Window Fashion Dos and Don’ts
At Altra Home Décor serving the greater Phoenix area, we know that window treatments—in fact, home decorating in general—can be daunting. But styling your windows doesn’t have to be so difficult—in fact, we’ve got a lot of tips and tricks that we’re happy to share, along with years of knowledge and experience. Read on to learn more, and be sure to speak with one of our representatives for more ideas about your unique situation.
Pattern
Using pattern at the window can create visual interest for and tie in to the aesthetics of the space. If you want to use pattern, go for it! DO use complementary designs that have similar scale and tone. DON’T make it overcomplicated. Too many patterns with too many lines, tones, and sizes can come across as jarring and off-putting. Be sure your patterns follow a cohesive concept.
Mounting Drapery
You might not realize it, but where curtains or drapes are mounted in a room can have a large impact on their overall look and feel. DO make your space seem bigger and more luxe by mounting the rod well above the window (a foot or more or even all the way to the ceiling). You can also have the rod extend 4 or more (up to 6) inches to each side of the window for a larger statement. DON’T hang drapery right above the frame. This will give you a boxed-in effect, making the window seem smaller. And keeping the rod at the exact size of the window won’t allow for much give when you slide the drapes open—it will just crowd the window and let in less light, so have the rod extend a few inches on either side of the window.
Sizing Drapery and Curtains
The overall length of the drapery or curtains is important too. DO go long. Be sure you have enough cloth to puddle on the floor, just skim the floor, or only be about an inch above the floor (or windowsill for curtains). DON’T skimp on length. Keeping your drapery or curtains too short stunts the overall look and makes your room look less sophisticated.
Outfitting Your Overall Home
If you’re buying all-new treatments for your entire home, you might be tempted to find one look for the whole place. Here’s our advice: DO find the right treatment for each room, even if it’s not the same as other rooms. DON’T forget that each room has different needs: some rooms need complete blackout; others need light-filtering. Some rooms need full privacy; others need it only at night. Find the treatment that fits the needs of each space, and you’ll feel better in the room overall.
Shutters and Blinds
Choosing hard treatments against the window can be for the best in many rooms, so don’t be afraid to go that route. DO go for the higher-end genuine or faux wood shutters with wide slats, such as Heritance® Hardwood Shutters or NewStyle® Composite Shutters. These treatments offer an elegant, upscale look that will pay off in the long run—many will help with resale value of your home. DON’T try to get away with off-the-shelf DIY blinds—especially if they’re plastic, they can break easily, won’t hold up to the sun, and will look less upscale. You’ll likely not be happy with your “savings” for long.
Natural Light
Relying on natural vs artificial light can make a space feel, well, natural. So make the most of it! DO let Mother Nature transform the look of your room, especially if you have a treatment that diffuses light spectacularly, such as Silhouette® Sheer Shades from Hunter Douglas. DON’T forget about privacy if you’re thinking about leaving a window untreated. At night, your room becomes a fishbowl, and you’re in plain sight for all those peeping toms.
Creating a Look at the Window
If you’re going for an overarching “vibe” in your room and at your window, you have a lot of options. DO layer treatments. This will give you greater style, depth, and dimension and will make your window a focal point. Plus, it will make your window feel like a work of art, especially if you play with proportion, pattern, and color. DON’T take it too far. Too many layers or too heavy a look will make the room off balanced and seem cheap vs stylish. By the same token, DON’T settle for “just OK.” If your treatments are outdated, worn, or broken, it will show in your overall look, making the rest of your room seem shabby. Be sure to create an overall look that “wows” by contacting an Altra Home Décor representative today.
Window Treatment Dos and Don’ts in the Greater Phoenix, Peoria, AZ Area
Altra Home Decor is your source for window treatments, custom drapery, flooring, and more! We serve the greater Phoenix area, including Peoria, Sun City West, Glendale, and Scottsdale, with a showroom in Surprise. Stop by our locally owned store to view our full-size window treatment displays and sample books. Contact us today to schedule an in-home design consultation!
