window treatment ideas now

Window treatments can provide more than just good looks for a room. Discovering new window treatment ideas can pose a bit of a challenge even if you are an inherantly creative person. You can find inspiration in odd places like your closet, books, images on the internet, or even by taking a tour of some historic homes.

Take a trip to your local fabric store, and you'll be bombarded with many window treatment ideas which can literally transform your home. So, how do you choose? Fabrics help create personality to a room by adding color, texture and dimension. Some window treatments can also provide privacy, such as long drapery panels that move along a pole or a stylish fabric shade that can be let down in the evening.

If you are energy conscious, you may want to select from ideas which include treatments backed with insulated linings that trap out the summer head and winter cold.

Bay windows and sliding doors do present a design challenge. However, finding new twists on older versions of drapery panels, valances, and swags can open a whole new world of window treatment ideas for you.

The point is to choose a window treatment idea which is functional, but also stylish. There is no one single treatment which works best for every window, so feel free to mix and match styles.

One of the most popular and enduring window treatment ideas is to use panels. Panels have a disguising element-they can make windows appear wider or taller, or both. Sheer panels can filter out an unsightly view. Pleated headings along the top of drapes are fashionable picks while traditionally gathered panels create lovely effects. When selecting fabric, remember that draperies which blend with the walls will fade into the setting, while bold, contrasting panels will become immediate focal points.

• Rich velvet panels create column-like effects and provide startling contrast to the neutral tones of a room's furnishings.
• Floor-to-ceiling drapery panels act to unite the window and surrounding fabrics, giving any room that designer's touch.
• Add borders to panels to create an interesting effect. Border print fabrics, where the print runs along the lengthwise edge of the fabric, can be positioned so that the decorative edge is highlighted across a valance or down the length of the drapery panel. If you go this route, select a border print that looks the same whether it's placed horizontally or vertically.
• Another way to create a border effect is to stitch bands of contrasting fabric along the edges of a window treatment. Be sure the finished bands are at least two inches wide so they will be noticeable from across the room.

• Dress Up Your Windows With Drapery Panels: Find new and interesting ways to decorate your windows. These methods are particularly useful for those who have no idea where to start.
• How To Decorate With Drapery: This is another useful resource for those of you who are new to home decorating.
• More Window Treatment Ideas Using Drapery:If you are stuck in a quandary about which window treatment idea is best suited for your home, you'll find some good tips here.
• Expert Advice From HGTV: Get expert advice from one of the most popular television network stars. They make window treatment design look really easy. Why should the experts have all the fun.

One of the quickest ways to add eye-catching pizazz to a room is by adding a cleverly designed window topper. "Topper" is a broad term used to describe any fabric window covering that creates interest at the top of a window. Commonly referred to as valances, toppers can add instant impact to the overall design of a room in subtle or dramatic ways.

In addition to adding visual appeal, valances also can hide a privacy shade or curtain rod. Arch-top and transom windows, which can be challenging to decorate, are perfectly suited for toppers since these window treatment ideas can enhance those stunning architectural details. The right combination of topper style and fabric choice can transform an ordinary-looking room into one you'll enjoy spending time in.

Pleated valances come in many shapes and sizes, but all have two elements in common: the pleats are formed at the top edge of the window treatment, and the fabric lays flat between the pleat folds.

The pleated valance is the most versatile of all valance types, so much so that you could pick variations of this one style and decorate windows in every room of your home, without any two looking exactly alike.

Pleats add dimension and often help to highlight decorative print or texture in a fabric. But it's important to select fabric of proper weight for a pleated valance. Generally, light to mid-weight fabrics work best because they pleat will without adding bulk at the top edge. Be sure to line all valances to prevent show-through of the print then the sun in shining through the treatment.

Five Reasons For Selecting A Pleated Valance As A Window Treatment Idea

• Offers a tailored, sophisticated look
• Looks great in rooms of any style
• Economizes on fabric because minimal yardage is needed
• Highlights decorative details such as fringe or bead trim
• Creates a statement with vibrant prints or textured fabrics

By far one of the most popular window treatment ideas involves the graceful use of swags. Many tasteful window dressings are adaptations of styles from as early as the Victorian ear. In fact, many of today's top interior decorators find inspiration in history books when designing for their clients.

Simply speaking the window scarf, or swag is the crescent-shaped part of the treatment that gracefully sweeps across the window. Swags take on a formal look when paired with jabots, the fabric that adorns the sides of many swag treatments. Jabots are often referred to as cascades or tails, and shortened versions are sometimes places between multiple swags to fill the space where they intersect.

Adding special touches such as rich, tassel-or-bullion fringe trim to the swag and jabot edges elevates an ordinary swag to designer status. Tradional scarf window treatments can be toned down into informal, more relaxed looks when casually folded or draped across an intersecting pole. Even a scarf swag, which is a simple length of fabric looped through a swag holder can soften an angular room with it sweeping style.

New innovations in the world of shutters, shades and blinds are making window treatment ideas for sliding glass doors easier to find. Technology has helped us come a long way-it's now possible to click a remote and lower the window covering to the door. Using this technique, UV rays can no longer damage your furnishings.

Decorative window film can be applied to the glass also. The film is easy to apply and comes in a variety of etched decorations.

 Even if you are just looking to cut sun glare during certain times of the day, semi-transparent solar blinds can be installed to control light yet still allow you to seel the outdoors.

Many of these products can stand alone as window decor or can become part of a beautiful combination when topped with a decorative valance or matched with a set of stunning drapery panels.

 Whatever your decorating style, finding window treatment ideas can be fun. From roman shades t oaplantation shutters, swags, drapes and even window film, you can crete a room you'll want to spend time in. Just remember, there are no real right and wrong and ways to decorate your windows. Look for a style that works for you and your family.

If you are stuck and just can't seem to find  new window treatment ideas, consider thumbing through pictures and images of other homes which have successfully created the look, style and feel which you are seeking.

Use a traditional style with a retro-modern twist to make a statement in any room. Consider mixing styles and fabrics. Don't be afraid to experiment with different looks. They are easy to change. Make a trip to a fabric with a friend who has an eye for design to get fresh ideas.

You will never be at a loss for new ways to treat your windows if you keep an open mind.