Creative Window Treatments: How To Spice Up Your Living Quarters

Home => Home Decorating => Window Decor => Creative Window Treatments
Related Articles: Creative Ways to Decorate with Wooden Blinds | Ideas for Decorating with Window Toppers

Creative Window Treatments: How To Spice Up Your Living Quarters
by Kieron Casey

Interior designers put great store into the treatment of windows in their designs. Experts value interior architectural elements, and windows are often the strongest architectural component of a room. As windows are often the primary focal point in a room, it makes sense to give them priority when decorating. Creative window treatments can spice up the look of an entire room.

Fortunately, when compared to other home furnishings, window treatments are also one of the most affordable ways to make a strong, decorative statement. Contemporary designs in particular, which are often characterised by sleek and simple lines, can be created with minimal expense. In rooms with a modern style, window treatments can play either a starring or supportive role.

Curtains with colours and fabrics that create a subtle, tailored look, such as a suede fabric in a soft charcoal shade – can complement a contemporary style. Conversely, curtains with a contrasting colour or striking design can serve as the primary feature of a contemporary room. One of the hottest trends in contemporary window styling is using a curtain rod that swings away from the wall. This option allows the view outside the window to share the limelight, while maintaining a strong focal point inside as well. A single panel of fabric with an eye-catching design is most often used in this type of window treatment.

Modern rooms don’t necessarily need to be all about minimalism and straight lines. One of the most popular decorating styles today is the eclectic look, a style that represents a mix of personal tastes and fashions. The eclectic style often features contrasting textures – lush velour, velvet or brocade fabrics in rich, saturated colours against natural woods, wicker or rattan. The eclectic look suits those who want to enjoy a sense of luxury in their home without feeling pretentious, or feeling bound to one particular style. Curtains with rich fabrics, accompanied by either metallic rods and fixtures or by natural materials like wood and bamboo, add spice to an eclectic room.

Window treatments offer the best options for expressing the extravagance of the romantic style, and may offer the best opportunity to unleash personal creativity. Whether creating a look of refined aristocracy or a whimsical interpretation of fairy-tale fantasy, romantic window treatments call for an excess of fabric and drapery – all with co-ordinated rods and fixtures. Layers enrich the romantic look, with sheer light panels bordered with heavier draperies, topped with valances or swags, and flanked with tie-backs. Fringe, ruffles and corded trim add to the romance.

When considering creating window treatments, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Try juxtaposing colour, fabric and material in unusual configurations. Experiment with different decorating styles – don’t feel bound to adhere to a single decorating scheme. A creative window treatment can freshen an entire room, and add a bit of spice to everyday home life.

Kieron Casey is a BA (Hons) Journalism graduate who blogs regularly on a number of topics including interior design, home decoration and curtains.

Comment on this article or submit your tip to CreativeHomemaking.com.
Click here for a printer friendly version of this page.
Follow me on Pinterest.
Receive new article links via Twitter!
Follow Creative Homemaking on Facebook!
Recommend this article to a friend!
Search our article archives.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.