EDesigns Custom Interiors

                                                            Window Treatment Functions

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Imagine your rooms without windows just dark boxes with no light and no view. Now think of your rooms with windows full of light and expanding your world.  Better yes and in some cases it may be preferable, as with an art glass window or beautiful casings, to not cover the window.  This is the exception, most of the time we need to consider privacy and the ability to control the light in some way.  Window treatments are both functional and decorative; they make our homes more comfortable while adding style and color. They soften the edges of the window and enhance the view or block unsightly views when necessary. In eastern and western window it may be necessary for the window treatment to protect the room from the heat of the sun and from the fading effects it has on rugs and furniture. Probably the biggest reason we seek window treatments for our home is the style and beauty they impart. Putting up Plain Jane metal blinds or roller shades just doesn’t do much to add beauty or style to a room.

Having identified the need for window treatments is the first step in the process of dressing the windows. Next the function of the window treatments must be considered. One function of the window treatment might be to allow access to the window so it may be opened to let fresh air into the room. Another reason for opening the window might be to hear the sounds of the outdoors. These sounds could be bird songs, rustling leaves or even the surf that would expand the feel of our rooms and bring us pleasure. If the window will be opened the treatment should be such that it is not an issue in the process of opening and closing the window. Some windows are designed to not open and are therefore stationary with no need to consider ease of movement.

Another consideration of the window treatment function could be protection of the interior furnishings. These furnishing could be furniture, rugs, artwork or even the window treatment fabric. If the window is facing a direction that has a high intensity of sun at some point in the day the treatment must be able to effectively block the harsh rays at the proper time. Yet it must allow light during the remaining part of the day when the sun is not an issue. Not being aware of this need for protection from the sun’s rays causes fading and possible deterioration of the room’s furnishings. Also in hot climates the sun shining directly into the room will cause the room to heat up and require more cooling to be comfortable. In cold climates there could be an advantage to a heavy window treatment to assure no cold seepage into the room during the intensely low temperatures at night. During the day in the cold winters the ability to open the windows treatment to let in the sun would help to warm the room.

Yet another issue might be privacy. If the window faces a public space there would be a need to assure the treatment would afford the room privacy for its occupants when needed. On the other hand if the window faced a private garden with a secure perimeter there would be no issue with the window treatment being decorative only and giving no privacy protection. This window treatment could allow for a full view of a garden both night and day. This would enable the homeowner to have a beautifully lit night view of the garden that could create drama for the room as well as a great garden view during the day. These private types of views whether they are gardens, beaches or forests enhance the room and give it a larger feeling by bring the outside in.

In some cases there might be a need for windows to be blacked out at certain times of the day or night. If there is a day sleeper in the room the window treatments would need to have blackout liners to provide the most effective light blockage possible. This would also be true for a room that has windows that allow lights from sources outside the home during the night to shine into the room. Another room that might require full light blockage could be a theater room. To create the feel of a theater, the room would need to be darkened with a  light source from maybe wall sconces that could be turned off or dimmed during the performance. It is important to plan for light control when designing the window treatments as it most likely cannot be included after the treatments are completed.

When your window treatment functions have been identified the design style of the room must be determined. This also will play a major role in determining the style and type of window treatments for your rooms.