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.
There are many elements that contribute to creating a welcoming home, including color, patterns, decorative pieces, and furniture. All of this comes together to paint an inviting space where guests leave feeling like family. Sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start or what pieces work best together to create the perfect look. Let’s talk about five ways to create a welcoming atmosphere in your home.
Walker Woodworking Does your home need some renovations to bring it back up to speed for your specific lifestyle? Are you ready to transform certain areas into a more functional and purposeful space? Our experienced design team has assisted hundreds of clients in creating new areas that function exactly as they need. How can we help you prioritize your needs through design? Let us help you find the areas of priority in your home!
Greenbrook DesignAt the heart of any design work is the chance to tell a story—the story of those who live there. Our home is at the core of who we are. It is our grounding, the place we can truly let our hair down and be ourselves. It’s where memories are not just made, but remembered and passed down to the next generation. Homes are meant to be special—a symbol to all who enter of what truly matters to us. That’s why the design choices we make should be influenced by who we are, where we came from, and how our unique experiences shape us. Across the world, people’s design choices are deeply rooted in culture. But in today’s ever-connected world, we’re also seeing a beautiful blending of cultures—where traditional elements mix with modern influences, and regional styles merge to reflect global inspirations.
Since the invention of the light bulb, we have been able to brighten up our homes at any time of day. It has been great to eliminate shadows in areas where there are limited windows or even none at all, and allowed us to achieve more in a 24-hour period. Light fixtures have also developed from being just a practical tool into works of art, giving homeowners the chance to express themselves and add a touch of elegance to any room. Changing out a light fixture can completely alter or transform a room, and with so many sizes and styles, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. As we approach the close of another year, new home lighting trends for 2022 could provide helpful information for selecting your next light fixture that will perfectly illuminate your home.
Greenbrook DesignEvery area of the home has a purpose, a specific role to play in running a house smoothly, whether that is the living room where we relax or the bathroom where we get ready for the day. The kitchen is a place of preparation, the space where we go to cook for our family, but it is the dining room where it is served and enjoyed. This is the space within the home that gives families a designated area to gather around and dine together, as well as for activities like homework, bills, and fun things like family game night. It is a multifunctional space, which means it deserves some extra attention when selecting decor pieces. Let’s talk about the many elements you can use to give the dining room the love and beauty it deserves.
Walker Woodworking 