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 Woodworking While these inspirational photos spark our imagination, they can also raise a common concern—will that beautiful design actually work for our lifestyle, especially with young children or busy households? The good news is that designing for function in mind doesn’t mean sacrificing style. A luxurious, classy home can also be highly practical and comfortable for everyday living. By thoughtfully blending form and function, you can create a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. And the best part? Elevating your home’s style doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Here are a few easy, functional ways to enhance your home while keeping it elegant and family-friendly.
Walker WoodworkingWhen it comes to most areas in the home, there are things that often get overlooked because they are thought to have little value or impact. The bathroom sink falls into this category, but it holds more value than you may realize. The right sink can add a touch of character to your bathroom space and enhance its overall appearance and style. We have come a long way since the caveman days, when sinks were made from whatever material was handy, such as wooden bowls or even a turtle shell. Today, there are numerous options available as manufacturers have explored various styles and materials to create sinks that suit each homeowner and serve different purposes. With such a wide variety, it can be challenging to determine which one is best for you and your specific needs. Today, we want to explore the selections offered and what they have to offer you.
Greenbrook Design Increasingly, homeowners are not only interested in using eco-friendly products and materials but also in designing their homes to have the least possible impact on the environment. This has led to a rise in zero waste kitchen concepts, with designers seeking to meet their clients’ requests in a way that provides a functional, environmentally friendly, yet stylish kitchen. We know that certain materials are better than others, and incorporating more natural elements into our home is beneficial, but what exactly does it mean to design a zero-waste kitchen or bathroom? We aim to answer that question, while also providing you with helpful tips for your upcoming renovation.
Greenbrook Design The bathroom is a critical part of the home; while we don’t gather for meals and conversation, it is the place we get ready for the day, and one of the last places we go before bed. This means that it should be designed to function in such a way that is beneficial to everyone who uses it. While a bathroom’s primary purpose is to be functional, that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. There are many ways to create a look that represents your unique style and personality, such as through tile and color choices. If you’re considering renovating your bathroom space and giving it some much-needed upgrades and updates, but are lacking inspiration, let us help you. There are several fun and beautiful bathroom trends for 2022. Let’s explore a few of them today.
Walker WoodworkingThere are many elements that make up a room, including color, layout, and decor style, but one key ingredient can add depth and tone to a space: texture. Like many design tools, texture often becomes an afterthought when creating a plan for a new area in the home. Many might even think it has little impact on a design, but that is not true. Texture provides balance, visual weight, and warmth to your home, which is why it should be a part of the planning stage from the start. Texture is not limited to fabrics and furniture, but can also include wallpaper, glass, and plants. Let’s discuss adding texture to your home and creating a space that is inviting to the touch for everyone.
Walker Woodworking 