Different Window Treatments to Match Different Decorating Styles

Whether it’s contemporary, traditional, casual or eclectic, choosing the right window treatment that is in keeping with the style of the room can do much to enhance the look of the room. After all the trouble you’ve taken to achieve a particular look in every room in your home, don’t stop at the windows.

Rushing out and buying fabrics for your windows could very well turn out to be a mistake as fabrics that look good in the show room are not necessarily the best choice for your windows. Buying fabric that matches the decor of the room is by far more important. A tapestry curtain, no matter how fabulous it looks, would be completely inappropriate in a room that is designed in a contemporary style.

Here are some suggestions for different window treatment options that will help you maintain the decorating style in any room.

Traditional Décor

Typically formal and fussy, traditional decorating style is reminiscent of old world European design where even furniture styles had monikers like Queen Anne and Louis XV. Here are a few window treatment ideas that complement the traditional décor of the room:

• Chintz, velvet, damask, tapestry, silk and linen are the fabrics of choice that will you achieve the traditional look.
• As a rule, heavier furniture calls for curtains made from heavier fabric. If you are determined to have sheer curtains, use them as panels that can be seen when your formal draperies are tied back.
• Draperies and curtains should be long enough to touch the floor and even beyond. Extra long curtains that end in a heap of folds on the floor is tres traditional and romantic to boot.
• Decorative tiebacks, tassels, bows, elegant braids and swag cords add elegance and drama to the curtains. Add extra flair to the curtains with jabots and swags.
• Shades or blinds should be included beneath the draperies and curtain for light control and privacy.

Contemporary Décor

Contemporary decorating style is absolutely non-fussy; the emphasis is on minimal décor with clean lines. These few window treatment suggestions will blend well with a room that is designed in a minimalist fashion.

• Minimalist and non-fussy, blinds or wood shutters are perfect for a contemporary room. They provide adequate privacy and light control without detracting from the atmosphere of the room.
• If you must, add side panels and a valance of sheer fabric.
• Windows that are architecturally beautiful are best left unadorned. A simple border stenciled around the window could add extra drama to the window.

Casual Décor

Typically, anything goes in a casual style. There are no rigid rules to follow; only guidelines.

• Cotton curtains go much better with casual décor than curtains made from more formal fabrics such as velvet or tapestry.
• Colorful printed curtains that are shorter in length convey a mood that is informal, relaxed and playful.
• Add life to a plain window with Roman shades made with geometric pattern designs or different types of stripes.

Eclectic Décor

Eclectic décor is a nifty blend of two different interior decorating styles. The window treatment you choose should reflect this blend of décor styles in a non-garish way.

• Use a single swag to add an element of drama to the window
• To add a touch of romance to your windows let your drapery panels flow to the floor in a folded heap.
• Simple metal blinds provide privacy and light control.