Using Drapes and Curtains to Treat Yourself and Your Windows

There are many styles of curtains, shades, valances and other window treatments that you can use to dress your windows. Dressed windows add to the charm of your house and make it look gorgeous. The key is to keep things in balance rather than overpower the space with too many contrasting colors. Window treatments can cost a mint these days, especially if the person doing the decorating would like to find something which is not only practical but also aesthetically pleasing. You can create your own window treatment with ideas from the internet, your local library, a craft shop or even book stores. All you need to do the job are a few supplies and a little patience, and if you know how to sew then it's an added advantage.

Custom Treatment

By custom treatment we mean the traditional way of doing up the window dressing. Custom window treatments may range from the traditional Victorian, Adirondack or country to contemporary modern or just plain challenging. You might like custom made roman shades to coordinate with your bedspread or a tailored pleated valance that lends itself to multiple fabric combinations. Balloon shades can be used as a valance or a fully functioning shade. Swags and cascades can make your window look classic or casual. Draw drapes or stationary drapes are timeless solutions appropriate to any décor when installed with the right decorative hardware. Upholstered cornices can enhance any drapery while wood cornices can do the same for valances. Whether it's a gathered panel with valence, lace panels, and stationary drapes or European style sheers teamed with cotton lace it will create an ambience in your room that you will simply love.

Bay Window Treatment

A window which is three sided or more and protrudes from the outer wall of a house is called a bay window. Far too many people cover up their bay windows with curtains. Graceful and romantic bay windows are windows that everyone likes to have in their house. Very few people know the exact way to treat a bay window. If the view from such a window is outstanding and privacy and light control are not a matter of concern then this wonderful window should be left uncovered. If a bay window features handsome window frames, consider playing them up with individual, inside mounted café curtains, shades or blinds. Roman shades with contrast branding are tailored and traditional. Put simple shades or blinds on closely spaced windows, then add a continuous valence and a series of shallow swags. Plan carefully so the top treatments conceals the under treatments when they are raised. For bay windows with a little space between windows, flank the entire wooden area with a pair of panels and top the treatment with a cornice. No matter what you do the ultimate aim is to make it look appealing.

Designer Window Treatments

As the title suggests, this has got every thing to do with a designer who is simply going to dress up your window. This is going to be one expensive affair but the ultimate result will just keep your eyes fixed on the beauty of your window. With this type of treatment everything may depend on the person designing your window treatment. Right from fabric to style to color, all of it will be different and outstanding. Not everybody can afford to do designer window treatments but if you are one among those who can, be ready to get loads of compliments for your windows.

Kitchen Window Treatments

Your kitchen window should be done in such a way that it coordinates with the color and style of your kitchen cabinets. Use window treatments that control light, it is also important to choose a window treatment that is easy to clean. Near gas ranges select a window treatment that cannot blow near the flame and become a fire hazard. The many kinds of treatments include roller shades, bamboo or wood shades, blinds, shutters, curtains and draperies. Some of these will be much easier to clean than others. Do consider the window hardware and placement so that it will not interfere with the window treatment.

Karen Hughes is an interior decor consultant, get further curtain and drapes ideas at Drapes'n'Curtains this is your first stop for information about Curtains and Drapes.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Bay Window Curtains

To answer the nagging question that so many bay window owners have, namely "How do I treat a bay window?" let's first take a look at what a bay window is and what that means to you the homeowner. A bay window is a recessed window with angled sections. So in essence it is like one large window, with two smaller angled windows on either side. For many, especially those with an outstanding view and with privacy and light control this should not be a concern because it is a great window to leave uncovered. Unfortunately most bay windows do not have fabulous views and plenty of privacy. Most bay windows require window treatments such as bay window curtains.

Each bay window is going to have a unique set of circumstances that will dictate what type of bay window curtain or treatment should be used. So, let's take a look at a few of these:

If your bay window has unique features, or maybe features handsome window frames, etc. consider playing them up with individual, inside-mounted cafe curtains, shades, or blinds. Roman shades with contrast banding are tailored and traditional.

For closely spaced windows, try a simple set of shades or blinds, and add a continuous valance or a series of shallow swags. If you can plan carefully, your bay window curtains will look lovely whether your blinds are up or down. If you should use a valance, plan so the top treatment conceals the under treatments when they're raised.

For many bay windows, you will want to use rod-pocket curtains or curtains on rings. If you have rod-pocket curtains and curtains on rings you should know that they may require a hinged, flexible, or custom-bent rod to fit your window properly.

If your bay windows are not closely spaced, and if there is enough space in between, hang a stationary panel between windows and at each outer window. For a bay window with little space between windows, flank the entire window area with a pair of panels and top the treatment with a cornice. This will give you the best looking results for whatever bay window you have.

Despite the stigma, finding the perfect window curtains for covering the bay windows in your home is easier than you think. You do not have to spend a whole lot of money to get bay window curtains that fit your needs. Affordable bay window curtains are available in various solid colors, print fabrics, and also in a huge selection of materials. You are not limited to one or two choices. You can also skip bay window curtains altogether and simply treat your bay windows with blinds and a window topper such as a valance or cornice. When it comes to bay window curtains you can choose from a variety of styles including... Pinch Pleated Drapes, Insulated Drapery Panels with foam backing, Tab Top Drapes, Velvet Drapes, simple valances, detailed cornices and more! And why not use a little of everything, for bay window curtains and drapes you can usually find bother the drapes and a coordinating valance top.

Have fun with your bay window curtains, and do not let the size or shape be an obstacle, rather make it a fun design challenge.

HomeBuildingRemodeling.com is a leading source of quality home building, remodeling and home design information. To receive free building and remodeling articles delivered daily by email, visit HomeBuildingRemodeling.com and enter your name and email under the Free Home Building and Remodeling Updates section.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.