window treatment and window treatment ideas
A window treatment is a type of arrangement used to cover a window. This can include curtains, blinds, shades, shutters, decorative hardware, or a combination of any of these things. A window treatment can give a room a whole new, unique look by enhancing the room's decor. There are a wide variety of do it yourself window treatment ideas to be found online, in do it yourself books and in magazines, which provide step by step instructions, along with full color photos to guide you through designing, sewing and installing window treatments.
You can make your window treatments as simple or as elaborate as you want. You can even find no-sew window treatment projects to keep window decorating simple. Do it yourself window treatments allow you to custom design treatments for your windows that are a perfect fit in both size and style. Use your imagination to come up with exciting do it yourself window treatment ideas. Let the design you choose reflect your personality and tastes.
Your first step in coming up with ideas for a do it yourself window treatment is to decide what you want the window treatment to accomplish. Are you attempting to bring more light into the room or shut more of it out? Are you trying to secure more privacy? Would you like to see more of the view outside your window? What about ventilation and energy efficiency? What window treatment will be easiest on your decorating budget? Which type of window treatment will best fit your decorating style?
Next you will need to measure your windows. Use a retractable metal tape measure. A metal tape measure will not sag like the cloth kind and will give you more accurate results. Record each window's measurements on paper and check all your measurements more than once. Careful measurement is key to great looking do it yourself window treatments.
After taking measurements you will need to tackle color and fabric selection. When choosing fabric and colors, take into consideration furniture style and colors. Also consider the color and style of your carpets, floors, walls, and room accessories. Choosing neutral colors in a room with neutral colored walls will make your room look larger and more spacious. If you choose contrasting colors, you will give your room more impact and draw immediate attention to your windows.
Top treatments add decorative flair to your windows. Common types of top treatments are cornices, valances, swags, and scarves. Top treatments can also be used to hide the window treatment hardware, or to make the windows look longer. Top treatments can be used alone or in combination with other window treatments to create a fashionable look for your window.
As a finishing touch to your window treatments, you may want to use some decorative hardware. There are many types of interesting items, which can serve as decorative hardware for your window treatments, such as scarf holders, rings, pins, rods and poles. Be creative when looking for items to use as decorative accessories and make sure they complement both the room decor and your window treatments.
In addition to looking for do it yourself window treatment ideas in books and on the web, be sure to explore home improvement stores, model homes, and catalogs for creative ideas. You may even spot some interesting window treatments on your favorite television show.