Designer Window Covering Ideas
Everyone has at least a few windows in their home; even those who may be living underground in a basement apartment may have windows. Windows can be tricky to cover, particularly if you've been relying only on simple, neutral-colored blinds. However, coming up with window covering ideas that will look as though they are from top designers really isn't as difficult as you might think; it just requires a little imagination. You will need to know what kinds of windows you have, their size and where they are located in your home, as well as each room's colors and decor to have an end result that looks fabulous. Keep in mind that window coverings have to serve not just a decorative function but a practical function as well; they must help to maintain privacy, and block or allow in sunlight as necessary.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
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Go around your home and take a look at your windows. Make a list of window sizes and where the windows are located; note not only what room they are in, but where they are on the wall.
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Now add to your list the color schemes and general feel and style of each room that each window or windows are in; this is so that you choose window coverings that match your decor. Also, if you are just moving into a home and are starting from scratch, you'll need to decide the style and color scheme of each room ahead of time before choosing window coverings.
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Be sure that the window coverings you choose add the appropriate texture so that the room looks balanced. It's easy when shopping to forget what's on your list because something looks pretty in the show window. You need to check your list often and visualize each room that has a window when selecting window coverings so that you don't wind up with something that may be costly, as well as, not a good fit for your window or the room it is in.
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Be sure that the window coverings you choose are both decorative and functional. It is possible to wind up with something that is only decorative and not functional at all; when that happens your kitchen may have too much sunlight for example, or the window coverings you choose for your bedroom may not provide enough privacy.
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Take into account whether or not the room you are buying window coverings for is painted one single neutral color, such as off-white or beige. When working with a neutral background you can be a little more extravagant with window coverings that have patterns and brighter colors. However, if you've managed to cover much of the walls with paintings or photos you may want to steer clear of window coverings with patterns to keep the room from looking too busy.
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Tips & Warnings
Experiment with color. Don't be afraid to use different colored window coverings; if you get the right color and design this can really make a room look beautiful. If you decide to go with neutral colors, consider using different textures. If you do it right, it can really make the room and can accentuate just about any decor. Make small windows appear larger by using light-colored panels that actually hang above the window and pool down to floor level. If you have a desk with a computer right by a window, you may want to be sure you have sturdy and heavy or dark window coverings so that during the brightest part of the day you can cover the window to prevent the glare from sunlight on your computer screen. If you have two windows, one on top of the other with some wall space in between, consider using a long curtain of fabric that covers both windows. You can then use a wrap to pull it aside to let sunlight in. Sometimes rooms with very high ceilings will have these types of windows.
If your room already has a lot of patterns in it, don't choose patterns for your window coverings. It will make the room look too busy, and can be hard on the eyes.
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- Photo Credit http://www.flickr.com/photos/skidrd/72499997/
