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 When space is limited, it is valuable and greater thought is invested in creating a design that maximizes square footage to provide a functional space for the homeowner. Both manufacturers and designers alike are continuously thinking of new ways to give their clients the things they need, but using less space. One such item is the Murphy bed, yes, the one used in multiple comedy routines, but it has evolved into a stylish piece, yet remains as functional as ever. It is also comparable in price point to a traditional bed. Could the Murphy bed be the solution to your limited space problem? Let’s unpack exactly what it is and how it can help give you additional room in your home.
Walker Woodworking What to do when you don’t have the luxury of square footage? How can you create storage when there is not a lot of room, to begin with? Can you make small spaces work for you? These are good questions that we have helped our clients answer numerous times. While it may present more challenges than a larger home, it is possible to have the necessary storage for you to keep everything you need on hand. Small is not bad; in fact, it comes with multiple benefits, and a good design can help you maximize the space you do have to build a home that is exactly right for you. Let’s talk about some creative storage solutions for small spaces.
Walker Woodworking We always say details matter, and that goes beyond a project. Your home is filled with details that tell your guests who you are and what matters to you. Artwork, pottery pieces, and furniture are just a few things that give homeowners a chance to show off their style. Another area is hosting, and tablescapes have become a beautiful, fun way to share your own unique design choices with family and friends. Whether it is for a small gathering to enjoy time with those you love or to celebrate a special occasion, there are many ways to create the perfect look. By combining different colors, patterns, or materials, you can create a tablescape that will dazzle your guests, whether you prefer an elaborate or simple design.
Greenbrook Design Window treatments have made an interesting journey through the years in interior design. From floor to ceiling and mere window length, they have travelled the full circle of style. Today, window treatments can come in a variety of forms and options, plus they do more than just block out the sun; they can finish the look of a room and add the necessary touch that brings out the homeowner’s personality. Windows are our connection to nature and are an essential part of the home, which means they deserve proper consideration and care. They are also an area of the room that naturally draws the eye of the homeowner and guest alike. Most of the time, however, windows tend to be overlooked.
Greenbrook Design There’s nothing quite like the warm weather and smell of blooming flowers that come with springtime. While you may have grown used to cozying up indoors during the colder months, now you can start spending more time tending to your garden, playing with your kids in the yard, and kicking back on the patio while enjoying the sun.
But in order to fully enjoy your time outside (and potentially save yourself from having to pay for expensive home repairs in the future), you will need to perform some basic home maintenance. To help you get started, here are some key areas to tackle this spring, brought to you by Greenbrook Design.
Walker Woodworking 