Whether they are small, tall, or topped by an arch, windows define the architecture of your home more than any other element. However, their unique shapes, sizes, and styles can make selecting the right window treatments a challenge. Considering a few things before you shop will help you choose the best window coverings to enhance the appearance of your home.

Consider Wall Colors, Floor Coverings, and Furniture

Think of your room as a lovely tapestry. All the colors in interior design should work together. However, that doesn't mean they must match. Contrasting colors are as important as complementing colors.

If your home has mostly neutral shades, bright- or bold-colored drapes can be too harsh on the eye. If you want to add a pop of color, you can select a medium or dark neutral to add some contrast while still protecting the calming feel of a neutral palette.

When selecting a patterned fabric for drapes, you should make sure at least one of the colors in your fabric picks up a color from a chair, sofa, or accent piece in your room. This will help give the room a cohesive look.

Consider Your Decorating Style

Choose drapes and window treatments that work well with your design theme. For instance, trying to incorporate Victorian drapes into a modern or contemporary home will often create an unbalanced look. However, Victorian drapes will add a touch of romance and elegance to an old farmhouse or country home.

One exception is the Boho, or Bohemian, style of decorating. This unique style is known for its anything-goes design. This mix-and-match style makes it acceptable to experiment with unusual color and pattern combinations when choosing drapes.

Consider the Type of Room

Bathrooms require special window treatments due to often excessive moisture levels. You will want to choose curtain fabrics that can hold up to repeated washings. Avoid silk fabrics in bathrooms, because even slight amounts of moisture can damage delicate fabrics over time.

Kitchens also need easy-to-clean window treatments. Kitchens often contain high levels of moisture. Grease from cooking and food stains is not uncommon, and you will need durable and washable fabrics that can stand up to the dangers of soil from spills and splatters.

Consider Privacy and Lighting Preferences

Bedroom window treatment fabrics should be heavy enough to provide adequate privacy. Shutters can be a good option for bedrooms. They provide privacy and block out light for sleeping but can be open during the day to allow plenty of natural sunlight in the room.

Sheer drapes may look lovely in a home office, but they won't work well to block light from a computer screen. If you love the look of light drapes or sheers, you can always combine blinds with sheer drapes to give you the look you love while keeping the glare from your computer screen.

Consider Environmental Elements

Do you want your window treatments to just look great, or do you also want them to provide additional insulation in your home? Thermal-lined drapes can keep heat inside in the winter by blocking out drafts in older or poorly insulated homes. They can block sunlight in the summer months to help keep your home cooler.

Consider the Purpose of the Window Covering

Do you want the window to be the main attraction in the room or part of the backdrop? Selecting a drape in a style and color that grabs attention will make the window the main attraction. Choosing a drape in a color just slightly lighter or darker than the wall coloring will help the drape blend in with the room without commanding too much attention.

Custom-made draperies can enhance a beautiful room's good qualities or transform a boring room into a work of art. The right window treatments are a wise investment in home design. Contact Genie's Drapery Service to help you find the best window treatments to enhance the beauty of your home.