Some decisions in a house are just not that easy to make.  Window treatments and how to choose can be difficult.  There are so many considerations. If you make the choice without thinking it through you will end up being unhappy.

Determine Your Style

I have done that before, not thought through what I really wanted. One thing I have learned is that my drapes or window treatments are going to be there awhile. So try and think it through deliberately. In my post last week I talked about determining your style.  Home decor style says a lot about our personality. It helps us to enjoy living in our home. Window treatments are part of our style. Go back to this post and take some of the home decor style surveys. It will help you get a little direction. Don’t think of it as being stuck in a particular style, think of it more as direction.

Fabric

Ooo, I love fabric.  Fabric stores are one of my favorite places to go. A fabric store can be overwhelming too. That is why having an idea of your style is so important. Are you drawn to clean lines? Then a floral fabric with English roses would not be your style. If you don’t at least get some idea of what makes your heart sing in your house it will be a daunting task. So, take at least one of the home decor style quizzes and find out what you are drawn to. Fabric is also expensive. If someone is going to custom make them for you make sure if LOVE the fabric. Trends go in and out. I do not have enough money to change my window treatments with each trend. I want my choice to last awhile. So try and figure out what you like. Knowing your style will help you in the selection process. If you are not going to have them made, you still need to know your fabric choice. Am I going with solids, floral, checks, paisleys, stripes, there are so many choices. 

Style

The style you put up is important as well. A few years ago no one was putting up drapes. It is funny to me how this waxes and wanes.

I make window treatments for people. 7-10 years ago everyone was doing window treatments that mounted on a board and hung with L brackets. Not anymore, everyone wants drapes now. Usually people want full length drapes.  Styles do change. You would think that in a window treatment it would not be so trendy, but it can be.  Take the time to look. Create a board that has window treatments you like on it.  You will begin to see a style. Maybe you want a short topper that just brings color into your room.

Privacy and Function

Window treatments can provide privacy as well. They are not just decorative for everyone. Think about whether you are going to open and close your curtains. Before you make a choice based solely on how they look think about their function. Do you want to close them at night? Do you want your window treatments to block sunlight or drafts? Your window treatment can be dual purpose, functional and  beautiful. If you are going to be opening and closing your curtains then the rods are an important consideration as well. You don’t want a purely decorative rod that makes opening and closing your curtains difficult. So think about how you are going to use your window treatments, are they going to just hang there or be functional.

Lining

I personally think all window treatments should be lined, but that is also a consideration. This window in the ‘blue bedroom’ has unlined curtains. The blinds are bamboo and room darkening. I don’t need to open and close these curtains.  They are unlined and do not look very heavy. The room has dark furniture and dark walls. I felt like lighter was better and so that meant unlined.

Lining curtains helps them hang nicely and also reduces noise in a room. Lining also makes them last longer.  My curtains I just made in the living room are lined.  I used some linen I actually bought for slip covers, but I needed to get something on those windows. So I decided to go ahead and use the fabric for window treatments.

I deliberated over all the things I have already mentions. After considering the function, style and design I wanted I pressed on. The windows already had the same blinds that are in the bedrooms. So I knew I would not be opening and closing the window treatments in the living room.  I also knew noise was an issue and wanted them lined. The room seemed cold and uninviting as well, so cheery and warm were in order.

I am very pleased with how they turned out, but let me just say they were a bugger to iron. I spent 3 hours ironing them, Linen. UGH.  I tried steaming them, but the steamer just was not going to cut it. The iron was the only way to go and they still look like they need to be ironed.

Things to Consider

1. Function, how are they going to be used.
2. Personal style, you want to love them for awhile.
3. Cost, always something to consider, you want the best value.

If you have a suggestion about the way to get the wrinkles out let me know and any other considerations when choosing your window treatments. Happy decorating, honestly Janet.