Window dressing – how to choose the right window treatment

Form follows function

The first and most important factor in deciding which window treatment to choose is function. Light control, privacy and energy efficiency are the three factors to keep in mind when pairing the right window dressing with the function of the room it’s being used in.

• Bedroom or media room: To avoid glare on screens, or being awoken by early morning sun, curtains or Roman blinds with a blackout lining are the most effective.
• Lounge: You can play with a few more options here, such as sheer or layered curtains, or even blinds and shutters, but energy efficiency would be important to ensure the room isn’t too warm or cold.
• Bathroom and kitchen: Blinds and shutters offer an attractive but also low-maintenance option.

[Pictures pinned from: designsponge.com and blindsbrothers.ca]BLINDS

Wondering where to begin? There are three main types of blinds to consider: Venetian, Roman and roller blinds.

• Venetian blinds offer flexible light and heat control, and are usually available in a timber or aluminium finish. By adjusting the slats you can allow more or less light and airflow into a room.
• Roman blinds fold together when up and lie flat when down and can be made in a variety of fabrics.
• Roller blinds work with a chord system and come in a range of fabrics that have different sun- and light-filtering options, from sheer to solid.

[Pictures pinned from: oceaniaislandliving.blogspot.com, bhg.com and fraserjamesblinds.co.uk]CURTAINS

Curtains can be used to reduce heat fluctuations, depending on the fabric weave and colour. For example, light-coloured curtains can dramatically reduce the temperature in a room during the summer months by reflecting the sun’s rays.

To avoid curtains becoming too heavy, consider layering sheer and blackout fabrics so you can allow light in, but have the ability to close the blackout section during intense light or heat periods.

[Pictures pinned from: oceaniaislandliving.blogspot.com, bhg.com and fraserjamesblinds.co.uk]SHUTTERS

Window shutters offer several advantages including helping with temperature control, as well as weather protection and added security if you go with aluminium security shutters.

Like with blinds, louvred shutters have movable louvres which allow ventilation and natural daylight to enter a room, while blocking some direct radiation. You can combine shutters with other window treatments such as curtains for greater insulating ability.

Once you’ve selected the option that suits you best, shop around to get the best options in terms of colours, finishes and prices. Neutral colours and finishes have the longest lifespan, and can be brightened up by using accessories such as tiebacks. However if you want to bring colour into your space then stick to timeless patterns and colours that complement your furniture’s fabrics.

- Janel Nell: interiorcreators.com

Interior Creators offers specialised online interior design services for homes as well as office/retail space, promoting and fulfilling the “do-it-yourself” and “buy-it-yourself” trend. Interior Creators also provides access to products and service providers to allow clients to fulfil their design needs, in terms of finishes as well as furniture, both new and refurbished.