Our Go-To Window Treatment Styles
Window treatments can make or break a space. They can elevate a room, draw your attention to significant architectural details, or add new dimension to a space. However, if used incorrectly, they can distract from a view or diminish a design. The way you dress your windows plays an important role in both the function and beauty of your space. Take a look at how we utilize our go-to window treatment styles based on what each space dictates.
DRAPERY PANELS
Drapery panels are one of our most used window treatments for their function and style. Here’s a few reasons why:
(1) We like to use drapery panels in spaces that have enough setback to accommodate most of the drape when it’s open. A setback is the width of empty wall space on either side of your window or door. When used in this way, there is minimal blockage to your view, which is often the most important design element in the space!
(2) Drapery panels can add softness to a room, keeping it from feeling cold or unfinished. Sometimes the hard lines of the architecture, like large expanses of steel and glass windows, require just a bit of softening to make the space feel lived in and approachable.
(3) Adding texture, pattern or color through the textiles used for drapery panels can round out the design of your room.
Hot Take
Notice the mix of drapery panels and woven wood shades in the bedroom above, which was chosen for two main reasons: (1) there wasn’t enough set back on the bed wall to allow for drapery panels to open entirely off of the windows and (2) pulling the nightstands and bed off of the wall far enough for the drapery to flow freely behind them would impede the walkway into the bathroom, whose door is just out of view to the left.
WOVEN WOOD SHADES
Another favorite treatment that pairs form and function beautifully is a woven wood shade. There are a few reasons why we use them in nearly every project:
(1) Woven wood shades are offered in a wide array of colors and textures that can compliment nearly any aesthetic. They don’t all give off tropical island, grass skirt vibes…unless that’s what you’re going for, of course!
(2) In many cases, woven wood shades can be a more economical option compared to other window treatments, allowing our clients’ budgets to go further.
(3) Woven wood shades offer many different functions:
Standard Loop Control - This is your typical shade operation, controlled with a cord or chain that is in a loop. Pull one way to lower the shade and pull the other way to open.
Cordless - Avoid cumbersome cords or chains hanging down from your shade and instead control it by pulling or pushing up the bottom of your shade. We typically use these in spaces where you won’t often adjust the height of your shade.
Top Down / Bottom Up - This intricate mechanism, controlled by cords, allows you to use your shade in two ways: (1) standard operation aka “bottom up” and (2) “top down” operation where you can lower the shade to cover the lower portion of your window while allowing natural light in at the top. This is a great solution for areas requiring privacy like bathrooms or closets.
Motorized - A motorized headrail allows woven wood shades to be controlled by a remote, smart home style! Great for rooms with numerous windows that can be operated all at once with a single click.
ROMAN SHADES
Sometimes your fabric selection begs to be the star of the show and a roman shade is a great canvas to express some creativity. Similar to woven wood shades, a roman shade can come in many different functions based what your space dictates. Roman shades can also be a tool to trick the eye or alter a less desirable feature of your space. For instance, we often mount a roman shade higher than the window itself to give it the appearance of the window being taller. One of our favorite magic tricks!
CAFE CURTAIN
If you’ve got an unsightly view or need some privacy on the lower half of your window, a cafe curtain is also a great solution. They allow for light to fill your space, while maintaining privacy on the bottom portion of the window. RBID often uses them in kitchens, bathrooms or closets.
Tip!
Drapery, Woven Wood Shades, Roman Shades and Cafe Curtains all allow light filtration adjustments that cater to your needs.
Sheer - Allows a little light filtration, but very little privacy.
Lined and Interlined - Allows privacy, but does not completely block light.
Blackout - Allows light to be fully blocked, along with complete privacy.
While these are a few of our favorite window treatment styles, we’ve hardly scratched the surface of possibilities available to you. We love solving problems of both form and function when it comes to how we dress our windows. If you’ve got a question about how to best outfit your space, send us a note! We would love to hear from you.
