Is it necessary?
Why do you need a window treatment? If you have the perfect window, you may decide you don't need to do anything to it.
So what's a perfect window? It has been described as a window which is beautiful in itself, which provides a magnificent view outside, and which also provides the right amount of daylight for the room and allows it into the right areas, and give the opportunity to allow in fresh air.
Yea, right, but few of us have windows like that! Either the view is great and the window is ugly, or the window is attractive but looks out onto a brick wall or a builders' yard. Or if only the neighbors would reduce their enormous hedge which cuts out all the light...
Enter Your Window Treatment
And that's where this subject comes into its own. You can disguise the window, enhance it, bring out it's good points, or if there aren't any, simply cover it up.
Your treatments can be as simple or as complex as you like; from just a piece of cloth hung on a pole or rod, to elaborate uses of fabrics, fringes, edgings, tassels, tie backs and newly invented headings.
Or shades. Plain shades, Roman shades, voluptuous festoon shades, slatted or Venetian shades. Then there are aluminum shades, vinyl, bamboo, paper, wood. And screens and shutters, painted glass and stained glass.
You can see there's plenty to think about - probably too much! So let's break it down into a few sections on their own.
Practical Windows
In many situations the way your dress your window will be of a very practical nature, so here's a few pointers.
Practical Window Shades
There are many ways to use shades as part of your window treatments. This section gives practical advice.
Curtains and Drapes
These are the most commonly used solutions to dressing your windows. Our interactive sketchbook will help you select your design.
Curtain Tracks and Poles
Tracks or poles? They both have something to offer.
Valances and top treatments
Different ways of using top treatments.
General advice on Window Shades
Shades can be used in conjunction with drapes, but can often provide the best solution when used on their own.
Fabric Shades
Fabric shades allow you a huge range of choice of fabric and effect.
Silk Curtains
Silk curtains have a richness all their own, but there are a few things you should know.
Blackout Curtains
Blackout curtains can be just the answer for light sleepers or young children.
Bay Windows
There are many possibilites for bay windows.
Designer Windows
Is this something for a select group, or can anyone do it?
Sheer Windows
Sheer fabrics are often neglected for window treatments, but there's a great deal you can do with them.
Contemporary Windows
Keep up to date with the latest ideas.
Arched Windows
Many people struggle with these, but they're not difficult to deal with.
French Windows
Once you take the practical factors into consideration these windows are easy to deal with.
Modern Windows
Here you'll find the pointers you need for your modern treatments.
Other sites of interest
