Window Treatments for a Completed Room Design

A living room with orange and green window treatments.

There is a vast array of window treatment options, from shades to drapes and shutters to cornices.  Window treatments are an important factor in decorating a room.  Selecting the right way to decorate your windows is like choosing shoes to go along with an outfit.  Here are a few tried and true window treatment ideas to help you.

A living room with blue curtains.
The blue panels finish off this room nicely (homeposh)
A living room with white furniture and window treatments.
Patterned shades make a great contrast with the white and coordinate with other fabrics and trim in the room (homeposh)

One of the most versatile and steadfast styles of window treatment is shades.  There are roman shades and balloon shades.  Roman shades provide privacy in a simple, elegant style.  Pleated style roman shades are operated with a pull cord and fashion into pleats.  Tie roman shades work by simply tying them at the desired length.  Roman shades are versatile and can fit into any design style.

A living room with wicker furniture and striped curtains featuring window treatments.
Soft roman shades enhance this room design (homeanddecor.org)
A dining room with brown roman shades and chairs featuring window treatments.
Pleated roman shades provide privacy and light control (homeinteriorsdesign-info)
A bathroom with green walls and a claw foot tub featuring window treatments.
Roman shades add a touch of softness to this bathroom (HGTV)

Balloon shades are fuller and more elaborate in appearance.  This style fits well into more traditional interiors.  Balloon shades are soft and more feminine in style.  They work well in bathrooms, nurseries and in cottage style interiors.

A pink and white baby room with a crib, dresser, and window treatments.
Balloon shades perk up this room (lillybunn via Pinterest)
A room with a chair and window treatments.
A more formal and feminine approach to window treatments (Pinterest)

Another popular window treatment style is drapes.  Drapes can be used alone or with shades or blinds to enhance the fullness and depth of the window treatment.  Drapes are generally used as stationary elements with shades and blinds just to complete a window look.

A living room with beige window treatments and a couch.
Drapes loosely gathered create a soft look (ideas4windowtreatments)
A living room with green walls and window treatments.
Contrasting color of window treatments make this room pop (HGTV)
A bedroom with arched window treatments and wooden shutters.
Long window panels enhance shuttered windows (smartwindowcreations)

Shutters are a classic option and most popular in farmhouse or cottage designs.  They have charm and character, as well as being very functional for light control.  They can be topped with a valance or double-hung at a window.

A living room with wooden shutters and window treatments.
Shutters control the light and add charm to this room (gozetta)
A room with white shutters and window treatments.
White shutters provide a simple window treatment (Houzz)

Top treatments, such as valances and cornices, enhance the overall look of a window treatment.  They can be used alone or with curtain panels, shades or blinds.

Related:
How to Incorporate the Color of the Year into Your Home
A kitchen with window treatments and a dining table.
Valances finish off this window treatment (loonrustics)
A living room with furniture and a fireplace featuring window treatments.
Cornices accent these long window panels (decoratingdenblog)

Fringe, tassels and edging are embellishments that can add another dimension to window treatments.  They are like the jewelry of an outfit, providing a finishing touch.  Trims can raise the elegance factor of a window treatment, making them stand out more.

A plaid curtain hanging from a window providing window treatments.
Trim accents this window treatment (Pinterest)
A zebra print curtain.
A belt and contrasting fabric accent this window shade (Pinterest)
A red and gold tassel hanging from a window treatment.
Rope trim and a tassel put the finishing touches on this window treatment (Pinterest)
A dress with tassels.
Tassel fringe adds to the elegance of this window panel (apositivelybeautifulblog.tumblr via Pinterest)

When selecting the window treatment for a room, use fabrics that coordinate with the upholstery and rugs.  You can create a bold statement by using contrasting fabrics on the window treatments.  Check scale as well when choosing fabrics.  If other patterns in the room are large, go for a smaller scale pattern for the window fabric.

A bed with a pink and orange comforter and window treatments.
Coordinating fabrics highlight these window treatments (BHG)
A bed in a bedroom with window treatments.
Contrasting fabric on the window treatment (BHG)

Window treatments give a certain completion to a room.  They add depth, color and softness to an interior.  You can select sleek and modern designs of shades and drapes or create more elaborate window treatments by layering shades, drapes and top treatments.  The right window treatment can really make the difference in a room.

 

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