Custom window treatments can be intimidating for many consumers. Many are overwhelmed by the choices in treatments. Others worry that custom window treatments may be cost prohibitive. There are even those individuals who feel that window treatments are only appropriate for traditional design styles. The reality is that yes, there are thousands of style, fabric and design options for custom window treatments. Window treatments can be as diverse and creative as the creative mind can imagine and a good designer can design. And although they can be costly, they should be considered as an investment, something that, if done correctly, you will live with and enjoy for many years to come. I came across an article recently that stated that on average, individuals who purchase store bought window treatments will change them out once per year while individuals who purchase custom treatments will keep their treatments for at least seven years. If you do the math, at about $100 per window for store bought treatments, you have paid more for them over seven years than if you had invested the money to purchase custom treatments.
There are many other benefits to purchasing custom treatments you may not have been aware of. If done correctly, your new treatments can help improve energy efficiency within your home which can save you money in long run as well. The quality of your treatments should be such that the lining will protect your investment and other furnishings over time. Good lining will make all the difference and you should discuss lining options with your decorator during the design process.
With store bought treatments you will have to settle for the limited styles and sizes available in the stores. When you purchase custom, your treatments will be made specifically for your window size and for your style. This is part of the reason they will last for seven years or more. If done correctly, your treatments should fit perfectly with the style of your room and for your window style and size.
However, before you purchase new custom treatments it is a good idea to have a basic understanding of their function and basic design elements so that you may be better suited to navigate through the choices and work more intelligently with a professional to achieve just the look you are after for your home.
There are two basic categories of window treatments, hard treatments and soft treatments. Hard treatments are your more functional treatment like shades, shutters and blinds. Many manufacturers are working very hard to find ways to make hard treatments more attractive. For the most part, however,these types of treatments are functional, they are meant to serve a purpose: to provide privacy or to conserve energy or block or allow natural light, etc. They can be aesthetically appropriate on their own in more modern and industrial designs.
Soft window treatments include fabric made treatments such as draperies, cornice boards and soft shades (roman shades, balloon shades, Austrian shades, etc.). Although are often quite functional, are meant to be more aesthetically pleasing.
Often times the design and functionality are both important elements within a design scheme, and therefore both types of treatments need to be combined to create a completely functional and attractive design. A good decorator will carefully listen to and observe the needs of the client and the space in order to create a treatment that serves its functional purpose while still creating an appropriate design statement. Her job should be to help you navigate through the thousands of design, function and fabric choices in order to find the perfect window treatment for you. That is why it is so important that you choose a decorator that you can trust and that clearly shows an understanding of your design style and needs.
Hopefully you have a little better understanding about the different types of custom window treatments.
Paola McDonald, Certified Interior Decorator and Owner of Creative Elegance Interiors, LLC
Creative Elegance Interiors is a full service interior decorating and design firm based in Haymarket, VA and serving Northern Virginia, Washington, DC and parts of Maryland. We work with homeowners to create beautiful, functional, elegant home spaces that meet their and their families needs. We offer everything from custom window treatments, to kitchen and bathroom design, to furnishings and accessories. Our design style is elegant, sophisticated and clean. Our goal is to create home spaces that are beautiful, functional and designed to be enjoyed.
Creative Elegance Interiors, LLC
(571) 331-4801
http://www.creativeeleganceinteriors.com
http://www.creativeeleganceinteriors.wordpress.com
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