Designing creative window treatments ideas is probably one of the most important things we do to complete a room. When I design window treatments for our clients, I usually like to address a number of functional issues in a way that looks beautiful and compliments the rest of the space.
Here are three solutions we often use to create the perfect window treatments:
1. If the draperies are the star of the show, I often use them to disguise practical functions by layering pattern, texture, and color.
One of our clients in Boston, Mass. requested full blackout capabilities, along with glare control. We also felt strongly about the use of color and pattern.
We used a gorgeous printed linen from Osborne and Little for the drapery panels, and added a sheer white textured roman shade beyond. This layer helps keep the glaring sun out of the room, but preserves the sparkling city views. Another layer you don't see is the black out shade at the back, which is drawn at night to keep the morning light from waking them too early.
In this Guest Room on Manhattan's Upper East Side, we used a similar treatment:
Sheer linen ripplefold draperies soften the severe architecture of the room, while allowing light to filter into the space. Black out shades beyond block out the light when guests need their rest.
2.If the view is the star of the show, let it be the star.
We design a multitude of Manhattan apartments with unbelievable views! How do you solve practical issues like glare and heat gain without obstructing those million dollar views?
In this Central Park West apartment, we added solar shades that are controlled electronically and can be easily raised and lowered to conquer the glaring sun at certain times of the day.
When the shades are down, the "openness" (as it's called in the biz, meaning the tightness of the weave of the fabric) still allows you to take in the drop dead gorgeous views. The best of both worlds!
A simple roman shade can also be a great solution. Chose a fabric that's slightly sheer, and a similar color to the adjacent wall or something else in the room. A shade can add softness while not detracting from the killer skyline:
3. If you don't want to see what's outside, let the window treatment do the talking.
Conversely, in an urban environment you sometimes don't WANT to see what's outside, or you don't want others to see you walking around naked...again, flexibility is key!
A beautiful window treatment can soften a less then perfect view and provide privacy when you need it.
Wood blinds are terrific for adding warmth and adding privacy. In this Home Office, we had beautiful, architectural mouldings around the windows that we also wanted to feature.
This Dining Room overlooks a less than attractive power station. Linen ripple-fold draperies allow in a shadow of the city beyond and light to filter through.
A less than interesting brick wall is softened with a woven shade from Conrad, for textural interest that allows natural light to filter through.
What are some of your window treatment dilemnas? Comment below, we are happy to help!
all images are of projects by Nirmada Interior Architectural Design
