Dressed For Success

Window treatments should do more than simply hang about.

Get the hang of window treatments.

Curtains, blinds and shutters are the quiet achievers of interior decorating. On the one hand, they are terrifically practical, providing privacy, filtering strong sunlight or obscuring a not-so-desirable view. But they also help set the mood and tone of a room. Sheer curtains soften a space, while bold fabrics can act as an artwork when the drapes or blinds are drawn.

Almost every room requires some sort of window treatment. Before you commit to a style, consider the following. First, think about your practical needs: do you need complete darkness in a bedroom, or just to shade a space while retaining a view? Next, consider the aesthetics. Do you want the window dressing to be a feature or recede into the background? Will the covering fit in with what’s there or will it be the starting point for a whole-room makeover? Here are some ideas to think about…

In a bold monochrome scheme, white sheers balance the dark, masculine elements. The S-fold style of the curtain is generous and luxurious.