Window treatments can make or break a room’s aesthetic.

Check out these tips on what style works where and how to plan a treatment to enhance your space.

A Word on Words

Drapes or curtains? Blinds or shades? Most people blur these pairs of terms, but some experts distinguish between them. Drapes or drapery tend to be a heavier weight, lined, pleated and hung from traverse rods operable by rope. Curtains are sold in panels and are usually less formal, more lightweight, open and close by hand, and sometimes extend only to the bottom window frame.

Blinds are fitted coverings often made from louvres or slats of a sturdy material like wood, metal or plastic. They can operate vertically or horizontally. Shades are mostly made from fabric. They operate by cord to gather at the top or can be on a roller. Modern cellular shades conveniently offer the option of gathering at the top, bottom or mid-height.

Shades & Blinds

Shades and blinds offer versatility and functionality for many different styles of windows and decor, and are ideal for layering under curtains or drapes. For a country look, opt for the classic wood blind; for boho-chic, look for rattan or bamboo blinds.

Blind manufacturers offer clean-lined options like cellular and classic metal blinds. For a more formal feel, have a Roman shade custom made in a fancier fabric like Duponi silk or chintz. In all cases, decide what opacity you need and ensure the quality of hardware is top-notch.

Motorized blinds are a great solution for hard-to-reach windows or for people with mobility challenges. Smart Home apps offer added security.

To Block or Not To Block

Some rooms, like bedrooms or TV rooms, can benefit from blackout window treatments, which can block between 95 and 100 percent of sunlight or urban nighttime light pollution. Blackout lining can also keep rooms cooler in summer, while fleece-lined blackouts add a layer of warmth in winter and give volume to lighter fabrics like silk or polyester.

To avoid being locked-in to either bright or dark spaces, consider layering sheer curtains that filter bright daylight over a blackout blind. Alternately, blind manufacturers have various options for maneuverable blinds sandwiched between semi-sheer layers.

Tip: When choosing fabric for blinds, hold samples up to a window to test for desired transparency or opacity.

Curtains & Drapery

Fabric curtains and drapery add pattern and texture: picture linen, velvet or sheer cotton, and then imagine the plethora of styles available.

Pleat style is key. Pinch pleats offer a traditional look that works with heavier fabrics, while ripple-fold has a modern feel with its waves that hang in linear regularity. Ripple-fold pleats work well with sheers or semi-transparent fabrics; just ensure the textile holds its shape slightly to keep them tailored.

Keep your drapes and curtains in top shape by vacuuming occasionally with a soft brush to remove dust that collects around the rod. Twice a year, wash curtain panels according to the label. Send custom drapes to the professionals to preserve expensive fabrics and avoid shrinkage, especially for larger installations.