How to Choose and Install Window Treatments

You have probably noticed by now that Ron is a big fan of shopping online. You can buy almost anything on the Internet, so why not window treatments? While browsing on the Smith and Noble site, Ron and Lynn discovered great decorating ideas and lots of information on how to cover all of the windows in their new home.

While the company doesn't normally send experts to people's homes, they graciously made an exception in Ron's case since he claimed that window coverings are outside his area of expertise. Kara came to help with a few ideas and suggestions for each window in the Hazelton home. After she left, Ron and Lynn went back online to request the fabric swatches that they would need before making any final decisions on their new window coverings.

Dining room
Kara suggested that the Hazelton's chose a style and fabric that creates a sense of formality in the dining room. She recommended a panel treatment mounted about 4 to 8 inches outside of window edges. She also suggested that the panels be mounted close to the ceiling. This would provide a feeling of larger windows and a taller ceiling.

The Hazelton's chose a natural roman shade with fabric panels mounted just as Kara had said.

Family room
In the family room, Kara suggested that they go with either a traditional traversing drapery or side panels.

They chose the single traverse rod with a matching valance on top. This provided a nice frame effect. They also chose a neutral color and fabric so they were not committed to a particular style or color when the completed furnishing the room.

Master bedroom
Ron and Lynn's bedroom has a really wide window with a beautiful view outside that they didn't want to obstruct. But since this is also their bedroom, it was necessary to also create privacy.

Kara recommended double layered, traditional draperies. The sheer underlay would allow them to enjoy the view while still having some privacy, and then the heavy outside drapery could be opened and closed to create total privacy when needed, and also block out the morning light.

A cornice top gives a very rich and finished look to the room.

Little girl's room
In Ron's daughter's room, they decided on roman shades. When it came to choosing fabric, Lynn found exactly what she wanted: a floral print that was not too girlie, but feminine.

Kara thought that they might want to top this treatment again with fabric valance. She also suggested that they consider ordering extra fabric. This way they can create a decorative pillow or cover a seat cushion. It's always nice to have extra fabric on hand.

Guest bathroom
The challenge in the guest bathroom was to come up with a window treatment that would let in plenty of light but also afford privacy.

They chose the Illusions shade, which has a nice clean tailored look.

This is a solid product with a sheer fabric covering the blinds. These shades provide total privacy when the blinds are tilted. The valance on top softens the look of the room.

Kitchen
In the kitchen they once again chose the roman shade. Of all the window treatments, these were the easiest to install. A simple L-bracket and a couple of screws hold the shade in place.

They wanted something in the kitchen that would provide a little color and give the window a finishing touch. For the most part, they would leave the blind drawn up, which creates the look of a valance top treatment. But it is great to have the option of lowering the blind when they need to.

Ron learned that whether you want privacy, the illusion of a taller window, a room theme, a feeling of luxury, light control or room accent… there's a window treatment that will do the trick.