Window treatments are the perfect finishing touch to your room. They’re usually the last thing that you add but they can really make a difference to the look and feel of your space, bringing together all the elements of your home.
The type of window treatments you use depends on your space, window shape and size and how much light or privacy you want in your living space. Let’s take a look at some of the window treatments you can choose from.
Window treatment ideas
The different types of window treatments on offer can get confusing, especially when you try to work out which you like best and which work There are lots of different types of window treatments available including temporary window treatments, like:
Window Film
Window films are an excellent window treatment for any room and property style. Coming in a range of styles including privacy window film, frosted window film, stained glass window film and much more, it’s a versatile treatment made to make any house feel like a home.
Window film can be used to decorate your home, add privacy and keep the warmth in during those dreaded winter months. Not only this but they are easy to apply, made to measure, easy to clean and simple to remove if you wish to.
Window films also take up little space, especially when compared to curtains or drapes, making them an excellent addition without taking up too much room. With their ability to add privacy, protect against UV rays and keep the warmth in, they’re an excellent budget friendly window treatment for all room types and sizes. They’re especially useful for small or awkward windows that would be difficult to add blinds or curtains to.
For those who are renting but want to add personal touches to their home, window film treatments are a good option as they can be easily applied and removed with little to no damage.
Curtains and Drapes
Drapes and curtains are usually panels of fabric that cover your window and drop below the windowsill. Curtains tend to be made from lighter fabric and hang from a rod at the top of the window whereas drapes are usually floor-length and made from heavier materials. They come in a range of fabrics, colours and sizes, but if you have unusually shaped or sized windows (or you’re trying to cover an alcove), custom-made options may be best.
Curtains and drapes can be a great addition to patio door window treatments, sliding door window treatments or even bay window treatments, as they provide stylish shading and act as a barrier against the cold.
Curtains and drapes can sometimes be bulky and take up space in a room, which can be annoying if you’re low on space or the configuration of your room means they’re in the way. Curtains and drapes can also be tricky to keep clean, especially if you have a large pair that don’t easily fit in a normal washing machine, so they’re not always the best for spaces like kitchens where they can get messy and absorb odours.
Blinds and Shades
Blinds can be excellent options for kitchen and bathroom window treatments and are attached to a frame at the top of your window. They use panels or slats to let the light into the room (or block it out as needed). They can be vertical or horizontal and made from different types of fabric and colours, making them easy to match your style. Custom-made and fitted blinds are available for those with large windows or unusual shapes or sizes, but this can get expensive.
How to Choose Window Treatments
When choosing your window treatments there are a few things you should consider, such as:
The Room’s Use
If your window treatment is going to be in a space with lots of traffic or is going to be used often you should look for one that is durable. If you’re covering a window in a kitchen, bathroom, outbuilding, conservatory or orangery the type of window treatment you choose should be something that doesn’t become damp as these can lead to mould and smells within your home, which can often lead to illness.
Whether you’re looking for privacy
To improve privacy and security, or be able to see out of your window whilst stopping people from seeing inside your home window films are a great option. If you’re overlooked, live on a high-traffic street or have lots of unwanted light coming into your home at night it’s wise to choose a window treatment that blocks this out. Blackout window films or curtains are a good choice.
How much window space you have
Unusual window shapes, alcoves and large windows that don’t conform to standard sizes can make it difficult to fit blinds and curtains. As a result, you may need to get these custom-made, which can get expensive depending on the type of window treatments you choose to implement. For a more affordable and easy application window treatment, window films can help you quickly fit a made-to-measure solution to your windows.
The integrity of your walls
Blinds and curtains usually need to hang from a pole or rail which is fitted to the wall. If your walls are older or have new plaster, it might be difficult to fit a pole or rail that will safely bear weight on them. A window film can be a better window treatment to protect your walls. There are a wide range of styles and designs available to fit any type of decor. They can also be ideal for rental properties where you don’t want to damage the walls.