning cup of coffee makes the kitchen that much more inviting, as well as creating an environment just right for connecting with others. Ensuring there is ample room for everyone can be a challenge for both large and small kitchens, as you cannot simply add a chair or barstool wherever you want. Kitchen islands are a great place for incorporating extra seating options, but built-in seating, often referred to as banquettes, is a wonderful way to gain seats with style. Let’s discuss the benefits of incorporating built-in kitchen seating and explore ideas on how to integrate it into your design.
Walker Woodworking 