Windows should be seen and not heard........

     Windows should be seen and not heard. They are another integral part of your decor. Notice in this room setting, how no one element overtakes all others. The draperies make a soft back drop setting for the quiet tones in the room. Everything works together to make an inviting look. In this particular dining room the drapery was used as a measure of softening the large sliding glass doors. We did not want to obstruct the beautiful intracoastal views.  Privacy was accomplished with soft silhouettes which could be raised up and out of the way. When the silhouettes were needed for glare control, they could be easily adjusted.

In planning your window treatments, first analyze what you need them for: beauty, privacy, sun and glare control, or blackout conditions for sleeping. Then look at the style of your decor. Is it contemporary, traditional, transitional, island or British West Indies ?? Window treatments should follow suit no matter what their purpose. In a contemporary setting for instance, blinds often stand on their own, whether sheer weaves, silouhettes , or duettes. In more transitional or traditional settings, valances and/or drapery panels are almost utilized for the warmth and beauty.

I prefer more minimal soft draperies.I think the days of heavy valances,swags and jabeaus, and heavy tied back panels are waning. Our windows are more energy efficient, eliminating draft control and most clients do not want heavy dust collectors in their homes. So think about the purpose of the treatment ,your window's views, the rest of your decor, and what will enhance the look, not dominate it when you begin the process of window dressing. You will be glad you did.