The Right Home Window Treatment Can Help You See the Light
by Jessica Groach
Home Improvement Ideas Columnist
Bay windows, picture windows, arched windows...many designs for home windows add interest to your home. But they also present special challenges when it comes to window treatments.
Here are some solutions for "problem" windows:
Picture or Arched Windows
Often spanning an entire wall, picture or arched windows are stunning both inside and out. However, all that light can warp and fade hardwood flooring, artwork, and furniture, while creating privacy, glare, and heat issues.
- Try home window tints. Neutrally colored, home window tints reduce heat and glare, helping to lower energy costs, while protecting your home from damaging UV rays, all without spoiling your view!
- Drapery rods or cornices hung along the tops of picture or arched windows, just under the ceiling, allow ceiling-to-floor drapery to add drama and height to a room. Use tie-backs to hold them to the sides. Try hanging roman, pleated, or honeycomb shades underneath; when rolled up, these hide easily behind a cornice.
- Café curtains installed halfway up the window let in light while giving you privacy. This is a great, less expensive way to show off arched windows.
- Shutters add interest. Install them halfway up for privacy that still allows great light in.
Bay Windows
A bay window adds depth to a room, and may create interesting seating room or a place for decorative elements. But what window treatments accentuate them without hiding them?
- If you have two or more bay windows next to each other, link them visually with drapery rods or cornices lining the wall above the windows. The height of curtains will add drama and height to the room.
- Café curtains hung from tension rods halfway up the windows provide privacy while still allowing in light.
- Certain lighter home window tints may also help to make the windows a beautiful and cool place to sit and relax.
Don't just cover your great windows - flatter them with the right treatment options!
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About the Author
Jessica Groach, a new homeowner herself, is a freelance writer and writing instructor at the University of Nevada, Reno.
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