Tips for Custom Window Treatments
- Style of a Room – This is probably one the first questions one of our design professionals will ask, what is your style? Traditional rooms, may require more ornate styles and fabrics as well as plenty of embellishments. Types of styles for your window treatments could also include top treatment options such as swags with trims. Traditional patterns and fabrics would also be considered including damasks, silks and jacquards. A more transitional or modern style would keep the styles of fabrics and styles simpler and cleaner, and less pattern . Linens and textures work well in spaces that have a minimalistic style.
- Colors and Patterns – Color and pattern can be a challenge when choosing custom draperies, but this is where a professional can definitely help! A room tends to look more interesting when there are 3 patterns in a room. Usually, the largest patterns are on the larger pieces, which can include the rugs and a sofa. Your window treatments, if you are looking to include a pattern, maybe a medium sized pattern or even a smaller pattern that coordinates. When you are mixing patterns, it’s always best to stay in the same color scheme. Colors are fun to incorporate in a room, but choosing a particular color will have different effects. You can contrast your colors by choosing something that is dramatically different than your wall, or you can keep a monochromatic color scheme, but keeping within the tones of the wall, which makes for a softer transition.
- Types of Fabrics – We discussed particular fabrics that would work well with traditional, transitional or modern rooms, but let’s delve a little further. Fabrics are made up of many different types of fiber that affects the way it drapes and durability. Cottons and Cotton blends are great for drapes, they are soft and provide a great “hand” . Silks can also drape well, but faux silks drape better and are more durable. Homeowner’s need to be aware that a silk cannot be steamed, and that wrinkles and slubs are the natural and part of the beauty of the fabrics. If a more pressed look is for you, we would recommend a faux silk which is a poly blend, it drapes beautifully, does not have a wrinkle and is more durable than silk. Linens do not drape well and cannot be steamed. They are a stiffer fabric and will wrinkle easily. Think of a linen jacket. However, there are faux linens, that are a blend of linen and cotton, or polyesters that drape beautifully and give you that linen look. These faux linens come in a variety of colors and styles, including embroidered styles. Our decorators are using more of these types of fabrics and they are definitely on trend.
