Window Ideas in Interior Design

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A home, office, business or other professional or living space typically has at least one or two windows that can use a makeover. Windows are functional, bringing in natural light, soft breezes and even the sounds of nature, and they can also be a way for interior designers to set the mood of a room, lighten up the corporate feeling of an office building or just show a creative side to any decorating project. Certified Interior designers are aware of the power of a window and its "treatment" in terms of curtains, drapes, blinds, shades and even the colors and intricacies of the glass used in the window itself.

Draperies, including curtains are standards of window treatments, and are used to soften up the look of a room through the use of fabrics. They can also be insulating, keeping drafts from chilling a room or space or inhibiting the sun's natural ability to warm a room. While draperies are generally constructed of heavier fabrics, curtains can be made from lighter, more flowing textiles like cotton to sheer polyester or synthetic fibers that filter light while still giving the room the essence of natural lighting. Valances are also commonly used draperies for windows, but are generally an aesthetic component to window design, as their size leaves little room for practical purpose.

Blinds are a common aspect in any home, business or commercial interior design project. Window blinds may even be considered more necessary than a decorative window treatment as they perform the needed functions of light and temperature filtration with a minimal of fuss. Slat blinds, Venetian blinds, miniblinds and vertical blinds are installed with hardware and are considered semi-permanent window treatments. For a combination of style and function, many interior designers choose wooden slat blinds or woven bamboo blinds, giving the window personality without fussy fabric decoration.



Another way to dress up a window without large amounts of fabrics is to install shutters, screens or shades. Shutters give a room and window a timeless feel, while screens and shades can add splashes of color or patterns. These options, while not as easy to change as draperies and curtains, are a favorite of interior decorators for their versatility and style. For the home with large amounts of windows, or the office that wants privacy, replacing standard windows with frosted, beveled or stained glass can make a statement and create a design focus with a minimal amount of work, after the installation.

With the many options available to interior designers to decorate a window, a home, office, or corporate establishment can be transformed from plain to memorable. Using the right window treatments is one of the best and easiest ways to establish the feel in a room through color, style and the ability to control or even manipulate the natural light from the sun. Window treatments are easily changed, compared to many other design elements, and are an important part of any interior decorating plan.

Interested in mastering the art of window treatments? You can earn your Interior Design degree online while maintaining your current career schedule from accredited art schools across the country. With a degree in interior design, there will be no more second-guessing your window designs.

Labels: decorating, Interior Decorating, Interior Design