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The Finishing Touch to a Room

Window treatments are a decorative and functional part of a room. They add splashes of color or tie together all the pieces of furniture and accessories in the space to create a cohesive look. At the same time, they provide privacy for you and your family and help you control the amount of light that enters your home.

Changing the window treatments in a room is an easy way to update the look of the room without completely redecorating it. Trade blinds for drapes to add softness to the room, or swap heavy curtains for shades to lighten the space. Top a shade with a printed valance or swag to give the window dimension. Frame windows with curtains in a bold color to add contrast to the room.

There are many options for window design, but shopping for window treatments doesn't have to be a daunting task. You just need a basic understanding of the available options and have a plan for the room's design.

When you're shopping for window treatments, it helps to know the terms used to classify and describe them. This is also a practical way to familiarize yourself with the available options for your windows so you can narrow your choices. Start with the basics and learn the difference between blinds, shades, shutters and valances.

Although some people use the terms interchangeably, they refer to specific types of window treatments. Blinds and shutters are typically made from sturdy materials like wood or metal and have slats that open and close. Shades and valances are pieces of fabric. Shades roll up and down over the entire window, but valances are just decorative pieces at the top.

Other words that come in handy are installation terms. Inside mount means the window treatment hangs inside the window casing. Outside mount refers to a window treatment attached to the wall surrounding the window. Hardware may refer to the brackets and supports that hold the window treatment in place or decorative pieces like finials at the end of curtain rods.

Get to Know Your Windows

Before you start shopping for window treatments, take a good look at the spot you want to dress. Note the number of windows, their basic shape and how closely they're grouped together. Inspect the window casing. Locate the window hardware.

Then it's time to measure the windows' length, width and depth. Grab a steel tape measure and paper to record notes. Work from left to right and top to bottom. You should get three measurements for each dimension (left, center and right for the width and top, middle and bottom for the length and depth).

This information will help you narrow your search. Unless you're buying custom-made window treatments, you have to find pieces that actually fit your window. You also want to find window treatments that enhance the window. For example, if the window casings look a bit worn and you don't have time to replace them, you may want to opt for blinds or shades mounted on the outside of the window or pair a shade with curtains to disguise the casing.

Pick a Style

The final consideration when shopping for window treatments is the style of the room. What you put over the windows may complement or contrast with the furniture and colors. Traditional rooms feel warm and inviting. In these rooms you see wood accents, plush furniture and decorative items like baskets, plants and wall hangings that catch your eye. Solid color drapes and wood shutters work well in these rooms because they don't detract from the rest of the decor.

Modern rooms have clean lines and feature a minimalist approach to decorating. Simple shades and blinds carry the streamlined look throughout the room. Solid color curtains may provide an interesting contrast to the rest of the room and add a touch of softness. On the other end of the decorating spectrum, cottage style has a casual, cozy feel. Shutters add architectural detail that contrasts beautifully with casual furnishings. Sheer curtains over the windows enhance the light and airy ambience of the room, especially if you live in an area with plenty of outdoor breezes.