Finding Softness with Structured Window Treatments
When designing the look of a room, individual elements must be measured not only by their unique aesthetic but also by how they work in the overall room image. Striking interior design comes from the amalgamation of incredible individual pieces brought together with a strategic and styled eye. Furthermore, the exciting interplay between elements can add not only visual intrigue but can also help hone generic styles into a one-of-a-kind look. This balance of design can be seen on a smaller scale in how you design your home's window treatments. By balancing structured window treatments with softer elements, you can create a stunning window fashion that looks amazing and acts as a tool for control and customization over interior environments.
Drapery and Shutters
Drapery is one of the most dramatic soft shades with its rich fabrics and flowing style that can dominate the visuals of a room. To balance drapery, consider pairing it with an equally strong but more structured window treatment like plantation shutters. Plantation shutters not only bring a hard aesthetic to balance the softness of drapery but also add visually strong linear features to the overall aesthetic. These two treatments also complement each other's functional attributes. Drapes over shutters will block light leaks for better room-darkening abilities, and the impenetrable hard shutters under drapes add a layer of insulation. So together, drapes and shutters can create performance-enhanced treatments.
Blinds and Side Panels
Blinds make incredibly versatile window treatments because of their multi-directional movement. These structured window treatments can open completely by raising from the bottom rail, or when lowered, blinds can adjust their slats in tandem to allow or block sunlight. Consider the addition of stylish side panels to enhance blinds without taking away or interfering with their ability to operate. Side panels are also able to cover any light leaks around the edges of blinds, thus adding not only style but also functional enhancements.
Sheer Shadings and Cornices
When working with soft treatments like sheer shadings, adding a hard element can help ground the ethereal vibe of translucent shades. In this case, a window topper can add a solid balancing feature, like a custom wood cornice. Cornices can be crafted to match, coordinate, or contrast with your blinds to create unique looks in line with your existing home décor. Cornices are also an excellent way to polish the final look of layered window treatments, as they can be used to hide any unsightly hardware.
Light Control with Style: Balancing Privacy and Ambiance
Window treatments play a significant role in managing the amount of natural light entering your home. They can transform the ambiance of a room, creating a bright and airy feel or a more intimate and cozy atmosphere. Finding the right balance between light control and style is key to achieving the desired effect.
Using Opacity Levels:
- Sheer fabrics: These allow ample natural light to filter through, perfect for creating a bright and open feel while still offering some privacy. Layered with blinds or shades, they can provide additional light control when needed.
- Light-filtering fabrics: These offer a balance between light control and privacy, allowing some natural light to enter while diffusing it softly. They come in various opacity levels, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
- Blackout fabrics: These completely block out light, creating a dark environment ideal for bedrooms or media rooms.
Blending Functionality and Style:
- Cellular shades: These energy-efficient shades come in a variety of opacities, offering light control while also insulating your windows.
- Roman shades: These fabric shades offer a clean and modern look and can be made from various materials with different opacity levels.
- Vertical blinds: These are a great option for large windows or patio doors, offering excellent light control and privacy.
Considering Automation:
Many modern window treatments, like blinds and shades, can be motorized and integrated with smart home systems. This allows you to schedule adjustments throughout the day, automatically adjusting light control based on the time of day or desired ambiance.
Contact Us
Talk with a design professional at Pugerudes about how to best balance structured window treatments with soft shades in your home for striking window fashions. Pugerudes carries a wide variety of window treatments, so no matter your personal style or interior design aesthetic, they can help you create one-of-a-kind treatments that seamlessly fit into your household style. Pugerudes is located at 118 Railroad Ave S Kent, WA 98032 and we proudly serve Maple Valley, Kent, and the surrounding areas of Auburn, Federal Way, Renton, Black Diamond, Newcastle, Burien, Enumclaw, Covington, and Des Moines, WA. Request a consultation today.
