Believe it or not, your window treatments can reveal quite about your personality and design style. There are several design styles out there, but the majority of people tend to fall into one of three main design style categories: traditional, contemporary, and transitional. Today we’re going to dig a little deeper at the elements that define each of these styles and see if it fits your design style.

But first, let’s talk quickly about the benefits of using window treatments in your home.

Why You Should Dress Your Windows

There’s no written rule saying you have to dress your windows. With that said, there are some really good reasons to do so. A window treatment is much more than a window covering. There is an abundance of styles available that can be used to enhance the functionality and style of your windows. In addition to adding beauty to your home, window coverings:

• Provide privacy, which comes in handy especially if you have neighbors in close proximity.
• Allow for light control, which is helpful when it comes to blocking some of the UV rays that can cause gradual damage to your walls and upholstery.
• Insultate, which keeps rooms cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This can be a huge energy-saver, shaving money off your electric bill.  

Even if you only dress some of your windows, your home, and its decor can benefit from it.

Window Treatments and Your Design Style

Traditional

Traditional treatments are most commonly defined by their details–and in a traditional room, window treatments are a major design element. Although some drapery can be overly ornate–finished off with swags or pronounced hardware–this is not the only way to represent the traditional style. Something as simple as Roman shades in an elegant pattern, or solid-colored drapes, complete with box pleat and button detail, can be just as traditional as a treatment that’s excessively decorative.

If you feel joy when you look at detail or can’t help but smile at a beautiful pattern, then traditional style may be for you.

Contemporary

Often confused with the modern design style, contemporary is a bit more forgiving when it comes to the “guidelines.” In regards to contemporary window treatments, the focus is twofold, being that it’s on the pattern of the fabric or the simplistic structure–rarely ever on both.

If you actively embrace the “less is more” way of life, then contemporary design style may be for you.

Transitional

Transitional is the middle ground between traditional and contemporary. Draperies with something such as a pinch pleat up top and more color and pattern throughout is a good example of transitional window treatments. The pinch pleat is more of a traditional trademark while the excess of color and pattern verges more on contemporary. Transitional window treatments allow you to have the best of both design worlds: the familiar and the flexibility.

If a harmonious space makes you feel at peace, and if you enjoy being able to freshen the look of your space on a whim, then transitional design style may be for you.

How to Get Your Window Treatments Right

Now that you know what design style you gravitate toward based on your window treatments, let’s talk a bit about how to get your window treatments right. Below are a few dos and don’ts to take into consideration when dressing your windows:

• Do be selective with color and pattern. Window treatments are one of the most visible accents in a room, so it’s important that you make your color and pattern choices carefully. Consider the entire space and choose window treatments that will complement, rather than overtake the area.
• Don’t forget the hardware. Hardware is more important than you may realize. Even the prettiest window treatments can look flat out wrong if they’re paired with the wrong hardware. Again, choose carefully, picking rods and finials that suit the fabric you choose.
• Do remember the importance of fabric. As with upholstery, window treatments should suit the room they will be in. For example, a high-traffic area will best benefit from fabrics that are durable and easy-to-clean. Just as rooms that need extra warmth and privacy will benefit from fabrics that are thick.
• Don’t skimp on the details. One thing you can never go wrong within your home is texture–and window treatments give you the perfect opportunity to incorporate it into your decor. Details such as fringe, tassels, or decorative trim can elevate the style of your treatments as well as the amount of visual interest. Layering your window treatments is another way to rev up the textural beauty.

If you are looking for beautiful fabrics for window treatments near Katy, TX, we have just what you need! Come by either of our locations in Houston where you will find interior (and exterior) fabrics that will be the perfect window treatment fabrics!