3 Tips for Choosing Window Treatments

Since window treatments are one of the most important elements in decorating and most difficult for clients to select, we are delighted to share our three best tips!

Tip #1: Ask Good Questions!

  • Do you need to control the light or manage privacy in your home?
  • Does glare interfere with TV or computer use or is the sun apt to damage your furnishings?
  • Would you like to preserve the natural light while you manage the need for constant or occasional privacy or hide an unpleasant view?
  • Is ease of cleaning important due to allergies or the risk of cords worrisome with children and pets?

Every answer will bring you closer to the perfect solution!

window treatments

Seaside guest room with cordless pleated shades
and cheerful coral drapery

This client wanted to address the light and privacy issues for her newly renovated guest room but she could not find her favorite coral color in a fabric pattern she liked until we offered her this cheerful print by Greenhouse Fabrics!

We discussed her window treatment needs and designed fully functioning drapery at the slider to manage privacy and light issues.

At the window, however, we designed stationary panels to simply add color and soften the architectural moldings with cordless pleated shades to manage the privacy and light issues.

The shades also added a textural element, often overlooked in decorating, in a material that reminded her of golden dune grasses – perfect for this seaside guest room!

Tip #2: Get the Right Fit!

Did you know there are only two places to install a window treatment!

They are installed inside and outside of the window molding. Contrary to popular belief, window treatments should never be installed on the face of the window molding at the upper corners or edges.  You may find pictures of this in popular window treatment catalogs, however, this is only to save space and show the treatment in detail, not for installation positions.

window treatments

Inside Mount:
An inside mount uses the window molding
as a “picture frame” surrounding the window treatment.

window treatments

Outside Mount
An inside mount uses the window molding
as a “picture frame” surrounding the window treatment.

Tip #3: Know Your Options!

There is confusion about which treatment is best because there are so many variables.

Every type of shade, blind or drapery has been designed to deal with a particular problem. Be sure to use the best window treatment option for your situation and budget.  Cordless options are a good solution when the safety of children and pets is of concern but motorization is better when the windows are out of reach over a counter or behind a headboard. Long drapery or sliding panels will make a ceiling appear higher and most will reduce noise.

window treatments

Unattractive deck above the window

window treatments

Natural shade stack hides deck above

Is the Cordless Option Your Perfect Solution?


window treatments

I often recommend Graber Cellular, Pleated, Natural and Roman shades as well as Wood, Faux Wood, and Composite Blinds!

I consider these a perfect option if you have concerns for the safety of your children and pets.

They are also the blinds of choice if you want a neat and tidy appearance for your project.

Schedule an appointment with me today to take advantage of any of the current special offers. I’d love to introduce you to the newest line of shades from Graber. I’d be honored to help you choose window treatments that will perform for years to come and suit your style and budget.