Window dressing: Shades, blinds, drapes add pizzazz

Almost every room in your home has a window, often more than one. Windows are wonderful for letting in natural light and perfect if you have a lovely view.

Do they really need to be covered with curtains or other window treatments?

When privacy is a factor, then the answer is obvious. But there is so much more to the story.

Windows are a focal point, so let’s take a look at how you can make the most of this important element.

Although today’s window dressings have veered away from heavy draperies and fancy swags, decorating with fabrics is never out of style — and the choice of colors and patterns makes it easy to enhance any window.

Modern rooms, with all their clean lines and spare furnishings, are warmed by neutral curtain panels with texture woven into the fabric.

Look for panels that have colored or metallic threads, or nubby fabric that feels soft, yet bumpy. Hang panels so they can sit beside the window, covering the side edges. If the curtains are going to be closed, the width of each panel should equal two or two-and-a-half times the width of the window for ample appeal.

Each room can have a different solution. For a lighter feeling during the day, panels can be tied back with fabric, a cord or even a chain for a distinctly metallic effect.

With all the hard surfaces in a kitchen, if you are lucky enough to have a window, a fabric shade makes a refreshing statement.

A sleek Roman shade, in your choice of fabric, can soften the tile walls of a kitchen or bathroom and can be adjusted as needed. Shades are soft window coverings that, depending on their material, vary in their ability to block out light and views.

Blinds are a perennial favorite for windows of all types and sizes. Blinds are comprised of multiple hard slats or vanes that sit open for full views or tilted or closed for solid coverage.

There are many material options, including wood, metal, composites, woven grasses and bamboo.

Wood woven blinds made from sustainable materials allow light to filter through, creating an attractive cover that meshes well with all styles, from urban chic to modern traditional.

You have the option of customizing blinds with decorative hems and/or side trim that ties in with your room’s decor.

While you are considering the choices for dressing your windows, check out the hardware that will take your window treatment to the next level.

Curtain rods in wood and metal are finished off with finials in all shapes and sizes. Made of metal, wood, glass and ceramic in classic shapes such as arrowheads, twisted metal balls, Napoleon styles and crystal orbs, finials extend and enhance the design element of your window.

If you have hard-to-reach windows or simply like the luxury of fingertip control, look into the latest in electronics-powered window coverings.

With Hunter Douglas’ PowerView, you decide when and how much coverage you want. The company says you can “use the PowerView app to control your shades with the swipe of a finger.

Create customized scenes that move each of your shades to the preferred position, then automate the scenes to operate on their own throughout the day. You can even schedule scenes to move with the sunrise or sunset, based on your location. The app is compatible with Apple and Android smartphones and tablets.”

Plain or fancy, hand-drawn or remotely managed, give your windows a new look that brings them into spectacular focus.

Debbie Travis’ House to Home column is written and produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Email decorating questions to house2home@debbietravis.com. Follow Travis at www.instagram.com/debbie_travis or www.facebook.com/thedebbietravis, or visit her website, www.debbietravis.com.