With so many window treatment options and combinations, it can be challenging to navigate the jargon and terminology used in the window fashions industry.

For the interior designer, window fashions designer or do-it-yourself homeowner, we have provided this complete A to Z glossary of window coverings terms with brief definitions of each.

We hope you will find this reference resource useful in your efforts to create functional and decorative window coverings that complement any theme, decor or designer look you are trying to achieve!

Allowance – a variation from the precise measurements to “allow” for things such as hems.

Apron – wood trim piece below the window that generally protrudes outward from the wall.

Ascot Valance – a piece of fabric in the shape of a V, trimmed with tassels, fringe or beads and used as either a free standing treatment or topper.

Austrian Shade, Austrian Pouf or Austrian Valance – a poufed fabric shade, featuring shirred scallops which are drawn up from the bottom.

Banner Valance or Handkerchief Valance – a decorative valance that uses a series of fabric triangles threaded onto a rod or attached to a mounting board.

Balloon Shade – refers to a poufed shade that is scalloped on the bottom with billowy folds and draws up from the bottom.

Bell Valance – valance with a pleated or shirred fabric and hemline shaped in a series of bells.

Bishop Sleeve – created by tying scarf fabric back into a poufed or bloused shape one or more times.

Blackout Drapery, Blackout Shade – window coverings made using opaque fabric or material in order to nearly or completely darken a room.

Blind, Venetian Blind, Horizontal Blind or Vertical Blind – window coverings made using slats that operates horizontally or vertically by stacking the slats with cords or tape and also allowing the slats to be angled.

Box Pleat – a pleat that is flat, with folded fabric lying behind the heading.

Bracket – Metal hardware that attaches to the wall or casing and supports curtain or drapery rods or mounts for blinds or shades.

Braid – A flat decorative trim used to embellish curtains; Gimps and woven ribbons are also in this category of decorative trims.

Brocade – A rich, lustrous fabric with a design embossed in gold or silver.

Buckram or Crinoline – a narrow, stiffened fabric made of coarse cotton, hemp or linen cloth and stiffened with glue; used in the header of pleated curtains or to give a more lasting shape to a valance.

Bump – a cotton lining added to curtain panels to give them more body.

Calico – a plain-weave, unbleached cotton fabric made from.

Cartridge Pleats – cylindrically shaped pleats used as an alternative to create pleated valances or long curtains.

Cascade – a showering or rippling fall of fabric as seen in some draperies and curtains; also called a Jabot.

Casing – basically a hem with open ends, used to create a fabric “pocket” for inserting a curtain rod, created by folding fabric over twice and stitching like a hem.

Chenille – a very soft fabric that is made with fluffy cotton yarns.

Chintz – cotton fabric with a floral print.

Cleat – a metal or plastic hook mounted on the side of a window to secure window shade or curtain cords.

Continental Rod – flat curtain rods protruding from the wall to add depth and interest to a rod pocket window treatment.

Café Curtains – an informal type of curtain that generally covers the bottom half or two-thirds of a window.

Canopy – a valance that projects outward over a roller shade or headboard.

Cape Cod Curtain – a café curtain treatment with ruffles on the sides and bottom.

Carriers – plastic sliding pieces in traverse rods with a hole to insert a drapery hook.

Cascade – Another term for a festoon or swag, a curved, draped valance or scalloped top treatment.

Casing or Window Frame – a wooden frame around a window holding the panes in place.

Center Draw – drapes or curtains designed as a pair installed using a traverse rod and opening from a center point.

Center Support – metal grip used to support large size and/or heavy curtain rods to prevent any sag in the middle.

Cornice – a top treatment typically made of wood and painted, finished or covered with fabric.

Cornice Board – a horizontal board that supports a cornice.

Country Curtains – generally refers to a style of curtains with ruffled valances, sides, bottom, and ties, shirred as much as five times fullness.

Coverage – refers to the fullness or quantity of fabric used in making window curtains or draperies.

Curtain – window covering that used fabric gathered or shirred and hung using a curtain rod.

Custom Made Draperies – custom designed and sewn draperies made to order by a window fashion shop or designer.

Decorative Rods – curtain or drapery rods meant to add decorative and visual impact to a window treatment, generally made with metal, wood or resin.

Door Panel – refers to window treatment commonly used for French doors or sidelights with semi-sheer fabric shirred onto rods at the top and bottom of the panel.

Double Hung Drapery – window treatment with layered “over” and “under” draperies that operate independently.

Double Hem – a hem with the fabric turned over twice, typically by the same amount, to encase the raw edge.

Double-Hung Window – a common type of window that consists of upper and lower sashes.

Dowel Rod – A slender rod inserted inside a fabric pocket; used to raise or lower a shade.

Drapability – refers to a fabric’s capacity to fall into attractive folds, thus making it desirable for use in draperies.

Drapes or Draperies – traditional window covering that uses a pleated fabric that can be drawn open and closed, either fully or partially as desired to control light entering the room; many styles and types of drapes have evolved over the centuries since people first began covering their windows!

Draw Drapery – pleated fabric panel which is hung and can be opened and closed along a traverse rod.

Dye Lot – A single “run” of fabric with the same colour consistency, since dyes may vary from one lot to another.

Energy Efficiency – refers to the thermal insulating capacity of a window treatment to maintain the temperature inside a room, reducing the transference of heat and cold from outside.

Fan Folding – pleated draperies that have been folded into a narrow band to reduce unwanted wrinkles in the material.

Festoon – refers to a swag, curved valance or scalloped topper; instead of being hung straight down from a horizontal rod, it is draped from one corner to the other; a festoon is generally not used alone, but as a topper that completes the window treatment and gives it a more decorative look.

Finger Pleat – a finger-width series of pleats used to create a tailored blouson valance.

Finished Length – vertical measurement of draperies, curtains and other window coverings.

Finished Width – horizontal measurement of draperies, curtains and other window coverings, including allowance for returns and overlaps, etc.

Finial or Pole End – a decorative end piece used to finish decorative curtain or drapery rods.

Fringe – decorative trim created with a narrow braid and attached tassels and loops used to decorate the edges of draperies or curtains treatments.

Fullness – refers to the quantity of pleated or shirred fabric shirred used in a window treatment; typically between two times (200 percent) and five times (500 percent) fullness.

Functional Hardware – refers to window treatment hardware that is unseen, generally made of metal.

Generous Coverage – refers to fabric window treatment with fullness over two times or 250%.

Goblet Pleat – a pleat which is “pushed out” and filled using a curtain lining instead of being folded inward.

Golden Mean – design principle that suggests the placement of tiebacks should be .618 (or approximately two-thirds) of the way between either the top or bottom of a window treatment.

Hardlines or Hard Treatments – refers to manufactured window treatments with “hard” surfaces such as shutters, blinds, screens, shades, etc.

Heading – refers to the top of a drapery, intended to accommodate the pleats; generally varies in depth from one to three inches.

Hand Pleat – a hand-width series of pleats used to create a tailored blouson valance.

Hem – bottom or side edges of fabric window treatments; turned under twice and stitched in place to finish the edge.

Holdback – Metal rod used to hold back draperies or as a Scarf Holder, typically having medallions or other decorative features.

Inside Mount Installation – refers to mounting a window treatment inside a window frame.

Jabot – pronounced “zha-bow”, a French term meaning “bird’s crop”, refers to a small decorative panel that is folded at the top into deep pleats and angled at the bottom, causing it to fall into subtle waves at the bottom by exposing parts of both the front and back of the fabric; often used with an insert or under a valance or swag.

Jamb – the interior sides or molding around a door or window frame.

Length – vertical measurement of a window treatment or horizontal measurement of a curtain or drapery rod.

Light Strike – refers to gaps where light penetrates the sides or center of a window treatment.

Lined Draperies – draperies which have liners sewn on the back to add light control and insulation, as well as to prevent fading caused by direct sunlight.

Lining – refers to fabric, typically white or off-white in colour, which is sewn on the back of a “lined” window treatment.

Mitered Corner – refers to the bottom edge of draperies with a 45 angle on the side of the hem.

Outside Mount Installation – refers to mounting a window treatment on or outside a window frame.

Overdrapery – a drapery fabric “layered” over another drapery.

Overlap – the point at which two leading edges of a drapery “overlap” each other to reduce or eliminate light from penetrating the window treatment.

Panel – a piece of fabric used to create curtains or draperies; generally but not always, a pair of panels is used in designing window treatments.

Pattern Repeat – The distance between design motifs repeated in a pattern; important to knowing how much fabric is needed to create a given treatment.

Pelmet – A decorative panel at the top of a curtain or window treatment; also called a Cornice.

Pencil Pleat – pleat created with a special tape sewn to the heading of a curtain or valance, which creates a narrow row of folds that looks like pencils laid in a row when the tape is drawn up.

Pinch Pleat – refers to a drapery heading with a basic pleat divided into two or three smaller pleats of equal size, sewn together on the right side of the fabric at the bottom edge to keep the pleats “pinched”.

Piping – A decorative edge created using bias-cut fabric strips covering a cord.

Pleated Shade – refers to a window covering that is actually more similar to a blind than a shade, using an accordion-like pleated fabric or fibrous paper that can be raised and lowered with a pull cord; may be referred to also as a cellular shade, although these are typically differentiated by the use of an energy efficient honeycomb polyester material.

Poletop Pairs – a drapery using a straight piece of hemmed fabric in light or medium to heavy weight and generally lined separately.

Priscilla Curtains – a fabric window treatment using either sheer, semi-sheer, or opaque curtain panels with a ruffled valance and ruffled side and bottom hems and ties; the panels can meet in the center or crisscross.

Return – refers to the part of covers a drapery or curtain rod where is projects outward from the wall or window frame.

Rod Pocket – a hollow sleeve sewn into the top of a drapery or curtain used to insert a rod, usually between one and three inches deep.

Rod Width – measurement of a rod from one bracket the other, including the width of the window.

Roller or Roll-Up Shade – window covering that uses a spring-wound tube at the top to raise or lower the shade; available in a variety of fabrics, colours and sizes.

Roman Shade – a fabric shade that gathers in soft folds when raised and which may or may not have wooden slats inserted horizontally at intervals along the entire length; can be raised and lowered using a pull cord and is quite popular since it can be made quite easily by the do-it-yourself decorator!

Rosette – a decorative trim element in the shape of a rose.

R-Value – a rating that indicates how efficient a window treatment is in resisting heat coming into or going out of a room; measures the insulating capacity of the treatment.

Sash – The wood frame of a door or window which holds glass panes; used in sliding and swinging windows.

Sash Curtain – Usually a semi-sheer fabric shirred onto a rod, both top bottom, and hung on the sash.

Sash Rod – plain or decorative rod typically mounted inside a window frame on the window sash.

Scallops – pattern of semicircles that are repeated across the hem of a window treatment or valance.

Scarf – decorative top treatment that uses a long piece of fabric draped across the top and hanging down on one side; many variations can be used to achieve different looks and this topper is great for use with decorative rods, finials, etc.

Sconce – a decorative wall-mounted fixture sometimes used to drape fabric through.

Selvedge or Selvage – tightly woven finished edge running the length of a piece of fabric.

Shaped Valance – a fabric top treatment with an angled or curved bottom edge.

Sheer – a lightweight fabric that is transparent or translucent; may be used alone or as a layered under or over drapery.

Shirring or Shirred – fabric window treatment achieved by gathering fabric through a rod pocket so that it slides open and closed, with the rod being smaller then the width of the fabric; the wider the fabric relative to the rod, the greater its “fullness”.

Shutter – extremely flexible and decorative window treatment that uses wooden hinged or solid wood panels mounted to be folded across the window to filter light and provide privacy; adds architectural flavour to a room decor and may be either naturally finished, stained or painted; shutters with louvers over two inches in width are referred to as Plantation Shutters.

Side Hem – Turned part forming a finished edge at the side of drapery.

Sill – horizontal “ledge” at the bottom of a window casing.

Stacking or Stackback – refers to the area needed for draperies when opened completely.

Swag – a decorative fabric top treatment, semi-circular in shape; also referred to as a festoon.

Swag Set – two piece swag, sometimes combined with an insert.

Tab Top – panel hung with flat fabric loops sewn into the heading; makes great use of decorative hardware and offers a clean, contemporary look.

Tassel – colored threads bound together at the top and used as a decorative ornament; often used for curtain or drapery tiebacks.

Tieback – refers to the metal or fabric used to “tie back” a curtain or drapery using a metal holdback or decorative piece of fabric, often adorned with a fringe or tassel.

Tier or Tiers – Fabric panels 24 or 36 inches in length, which cover the bottom half of a window; generally sold in pairs and used for kitchen window treatments for an informal, cosy looking window treatment similar to Cafe Curtains.

Toggle Bolt or Molly Bolt – wall fastener or anchor used to secure hardware to walls where no stud, header or other solid anchor point exists and the hardware must be attached to a wall which is hollow.

Topper or Top Treatment – treatments such as valances, cornices, swags and other items used to give a more decorative look to the top of window coverings.

Traverse Rod – curtain or drapery rod which houses plastic carriers for drapery pins to be hooked, allowing a pair of pinch-pleats draws to open by pulling a cord at the end of the rod.

Unlined Panels – refers to single fabric panels without any lining.

Valance – a top treatment made with fabric, including decorative toppers such as shirred, pleated or bloused valances and swags and cascades.

Weights – refers to the use of a chain and lead weights sewn into vertical seams at the corners of panels to help them hang straight.

Width – refers to a window treatment’s horizontal measurement.

You don’t want to spoil the look of authentic Queen Anne furniture with modern Venetian blinds or detract from your French provincial furniture with aluminum mini blinds, which would be entirely out of keep with the look of that period.

Still, while you want your window coverings to match your traditional style of decor, you may also want the convenience and practical features of modern window fashions.

So, how do you achieve the look of old world design while retaining the functions of controlling natural light and privacy we all expect from a modern window treatment?

Read on for tips on designing practical, yet elegant window treatments that enhance and coordinate correctly with the design, colour and feel of your old world room decor.

Floral prints and contrasting colours can give your window coverings a touch of the old world!

Begin with Window Covering Basics

Richly ornate, this Queen Anne Victorian decor featues deep red drapes with contrasting gold fringes, tasseled tiebacks and a curved, double-layered valence.

As with any window treatment, a well though out design begins with consideration of the use of the room and practical matters of window size, what lies outside the window that you wish to leave unobstructed or conversely need to obscure from prying eyes and how much or little natural light you desire entering the room.

If privacy is not of great concern and you want a lot of natural light then forego any base layer and design your old world window treatment purely for aesthetics and an authentic appearance that is true to the room decor.

On the other hand, in a bedroom, bathroom or any other room where you want the versatility of modern window coverings, a base layer is probably the best route to take. Use a base window covering such as a roller shade or pleated blind in a neutral color like white or off-white for privacy and flexible light control without detracting from your decorative window fashion elements.

If you opt not to use a base layer, you can also achieve privacy and block out natural light using lined draperies, which may even look more authentic with some old world interior decors.

Decorative Window Treatment Elements

Once you have the basics of privacy and light filtration covered, you can consider the more decorative elements that will best achieve the old world look you’re after. Historic references can be helpful at this stage of your planning and design efforts.

Like a scene from a fairly tale, the fabric valance and arched window in this frenc provincial sitting room invite the eye to discover curves and patterns echoed throughout the decor.

For instance, if you are designing a room to emulate the look of 17th century Baroque, then a decorative topper such as a window cornice with ornate Baroque style carving and finished in gilded gold will appropriately match velvet, chenille or taffeta drapes appointed in the colours and patterns of the baroque style.

To create the look of a French provincial sitting room or bedroom, then perhaps using a swag or scarf in a deep red and/or gold fabric would make an excellent topper, contrasting with cream coloured full length drapes in a soft taffeta fabric.

In the ornate Queen Anne Victorian style, you will want to select drapes that match the colour scheme and patterns of your furniture upholstery, area rugs and throw pillows, with gold embroidery and dark, rich colours in your drapery fabric or else adding some texture with white or cream lace. A fringed or tasseled valence and tiebacks with tassels or fringe will complement your elegant Victorian room decor quite nicely.

Or, if your Victorian home has ornate window casings, trim and crown moldings, you might go with something simple like white lace curtains that don’t detract from the eye candy!

For a slightly more casual look, you could use tapestry cafe curtains with a fringed detail to add texture to your old world window coverings.

Elegant full length drapes in rich gold fabric give this dining room a formal mood and nostalgic feeling of the distant past, when only royalty would have such a beautiful table upon which to feast.

Old World Drapery Hardware

Drapery hardware such as ornate finials and tiebacks will also complement your old world interior nicely, adding a finishing touch to your elegant window treatment.

Be sure to use drapery rods, curtain rings and other hardware that is in keeping with the period as well, using finishes such as gilded gold, antique brass or faux finishes that would have been commonly used for window coverings of the time.

Drapery hardware is like jewelry that adorns and completes the luxurious, formal window coverings typical of the traditional design aesthetic.

Designing an old world window treatment takes patience and careful consideration but will be worth the time invested if you want your window coverings to enhance the theme and period or design movement you are striving to achieve in the look of your interior!

And if you are going to the expense and trouble of designing your contemporary home decor, careful consideration is required when choosing window coverings that complement and enhance the contemporary style of the room.

Aside from the pure functional purposes of privacy and light control, a contemporary window treatment should be in aesthetic harmony with all design elements that make your interior decor both modern and unique.

Modern window fashions have evolved significantly in recent years, with myriad choices available to the interior designer and consumer, from contemporary window shades and blinds, to curtains and window fashion hardware and accessories you can combine to create something that stands out from the dull look of ordinary drapes or mini blinds that were once thought of as merely functional items used to provide privacy and darken a room.

Uncluttered and open, this contemporary bedroom features full length drapes in a dark neutral tone that contrasts against the white wall paint and bedding.

Contemporary Window Covering Considerations

Aside from decor, contemporary window treatments must be designed appropriately to the purpose of your room. While white wood shutters would look great in your living room or library, you would be well advised not to use real wood in a bathroom, where humidity and moisture can warp and ruin your investment!

And in your home theater room, you will want something that is versatile enough to block out unwanted glare that negatively affects the picture quality of your expensive high definition television set or projection screen.

In the kitchen you may want to choose a contemporary window treatment that can be opened up to brighten the kitchen decor with plenty of natural light, so pleated or roller shades can be a good choice.

A plain and neutral wall colour is offset nicely by the bright orange accents of an area rug, bedding and roll up shade in this contemporary kids room decor.

A paisley fabric topper isn’t likely to give your room a very modern feeling, but a checked or wide striped pattern may do the trick.

Most modern style rooms will not be adorned with embroidered fabrics, decorative tassels, lace or frilly fringes. Remember that clean lines are more characteristic of contemporary design, leaving the room uncluttered and minimalist.

Contemporary Room Themes and Colour Schemes

Theme is an important part of creating your room decor as well. You might choose a theme like the sea, using blues-greens to echo the colours of water and sky, with the warm beige or off white of sand on the beach.

If you pick Tuscan style, then try a palette that incorporates the natural colours of the earth and verdant greens that echo the colours of the grassy hillsides of Tuscany, with accents of blue turquoise.

Retro or ultra modern design is best achieved with more neutral wall colours and splashes of bright colour for accents. Cherry red, vibrant yellow and other saturated colours characterize the stylish retro look, which has become quite popular again in contemporary home decor.

This loft apartment uses a very unique, custom window treatment superbly matched to the contemporary interior design!

Once you have an idea of the theme and colour scheme you want to use for your contemporary window coverings, it’s time to consider the type and style of treatment that best fits the aesthetic and practical needs of your room.

You have a lot of possibilities, so here following is a complete run down on the many contemporary window fashion options to consider:

Contemporary Window Shades

The lines between window shades and blinds have become more blurred as manufacturers have introduced a variety of styles and designs, but window coverings with slats are generally referred to as blinds, whereas shades typically come in pleated, cellular or honeycomb and Roman styles.

Pleated Shades

Pleated shades are compactly stacked when raised, keeping them largely out of view, which complements the uncluttered feeling of your contemporary room decor and provides a full view from the window.

The pleats are typically about one inch and there is a wide variety of fabric textures, colours and styles available. Solid tone pleated shades are a great choice for a contemporary look.

Cellular or Honeycomb Shades

Simply designed for convenience, with top down, bottom up and several other configurations available, cellular or honeycomb shades are the epitome of contemporary window coverings and feature insulating qualities that are far superior to other types of window coverings.

The accordion-style cellular shades come in single, double or even triple cell varieties for maximum energy efficiency. The more cells, the more air is trapped to keep either warm or cool air from escaping your home’s interior when needed. Pleats can range from about three-eighths of an inch to two inches, depending on the look you want.

Newer models also featured pull cords and mechanisms that are unexposed for a singularly clean and uncluttered appearance!

Roman Shades

Made with either traditional cotton or other fabric, Roman shades offer an attractive window covering alternative.

Roman style shades are hung from the top of your window opening with the fabric loosely folded in four to six inch pleats when raised. The folds may be flat or teardrop in shape, with the flat-fold variety tending to give a more contemporary look.

Woven Wood Shades

Woven wood refers to a fabric that is made using natural materials such as bamboo matchsticks, hemp, jute, woven reeds or grasses. Woven wood shades do not stack as tightly as pleated or cellular shades, so they are more apparent to the eye when raised.

Choosing the natural texture and warmth of woven wood shades can accent and enhance your contemporary interior design quite nicely and goes well in a room with natural hardwood or bamboo flooring as well as contrasting nicely with stone, stainless steel or other metal materials typical of a contemporary decor.

A striking contrast is achieved between vibrant the green wall colour and striped pattern of these contemporary window shades.

Window blinds featuring either vertical or horizontal slats remain a popular choice in contemporary and modern rooms. You have a vast array of styles, materials and colours from which to select.

Venetian Blinds

Whether you select wood or faux wood, venetian blinds are timeless window covering options that offer convenient operation and the added benefit that you can raise and lower them partially or completely in addition to angling the slats for added flexibility in controlling light, glare and privacy as needed.

Venetian blinds are characterized by slats that are wider than mini blinds, typically about two inches in width. White or another neutral colour will be the best bet for a modern looking venetian blind.

Mini Blinds

If you want something cheap and versatile, the modern mini blinds may suit your contemporary interior perfectly. With slats that are typically less than two inches in width, you can find mini blinds in a variety of metallic or coloured finishes.

Vertical Blinds

For sliding glass doors and windows that open and close horizontally, vertical blinds are quite functional. Available in vinyl, wood or covered with fabric, vertical blinds are an excellent option for the contemporary interior.

While some people do not like the look of vertical window blinds, they are both economical and practical. With their long vertical lines, you can also use vertical blinds to accent other design elements in a modern decor and make a small space appear larger.

Contemporary Shutters

With clean lines and smooth surfaces, interior shutters made with real wood or vinyl make an excellent window treatment for the contemporary room, and are available stained for a natural wood finish or painted to match almost any colour.

Typically, interior shutters will be finished in the same colour as the window casing and trim.

In contemporary and modern design, it is typcial to use neutral primary colours, with a bold accent colour leading the eye to spectacular features in the room like this bold, deep red chair.

While lace fabrics and billowing curtains are not exactly contemporary in style, modern curtain panels can work nicely in neutral colours and with crisp pleats.

You can either select curtains that match the height of your window or opt for drapery panels that hang all the way to the floor, adding a feeling of height that enlarges the look of your window opening.

Contemporary Toppers

A topper adds depth and style to your window treatment and typically includes decorative elements such as a valance or cornice. While traditional styles can be quite ornate, with swags or scarves, for a contemporary topper you can use a wood cornice, finished naturally or painted to match your room’s colour scheme.

You could also select a plain or patterned fabric and cover your topper to match other design elements used in your furniture upholstery, throw pillows, area rugs or other accent pieces.

But what colour choices are the right ones to use when selecting new window blinds, shades, curtains, drapes or a layered window treatment?

Read on to learn more about the top ten colours being used by interior designers these days to give window coverings a little more spice or even a complete makeover that can transform the look of an interior!

1. Black with White

Bold and fashionable, black and white has become all the rage in home decor. The stark contrast of black and white is classic in foyer flooring and bathroom colour schemes, but you can also create unique window coverings with this colour combination.

White window blinds or shades with a black valance or decorative black and white print curtain pattern will certainly give your window fashion design style and drama.

2. Black with Any Colour

Some people frown upon using black in home decorating, but consider that black goes with almost anything, giving the eyes something solid to rest upon.
As a neutral colour, black has the advantage of contrasting well with most other colours as well as providing privacy and light control since it absorbs light.

Use black in your window curtains or drapes and you can use any accent colour you like in the pattern of your fabric, your window hardware or wall paint.

3. Red

A striking contrast can be achieved with red, as this austrian blind window treatment in red and beige demonstrates.

In a formal dining room, sitting room or other room intended for entertaining guests, red is commonly used to add a regal tone and is often associated with extroverts and socializing. Red also is very complementary to greens, blues and yellows, making it a perfect match in many colour schemes.

Fabrics like velvet and linen in deep reds can give formality and richness to your window treatments, with gold embroidery or other adornments enhancing a traditional decor.

On the other hand, if you like a modern, contemporary or retro decor, bright shades of red can make a very bold statement as well.

4. Orange

Earthy and natural, oranges will add warmth to your room. Related to red, oranges come in a wide variety of tones also, from terra cotta to burnt orange, salmon and peach; you have oranges from very saturated to pastel and earth tones.

Cellular or pleated shades are available in many shades of orange. Or you could use woven wood or bamboo blinds to give your room some orange-brown earth tones.

5. Metallic

If you like modern, then metallic finishes could be perfect for your window blinds. Most blinds manufactures offer metal blinds in a variety of finishes these days, whether you want the look of brushed nickel, smooth silver, copper or platinum.

Modern design makes use of the contrast of natural materials like woods against the hard surfaces and geometry of metal finishes.
Another way to use metals in your window coverings will be hardware; curtain rods, rings, finials and other items can subtly infuse the look of metal into your room decor without overpowering it.

Green, whether a shade like this yellow green or something more blue green will give your window coverings vibrant spring warmth.

6. Yellow Greens

Brighten your room with yellow green, using shades like lime green, pale apple, willow green to give your room the fresh and airy look of spring or summer.
If you like something darker, shades like hunter or forest green are deeper colours that can give a home office, library or other room a stately feeling.

You can find a good selection of window blinds, shades and fabrics for curtains or drapes in many shades of greens and yellows.

7. Blue Greens

Cool and soothing, blue greens can range from teal or sea green to aquamarine and turquoise or brighter hues like Caribbean blue or jade.

Consider how your window treatment will look from the exterior view of your home. Blue adds a nice contrast to this brick and stone facade.

As an ascending colour, blue can help make your room appear larger, while also giving it the serene and refreshing harmony of sea and sky.

A classic home decor colour, blue is not often found in floral patterns and many traditional patterns use blue with white, red or gold, with stripes, checks and plaid geometric patterns being popular.

Navy and denim blues are trendy these days and you could design some creative curtains with a denim fabric. Try French blue for something a bit more country or a deep royal blue for something more formal.

9. Purple

Of course, deep shades of purple are associated with royalty; amethyst, plum and violet are popular.

But you can also use a delicate shade of lilac, lavender or hyacinth for a more feminine look. These colours are well complemented by white or yellow.

10. Neutral

Always popular, the best selling window blind and shade colours sold always tend to be neutral tones; white, cream and beige predominate. Neutral tones make a good foundation for most colour schemes.

Most energy efficient ideas sound great in theory, but most of us can’t afford to pull out all of our windows and replace them with more efficient models or replace our electrical appliances with Energy Star models.

When these things are due to be replaced, it’s a good idea to consider those options, but what about in the meantime?

Windows are one of your prime heating loss locations. Rather than replacing the panes, you can help to minimize heat loss by installing insulated drapes.

Is there anything that you can do to lower your heating costs without making major replacements or home improvements? There is; read on to learn more.

Embroidered silk drapes with linings give this room decor a very stylish window treatment.

How Insulated and Lined Drapes Work

Insulated curtains and drapes are made from fabric that is insulated, treated, and/or lined to make it less heat permeable and sometimes even resistant to UV light. By closing them and completely covering the window, you can block out drafts and reduce heat loss through the glass.

The level of insulation that you’ll get is determined by the R-value of your lined curtain. If you’ve done work on your home before, you’ll probably remember the term: an item’s R-value shows how much it resists heat flow. R-value is determined by the basic characteristics of the material being used, its thickness, and its density.

Generally, an untreated, single pane window has an R-value of around R1, assuming that it’s properly installed. An insulated curtain will add its R-value to the value of your window when the curtain is closed.

You can find recommended R-values for insulation depending on where you live, but you’ll have a tough time finding them for windows.

Just use common sense: if you live in a region where insulation R-values are high, you’ll also want to make sure that your window R-values are high. You can even layer window treatments to increase the R-value without sacrificing style.

And if you live in a region particularly known for its bitter winters, or if you just can’t afford to replace those old drafty windows even though you can feel the air flow from across the room, consider layering some insulated drapes with an insulated shade that attaches all around the window to reduce gaps. This will result in a definite decrease in your heating bills. Or consider attaching your drapes to the wall using hook and loop tape to reduce gaps.

Choosing Insulated and Lined Drapes

You can choose to go with insulated drapes, which are made with fabric which is treated to retain heat, or lined drapes, which rely on layers of fabric or foam to trap air and provide comfort. You can go with either depending on your desired R-value and look. Or, if you’re absolutely in love with your existing window treatments, consider adding a lining.

If you use an insulated fabric, you can more than double the R-value of your drapes. You can sew a lining on, or select one of the options that fuses to your existing treatment. All you need to do is cut it properly and iron it on.

Since you have hundreds of different fabric blends to choose from, this process can be overwhelming. Choosing a fabric for your window drapes or curtains is a very personal matter, but it helps to understand the basics.

Rich silk fabrics, layered and adorned with complementary patterns and tassles create a unique and elegant window treatment.

The first step is to consider your room and your windows. You may have an intense love for delicate lace, but so will your toddler.

If you consider who uses the room, their tastes, and their behaviors, you’ll come up with window treatment that suits the entire family.

Then, it’s time to consider the windows.

You want to make sure that your draperies and their fabric suit the windows. You may love velvet, but it will look incongruous when used in short curtains.

If your windows are small, then you may want to steer away from velvet, or consider making the drapes out of another fabric and trim them in velvet.

Next, consider the color, pattern, sheen, and texture of your drapery fabric.

For a child's room, you can select something fun in bright colours to match the theme of a boy or girl room decor.

Generally, you want to make a statement with one or two of these elements. For example, you might choose a retro fabric pattern in bright colors, or an unpatterned silk with a lustrous sheen.

The key is to concentrate on a few elements. Layering a shiny African styling fabric with a nubby lining in a jewel tone would be overkill.

If you plan to make custom curtains or have them made for you, make sure that the curtain fabric you select works well with the drapery style you intend to use.

You don’t want to select a dramatic and elegant fabric like silk and then use it to make casual café curtains.

The fabric and the style should work together to provide an overall vibe for the window treatment.

Drapery Fabric Types

The various drapery fabric options each have their own characteristics when it comes to both appearance and upkeep, so they’re good for particular styles of drapery.

Texture, pattern and colour in the fabrics you choose will combine to give your window drapes a distinctive look.
• Cotton – Cotton offers ease of maintenance and a great variety of patterns and colours. It’s a versatile fabric that can work well in French country rooms (think toile prints) or to cover the French doors in a family living room. However, cotton doesn’t hold up well in a lot of direct light; it’s prone to fading. You may also have problems with wrinkling.
• Linen – Linen is sturdy and wears well. Many styles offer subtle, nubby texture that looks great in neutral colors. If your room is awash in prints and you need something in a neutral color that isn’t boring, linen can be a terrific option. Linen can shrink, so you’ll need to account for that when it comes to cleaning the drapes. Many linens are also stiff, so if you’re looking for something that will puddle naturally on the floor, this might not be the best fabric option for you.
• Rayon – Rayon offers a pleasing sheen and drapes well, but it doesn’t hold up under a lot of manipulation. Consider using it in stationary drapes and in formal rooms; you don’t want to be opening and closing it on a repeated basis. Make sure to get a treated fabric that is less prone to creasing and shrinking, two common problems with rayon.
• Silk – When it comes to formal draperies with luster and opulence, silk takes the cake. Make sure to use it in formal rooms where it won’t be trampled on or handled a lot, since it doesn’t hold up very well. And never use it in bathrooms, kitchens, or places where it will receive a lot of direct sunlight; it’s prone to water spotting and fading.
• Synthetics – Acrylic and polyester blends are some of the most affordable fabrics for drapery, and they wear well, making them good choices for casual, high traffic areas. However, they will pill.

If you’re looking for a functional window treatment that will block strong morning sun or keep your neighbors from watching you walk around in your bathrobe each morning, then most people will say you need a “curtain.”

If style is more important than function and you’re seeking a more formal look, then most people will use the term “drape” to describe your desired window treatment. Some people also use the terms interchangeably.

In this article, we’ll look at formal, decorative window treatments.

Clean and simple, these sheer white drapes add to the design of the room without detracting from other elements like a crystal chandelier.

While drapes tend to be decorative, they can also serve a purpose. Most drapes are made out of heavier fabrics which help to alleviate problems associated with drafty windows.

You can up the insulation quotient by purchasing lined drapes and save money on your heating bills.

Most people use drapes as a stationary window treatment rather than one that can be opened and closed with a pull cord, so if you want to be able to close off a window due to strong sunlight, you may need to pair them with another treatment like a roller blind or sheer curtains to get the function you want.

Window drapes can be purchased at the store if you’ve got a basic style and fabric in mind, but more specialized looks may require custom or homemade drapes.

Custom looks can be rather expensive, but you may be able to get a custom look for less if you’re willing to put a little work into it.

Consider purchasing a set of mass-produced drapes and customizing them with accessories.

By layering drapes in complimentary colours, picking decorative tiebacks such as tasseled or ornate ironwork versions, and using decorative finials or wall sconces to dress up the curtain rod, you can often come up with a beautiful, custom-look window treatment. You might also try searching for vintage drapes, which are often more affordable than custom drapes.

Embroidered silk window drapes give this dining room decor a rich and very tasteful touch.

Choosing the Right Drapery Fabric

You have a lot of options when it comes to drapery fabric, and each will impart a different look to your rooms as well as having different maintenance requirements.

Consider the following options when selecting the right fabric for your new drapes:

• Cotton – Cotton has the advantages of being easy to care for, sturdy, and available in patterns and colours to suit any room. However, wrinkling may be a problem, and cotton doesn’t hold up well in a lot of sunlight.
• Silk – Silk is shiny and opulent-looking, but it doesn’t hold up very well. It’s prone to water spotting and fading, and it’s also relatively expensive.
• Linen – Like cotton, linen is known for its sturdiness. But it’s also comparatively stiff and prone to shrinking.
• Rayon – Rayon hangs well, but it doesn’t handle well. It will crease and shrink unless it’s treated.
• Synthetics – Synthetics like acrylic and polyester blends are generally affordable and wear well, but most are prone to pilling.

By layering your drapes with another element like these shoji screens, you can create depth and visual impact to your window treatment.

Choosing the Right Type of Drapes for your Windows

When it comes to selecting drapes, your choice can make all the difference between a drapery treatment that works and one that doesn’t.

Consider the following choices and tips when you’re choosing window drapes:

• Lined Drapes – Lined or insulated drapes have an extra layer of fabric on the inside. If left closed, they let lined drapes let in very little light and help insulate against drafts. Unlined drapes, on the other hand, may be somewhat sheer depending on the fabric you choose, so you should still see a little light when they are closed. Choose insulated drapes if your windows are particularly drafty, if you have a home theater that requires complete darkness, or if you like the look. Lined drapes hang differently and keep their shape better than most unlined versions.
• Pleated Drapes – Most drapes are pleated, although it’s possible to find unpleated versions if you look hard enough. Your job is to select the style of pleats that you like the best. Drapes can be pleated by tying them together with a sash, creating a more casual look, but most will have a more formal vibe. Box pleats, for example, are created when vertical stripes are sewn into the top of the fabric. Pencil pleats are smaller and more subtle. And French pleats are formed when groups of three pleats are made close together.
• Drapery Length - Most drapes are long, accentuating the height of the windows and the room for a more dramatic look. Consider hanging drapes up near the ceiling to create a formal sitting room vibe, or allow them to puddle on the floor for a feeling of opulence.

This formal bedroom decor matches window drapery with drapes around the bed, putting the drapes front and center as interior design elements.

They let in a lot of natural light, allow for outside views, and add architectural interest.

If your bay windows look out into your backyard, or an otherwise secluded area, then window treatments or curtains may not be absolutely essential for you.

However, for privacy’s sake, they may be necessary.

Bay window treatments also can help to make your windows one of the focal points of the room, and they can assist with light control for times when all of that ambient light is an annoyance.

Dramatic bay window dressed with curtains tht match dark colors of this room decor.

Bay Window Covering Challenges

Obviously, it’s not possible to purchase any window treatment off the shelf to cover a bay. You need to plan specifically for the special needs of a bay and focus on finding a style that will accentuate the window itself.

Because of the shape of the windows, any window coverings requiring a rod will need a separate rod for each window or a rod built specifically for bays. Note that while it seems like a great idea to purchase three separate rods, it’s a good idea to make sure that they’ll fit end-to-end above the windows.

If not, you can stagger them, hanging the center higher than the two wings, or if you have deep enough window casings, you can hang your treatment inside the casing in what’s called an inside mount. If none of these solutions appeal to you, you will need to purchase a special bay window curtain rod.

Wood shutters create a unique window covering for this San Francisco bay window!

With the right hardware, you can use almost any type of window treatment in a bay. When you’re trying to select a treatment for your bay windows, decide if you want your window treatments to be purely decorative, or if you want them to also provide light control and privacy. This can help you to focus your attentions on the options that will best meet your needs.

There are some treatments that look particularly good in bay window areas. Here are some ideas to help you get started on the road toward the perfect treatment for your windows:

• Window Curtains – Bay windows look particularly good with long panels or café-style curtains. Be careful of poofy or flouncy styles that will visually overwhelm the space and hide the lines of the bay. Instead, accentuate the height of your windows by hanging panels between each window all the way up near the ceiling. If privacy is an issue, hang café curtains halfway down the length of each window and top the bay with one long valance that runs continuously along its length.
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  Roman shades are a nice option to treat your bay window, since most will mount inside the casing of each window pane.
  Shades – Shades are a wonderful option for bay windows, particularly if your bay has decorative molding that you don’t want to obscure. You can hang roller shades, ribbon shades, or Roman shades within each casing in the aforementioned inside mount. Roller shades roll straight up and down from the top, offering a clean line. Ribbon shades are manually rolled up from the bottom and tied off underneath with decorative ribbons and add wonderful romantic style. Roman shades pull up into long, loose pleats that are particularly good for classic décor.
• Blinds – Mini blinds are one of the most common window treatments out there, so they’ve got to be mentioned. Can you use them on your bay windows? Certainly, they’ll fit, but all of those horizontal lines can look awfully busy. If you’re absolutely in love with the functionality of blinds, try choosing a darker color with wider slats to minimize the striped look, but in general it’s best to avoid blinds if possible.
• Valances – If privacy and light aren’t problems, consider unifying the windows with a valance and leave them otherwise uncovered. You can try a traditional valance, or even just hang a rod or series of rods and wrap long scarves around them. Leave the ends hanging unevenly between the windows to add visual interest.

An ideal and stylish window covering in the room has the power to transform the undesired mood into a desired one.

Therefore, it becomes all the more important to have ideal window coverings at appropriate windows.

It’s one thing to have the best of fabric for your window coverings, but if, for example, the color of fabric does not match the overall scheme of things of the room, then you are in for a major disappointment.

Whether you prefer elegant and natural wooden venetian blinds like these or something more intricate and ornate, these tips will help you find the ideal window coverings to match your interior.

Read these selected tips and pointers to help you in selecting ideal window coverings for your home:

• First thing’s first! The primary purpose of any window covering is two fold – to prevent the sunlight into the room and to protect your privacy from the prying eyes of neighbors. So, whatever fabric, style, design, or color you chose, always remember that these twin objectives are always served.
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  Select the window blinds or other window coverings that suit your requirements for letting in and blocking out light. Venetian blinds made a great choice for easy operation and flexible light control.
  If the windows are positioned such that your privacy cannot be compromised, you can omit any window covering. However, if the sunlight is not required in such room, it’s better to have adequate protection on these windows.
• The next step is to decide the kind of atmosphere you want to create in the room where you are planning to install window covering. The rest of your room, the furniture, the flooring etc. will guide you as to the overall feel of the room. You may have a traditional backdrop, or a modern outlook, or a mix-n-match style of room.
• Settle for the window coverings that complement this overall feel of the room. The idea is that your carefully selected window treatment should not look out-of-place when finally installed in the room.
• The fabric for the window coverings should be extremely carefully selected. Different colors depict different moods. Similarly, different patterns can have different impact on the visitors. Generally, brighter colors and patterns signify a room bustling with activities, and lighter colors have a soothing impact.
• Finally, the selection of style is your personality statement. You have tons of styles to choose from a wide range of blinds, curtains, valances, drapes, shades, swags, and shutters.

So, now you’re ready to visit a local showroom or go onto one of our advertiser’s web sites and select the style that is just about perfect for your requirements and taste!

If you have typical windows of different dimensions, it’s best to have made-to-measure window coverings.

With more and more people getting hooked on having personalized style statement in the form of window coverings, the reputed companies have suddenly raised the rates of their premium brands.

As a result, the initial budget for window coverings almost always has to be revised northwards.

Aside from price, you also have to beware of quality and style. In sum, your aim should always be to get the best in style and design at competitive prices.

You dont have to spend a large sum of money to find window coverings that match your room decor and give you the privacy and flexible light control you desire.

Though it’s not darn easy to strike such outrageous deals, yet it’s not too difficult a proposition either. Here are some tips that’ll help you in your purchase of quality window coverings within your budget:

• One thing you should be clear about is that you are up against it when searching for inexpensive options for your window coverings. So, be prepared to think out-of-the-box and let your creative juices flow to banish the orthodox and accept the distinct.
• You can easily save money on the fabric that is exposed to sunlight. Expensive silk is one of the most delicate of all the fabrics used on the exposed region. Cheaper fabrics, like acrylic, modacrylic, and even polyester can be used as effective sun resistant material.
• The tension rod can be covered with a thick piece of PVC pipe after rubbing off the numbers on the pipe that could spoil the fabric. This PVC pipe is quite inexpensive and can be easily decorated with paints to give them a unique look.
• Wrought iron curtain rod with pinch clips, and either hemmed or un-hemmed fabric can also be used to curtail the rising cost factor. Moreover, you can chose inexpensive decorative items like ribbons or ties to enhance the overall look of your window coverings.
• Finally, there is no substitute to discount stores. No matter how hard you try to save money on window coverings, if the purchase is costly, then after-purchase treatment won’t count for much.
  So, it’s better if you perform a thorough market research for discount stores. You can also wait till season-ending sale to strike really outrageous deals for inexpensive window coverings.

Many quality, yet affordable and inexpensive window coverings are available in the market. It just needs a prudent buyer to get the benefit of unbelievable offers.