Over the years, we have noticed that there are two seasons our clients really show an increased interest in beautifying their windows…
- Early fall…when they are looking to bring a warmth into their homes that will make the many cool days spent indoors feel more comfortable and enjoyable, and…
- Mid spring…when they are daydreaming of sunshine and the indescribable beauty that comes with summer days at the lake.
During the autumn months, we are often asked to fabricate and install window treatments that will enhance the coziness of the home as clients look toward winter.
But in the springtime, clients come to us ready to accentuate their views with window treatments that frame the picturesque landscape beyond the walls.
And since we find ourselves in the middle of this latter “window treatment season”, it seems fitting to chat about all things windows…the styles of treatments available, our process for fabrication, and how these custom creations can enhance a home’s beauty and bring joy not only this season, but for many years to come.
Let’s jump right in…
Types of Treatments We Fabricate
While we’ve been known to branch out beyond this list, our workroom focuses on five main types of treatments:
1. Roman Shades
These stunning treatments are both trendy and timeless. Made of the fabric of your choosing, they are flat when fully lowered, and when drawn up, appear as graceful horizontal folds…equally pretty in either position.
With many options to choose from, including either inside or outside mounts, and the possibility of a stack when the shades are lifted, these shades are incredibly versatile and fully customizable.
2. Draperies
One of our most commonly requested window treatments, draperies are available in a wide range of styles…
- Pinch Pleat Draperies: These functional drapes use more fabric and require more space to the sides of each window or door in order to stack off of the glass, but they add an elegance to the space that simply can’t be beat.
- Ripplefold Draperies: These drapes use less fabric and require less space, giving them a bit more of a casual look, and making them the perfect option for many rooms of the home.
- Stationary Draperies: This style doesn’t open and close, but the aesthetic they bring to a space enhances the view outside the windows without taking up any glass real estate. Plus, these make fabulous side panels when paired with shades of any kind.
Even within these many styles, there are a variety of other choices to make as well…
- Lining: Standard and blackout linings are available for any style and are often designated based on the drapery’s desired usage.
- Hanging: The two most commonly used hanging styles are traversing rods made of either wood or metal, or rods that hold the rings of hand drawn hung draperies.
3. Cornice Boards
Upholstered wooden top treatments, otherwise known as cornice boards, are gorgeous alone, but even more visually pleasing when used over any kind of shade. The layered look provides an unparalleled designer quality that instantly elevates the look of any home.
4. Valances
Similar to the cornice board, valances are often used to hide curtain hardware and add a decorative touch to the top of your windows. Made of fabric, these are a bit more “flowy” than their cornice board counterparts.
5. Cafe Curtains
Best described as small draperies hung halfway up any window, these adorable curtains are most often used in the kitchen or bathroom for partial privacy while also allowing for light to stream in. They require minimal hardware and add a very cozy (yet light and airy) quality.
Types of Treatments We Source
While we don’t generally fabricate them ourselves, it is worth mentioning that there are a couple other options available out there if the above categories don’t quite meet your needs, and we would be happy to source and order them for you, if they are the right choice for your home…
Other Shades
- Roller Shades: Very popular at this moment in time, the roller shade is a low-profile treatment that has clean lines when in use, and rolls up with minimal visibility when not needed. These can be made with a variety of materials that vary in opacity, and can be crafted using either inside or outside mounts.
- Honeycomb or Cellular Shades: This treatment has been around for ages, but over the years, the technology has changed to allow for inside or outside mounts, nearly invisible hardware (as hardly seen on each window in the dining area above), and a wide range of opacity depending on the materials they are made from.
Shadeless Sun Protection
And one final option that is worth noting for those of you who might want sun protection without the look of window coverings…window films! We have worked closely with Mike Peterson at Window Enhancements, LLC in the past and highly recommend him if you are considering window films to protect your interiors from sun damage. Learn more and reach out to him via his website.
Our Process for Creating Window Treatments
No matter the style that you choose, we follow the same procedure for creating or sourcing your custom window treatments…
Step 1: Measurements and Client Needs
A member of our team will conduct a site visit to measure your windows. At that time, we will also discuss your needs (blackout lining vs. standard, inside mount vs. outside, etc.).
Example: Recently, a client came to us with an arched and rounded window in their loft that needed to be covered in order to better protect the inside of their home and the furnishings they had invested in. We went out to their home to measure the window, assess their needs, and get to know the family.
Step 2: Treatment Styles and Specs
With your needs in mind, we will sift through the treatments available and determine the best window solution for your home. From there, we will specify the fabric to be used, operating system or drapery rod, and any accessories for the windows that will help them look and work exactly as you envision.
Example: Knowing that sun protection and a custom look were the top priorities, the experts on our team (along with the client, of course) decided that pinch pleat stationary drapes with a substantial easy-to-use tie-back would be the right choice for this home. Together we selected a fabric they loved, the lining they needed, and the accessories that would take this custom project from good to great.
Step 3: Estimate and Contract
With the exact specifications in mind, we will provide an estimate for your project. With your agreement, we draft up a contract, have all parties sign, and we get to work.
Example: With the selections made, we provided an estimate and contract for our clients and began fabricating their draperies.
Step 4: Fabrication and Installation
At this point, either our team will fabricate your custom window treatment, or we will place the order for you from a company we know and trust (if the treatment you select is not one we create in our workroom).
Once the treatment is complete, our team will install the finished product, address any concerns you might have, and leave you to enjoy your newly enhanced home.
Drapes closed to fully protect the room from the sun…
Drapes tied back to review that incredible lake view…
Example: Upon completion of fabrication, we installed these pinch pleat stationary drapes in the client’s loft, made sure they knew how to easily tie them back each day, and verified they were in love with the look…which they were! The end result is an interior protected from the damaging rays of the sun and a window beautified by custom treatments that frame the stunning lake view outside.
If all of this talk of window treatments has you inspired to beautify your own windows this spring, please stop by or give us a call to make an appointment to meet one of our window treatment experts.
We would be delighted to enhance your views, elevate your interiors, and help you love your home as we head into another spectacular summer of lakeside living.
Until next month,
The Lakeside Living Team