Window Treatments 40 Ideabooks

I'm the biggest $@!#%& snob when it comes to dressing windows. My rule of thumb: Leave those panes bare until you're ready to drop some cash on the real deal. Pre-fab panels can sometimes turn out pretty nice, but most of the time they become a wrinkled,... more »

During a client consultation last week, I noticed how much I sound like Charlie Brown's teacher when talking to clients about window treatments. It must be weird seeing an overly energetic, tall designer dude stand in front a wall of windows mouthing... more »

One of the most expensive elements of a well-designed home can be custom curtains. Throw in the fabric, lining, rods, rings and tracks, and before you know it, you've spent thousands of dollars. In this economy that's a tough sell. But one easy way to... more »

A lot of effort goes into deciding on just the right window treatments. And tassels, one kind of tieback, are important finishing touches that need just as much careful thought. With a design history rooted in a centuries-old craft,... more »

Paint may be the easiest way to update the look and feel of a room, but textiles come in a close second. Textiles add color, sophistication and texture to a room and can quickly change the style and feel with minimal effort. I've been on the... more »

While it's true that dual-pane insulating windows help keep the heat in during winter, there are times when old windows just can't be replaced — perhaps you have a historic home with charming original features worth preserving, or you're working on... more »

The decision process isn't over once you've chosen your drape fabric and style. Lining can make or break the look you're envisioning. What type of lining is necessary? Terms like "bumph," "1-pass lining" and "3-pass lining" can be bandied about, making... more »

Translating aesthetic needs for window treatments into construction terminology to get exactly what your space requires may not be glamorous, but it's valuable if you want form and function. Follow our lead as we describe the most common elements... more »

If you think all soft window treatments look the same, take a closer look at the top of each. The heading of a window treatment can demonstrate a room or homeowner's individual style — sometimes more than the fabric itself does. From elaborate to unpretentious,... more »

Every home has windows and doors that are not so simple to cover, such as front doors with large windows and adjacent sidelights, or gorgeous arched windows. They might add to the beauty of a home and supply natural sunlight into interiors, but they might... more »

Blinds or drapes? Café curtains or shades? Your biggest priority in choosing window treatments should be deciding whether you need privacy or light — or both! These professional tips can help you make the right decision. more »

The stately and elegant swag window treatment has appeared in some of the most famous homes in America. The king of rock 'n' roll, Elvis Presley, had them in floor-to-ceiling fashion at his Graceland mansion, and America's forefathers used them to adorn... more »

You don't often see café curtains in interiors these days, but they used to be everywhere — or at least that's how it seemed when I was a kid. Fortunately, they appear to be inching back on the radar. Lately I've spotted café curtains in the most... more »

The architectural detailing of traditional shutters can enhance the interior and exterior of a house. Often custom made, shutters offer full privacy with the ability to manipulate the individual louvers... more »