When designing the overall look of a space, many individuals overlook window treatments. Some of you might have not changed your current drapes or curtains in years, not contemplating about the way they can shape your living space in addition to being functional. While there are many styles to choose from they all serve a certain purpose. Depending on your choice of treatment, you can achieve a wide variety different aesthetic looks to suit your style without compromising functionality.

Window treatments provide privacy and climate control, keeping prying eyes and seasonal temperatures from invading your space. Having window treatments also saves you money in the long run. Better climate control means a lower energy bill, and when closed, window treatments can protect your furniture and floor from UV damage and fading, (yay for being thrifty)! Protect your hard-labored design work while still adding to the look and feel of your space.

There are a lot of ways in which adding drapes or curtains can change the look of your room. Checkout the tip below from Ballard Designs to change the look for your windows through the use of drapes. Depending on how the drapes are hung over the frames of the window, you can change the overall aesthetic of your window to add either more height or more depth without making major renovations.

Curtains can also come in handy in other areas of your space. To create a more open atmosphere, replace doors with curtains to open up the area. If you’ve got open storage closets, cover up with a curtain to allow access but still hide away all your not-so-beautiful junk. This budget- friendly technique can be used anywhere you would like to create a sense of separation or privacy. Think of curtains as accessories to your home, able to add pops of color and pattern to any room. So next time you gleefully step into Ikea, don’t mosey on by the window department, you could find something amazing to truly transform your space!

So we know how the addition of window treatments can add to your interior decor, but how do you choose which treatments are best for your space and what should you look for? There are two main window treatments that can add visual intrigue to your décor.

Drapes are the first, these are often made of thick heavy material, and block out large amounts of UV light. Drapes typically fall from the top of the window or higher and hang all the way to the floor, sometimes with extra fabric to sweep onto the floor for added drama. Drapes can be hung from rods above the window and are usually pulled back with cords or ribbons.

Curtains are the second option, these are made from a lighter material and block out less light than drapes. Curtains can be sheer and light, and are often hung from rods over the window with mobile hooks to allow the curtain to be pulled open or closed. A sheer curtain can also be used underneath drapes, to add the option of filtering less or more light while still adding privacy.

Drapes and curtains can be used to enhance a room in the same way furniture can. Your choice of texture, color and style, can be a great way to add extra oomph to your décor. Window treatments can also be customized with the addition of decorative rods, brackets and finials. Using tiebacks and a wall mounted hook to pull your drapes back is also an easy way to add some extra style and finishing touches to your design. These little extra details will make a huge difference and are easy to switch out when re-decorating. If you need a few more tips and advice, check out these questions from Real Simple to ask yourself while picking out treatments!

How are you incorporating drapes and curtains in your interior design?

xo Amanda!