WINDOW TREATMENT BASICS

Learn about the different styles of window treatments and how to choose the ones just right for your home


Window treatment is another term for curtains, drapes, shades, blinds, valances, and other embellishments for windows. Originally used for privacy and to keep homes warmer or cooler, today's window treatments are now used for decorative purposes as well. No matter whether your home is formal or casual, contemporary or traditional, there is a window treatment style to suit your tastes. If you are on a strict budget but want to change the look of a room, new window treatments is an inexpensive way to do so. If you're thinking about these changes, you should find the information you need here to help you decide what's best for your windows. We'll describe the various types of window treatments and tell you the best places to go for more information, and where you can buy them as well as information on how to make them yourself.

Window Treatment Styles

Drapes and curtains are more traditional looks in window treatments. Drapes hang from a traverse rod and usually use a cord to open and close them. They are usually lined and are made from heavier fabric. Curtains are similar in that they hang from curtain rods, but are usually opened and closed by hand, and are made from lighter weight fabric and are not lined. Shades have also been around for a long time, although today there are many different styles than the traditional roll-up shade we might have grown up with. Blinds have been around since Colonial times, but today there are more style choices than ever before. These window treatment choices are decorative as well as functional, and most have been around for a number of years. There are other treatment styles that serve as decorative features, such as valances, swags, and window toppers.

Where to go for more information

  • We can't say enough about Home & Family Network. They have so many articles about the various treatment styles you could literally spend hours at this one site alone.
  • JC Penney's offers custom-made curtains and drapes, blinds and shades.
  • For the do-it-yourselfer, DIY Network (Do It Yourself) offers tons of ideas on how to make your own as well as embellish store-bought curtains.
  • A visit to your local fabric store's (JoAnn Fabrics, for example) decorating department will let you see available fabrics and pick up pamphlets and other ideas for doing your own window treatments.

Other Window Treatments

A valance is a top treatment for windows that can be used by itself or with cafe curtains. These are very easy to do yourself, so if you haven't much experience in sewing, start with this one.

Cafe curtains are short panels hung across the bottom half of a window.

Tiebacks are used to pull the curtain to the side, and are often cording, ribbon, small rope or fabric. The tiebacks usually have a small hook to attach to (called a holdback), at each side of the curtain itself.

Swags are round-edged valances centered in a single window, or a series across the top of a larger window which are often part of a formal drapery treatment.

Blinds are available in horizontal and vertical slats and are made of plastic, metal, wood, bamboo, fabric, and paper.

Shades are window treatments that can be raised or lowered by a cording system or a spring. Many styles are available, from the standard roll-up shade to the elaborate balloon or Roman style shades.

Shutters are hinged on the side, often made of wood or similar material, and used for privacy. There are many styles available now, including shutters with fabric inlays.

In Other Words . . .

No matter what your window style, from traditional squared or rectangular shaped windows to arched, bay or bow, picture windows or sliding doors, there is a window treatment to fit each type. Window treatments greatly enhance your interior design, and should not be overlooked when you are re-doing a room. It's certainly an easy way to give your room a lift, and if you are careful and shop around or are willing to make them yourself, you can enjoy a new look for your home without spending a lot of money.

Resource Index

Audio-Video-and-Cameras:
Plasma TV, LCD TV, MP3 Players, TIVO, Satellite TV, Dgitial Cameras, Digital Camcorders, Bose iPod Speakers, Multimedia Projectors, GPS, Blu-ray Disc

Computer and Accessories:
Choosing a Laptop Computer, Computer Memory Upgrade, Copying a Hard Drive, Dual Monitors, Networking Computers, Microsoft Office, PDA's, Cheap Ink/Toner, Color Laser Printers, Multifunction Printers, Scanners, USB Flash Drives, Wireless Printers, Dell computers, Wireless Routers, Wireless G Routers, Wireless N Routers, Laptop Carrying Cases

Computer and Video Games:
Age of Empires III, Battlefield 2

Entertainment:
Online Gambling, Poker, Routlette, Blackjack, Craps and other Online Games, Online Casinos, Movies, Online DVD Rentals, Home Theater Systems , Home Theater Components, HDTV, HDTV Buying Tips, HD Radio, Portable DVD Players, Magazine Subscriptions

Fun-Hobbies:
Tropical Fish, Aquariums, Scrapbooking, Rubber Stamping, Geneology, Geocaching, Soap Making, Candle Making

Legal:
Criminal Defense Attorneys, Tax Attorneys, Lemon Law Protection, Structured Settlements, Investment Fraud, Bankruptcy Attorneys, Personal Injury Attorneys, Family Law

CellPhones-and-Communication
Cell Phones, Cell Phone Carriers, Prepaid Cell Phone Plans, Cell Phone Ringtones, Headsets, VOIP, Cheap Long Distance, iPhone, Blackberry, Bluetooth Technology, SmartPhones

Jobs-Schooling
Online College Degrees, Business Degrees, Home Schooling, Drivers Education, Job Resumes, Online Job Search
Internet:
Cybercrime Prosecution, IE Security, Affordable Web Hosting, Web Hosting, Domain Name Registration, Search Engines, Web Site Design, Internet Mailing Lists, Blogging, Internet Serive Providers, Free Email, Clip Art

Finance and Insurance:
Auto Insurance, Car Insurance Quotes, RV Insurance, General Insurance, Travel Insurance, Business Insurance, Basic Guide to Consolidating Student Loans, Cash Advance Loans, Federal Student Loan Consolidation, Debt Consolidation, Debt Management, Credit Card Debt Consolidation, Free Credit Reports, Home Mortgages, Home Equity Loans, Mortgage Refinancing, Mortgage Rates, Mortgage Companies, Second Mortgages, Mortgage Brokers, Health Insurance, Insurance Quotes, Term life Insurance, Mortgage note buyer, Renter's Insurance, Household Budgeting

Home:
Home improvement, Outdoor Lighting, Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Countertops, Espresso Makers, Food Processors, Coffee Makers, Coffee Grinders, Slow Cookers, Popcorn makers, Blenders, Cutting Boards, Refrigerators, Freezers, Washers & Dryers, Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen & Bathroom Faucets, Bathtubs, House Windows, Closet Organizers, Window Treatments, Hardwood Floors, Carpeting, Home Security, Water Heaters, Water Filters, Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Bamboo Flooring, Portable Air Conditioners, Dehumidifiers, Siding, House Cleaning Services, Home Organization, Vacuum Cleaners, Cannister Vacuum Cleaners, Handcheld Vacuum Cleaners, Upright Vacuum Cleaners, Stick Vacuum Cleaners, Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaners, Furnaces, Fireplace Inserts, Electric Space Heaters, Pellet Stoves, Wood Stoves, Heat Pumps, Buying a used car



Business-Office-Supplies:
Discount Office Supplies, Home Office, Office Furniture, Copiers, Home Business, Business Cards, Business Brochures, Mailing List Companies, Affiliates, Franchises, Business Telephone Systems, Employment Agencies, Call Centers, Fax Machines
Health and Wellness:
Fioricet for Migraine Relief, Online Pharmacies, Phentermine for dieting, Tramadol for Chronic Pain Relief, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Lawyers, Acne Treatment, Contact Lenses, Drug Rehabilitation, Cerebral Palsy, Hair Loss, Hair Loss Products, Human Growth Hormones , Diet Pills, Treadmills, Fragrances, Reducing Cholesterol, Diabetes, Obesity, Arthritis, High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Acid reflux, Cialis, Understanding Depression, Unraveling Diet Plans, Erectile dysfunction, Lipitor, Sleep Loss, Viagra, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Living With Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder

Gifts:
Gift Ideas, Corporate Gifts, Gift Cards, Wristwatches, Replica Watches, Sunglasses, Wholesale Jewelry, Jewelry Boxes, Wedding Gifts, Food Gifts, Books, Music, Flowers, Gift Baskets, Candles & Candleholders, Chocolate & Candy

Sports:
Health Clubs, Home Gyms, Treadmills, Golf, Golf Vacations, Golf Schools, Golf Clubs, Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Basketball

Travel:
Railroad Train Travel, Greyhound Bus Travel, Moving Guide, Rental Cars, Luxury Cruises, Maui Vacation, Spain Travel, Panama Cruise, Mexico Travel, Europe Travel, Disneyland Vacation, Disney World Vacation, Airline Tickets, Las Vegas Vacations, Las Vegas Sights, Las Vegas Entertainment, Las Vegas Dining, Lake Tahoe, Reno Vacations, Grand Canyon Vacation, Alaska Vacation, San Juan Island Vacation, Seattle Vacation, San Francisco Vacation, San Diego Vacation, SeaWorld Vacation, Yellowstone Park Vacation, Los Angeles Vacation, Bed & Breakfasts, Las Cruces New Mexico Vacation, Texas Hill Country Vacation, Columbia River Gorge Vacation, Albuquerque Vacation, New Mexico Vacation, Utah Vacation, Denver Vacation, Carlsbad Caverns, Branson, Missouri, Arizona Vacations, Jackson Wyoming, Skiing Wyoming, Skiing Oregon, Skiing Utah, Skiing Colorado, Skiing California, Skiing Washington State, Skiing Idaho

Yard-and-Garden:
Lawn Care, Patio Furniture, Hot Tubs & Spas, Gazebos, Fences, Decks, Barbeque Grills, Greenhouses, Patios, Sprinkler Systems, Landscape Design, Backyard Ponds, Bird Baths, Hedge Trimmers, String Trimmers, Wheelbarrows and Gardencarts, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Care Tools, Lawn Edgers, Leaf Blowers, Now Blowers, Rakes