3 WINDOW TREATMENTS TO BATTLE THE ELEMENTS WITH STYLE
Do you ever have days where it’s 65 degrees outside, but feels like 20 degrees inside? Or a room the sun heats up like an oven? The transitioning period between the seasons and drastic temperature changes outside can leave your house feeling too cold or too hot.
We pull out our sweaters and warm socks and find cozy things to do inside…but that draft! Can you feel it while sitting on your sofa or bed?
An interior designer does more than just “make things pretty.” We tackle functional challenges like this in our client solutions every day. Some of my clients share with me that they “run cold,” and often their significant others are the opposite, making it a battle over the thermostat for comfort.
This is when window solutions can make a big impact on cozying up or cooling down a space—depending on the climate you’re in.
Here are three ways you can improve your home’s comfort, while still making an aesthetic statement you will love for years to come:
1. Black Out Draperies
Blackout draperies are made by lining the back of the drapery with a fabric that has rubber on one side and fabric on the other. This textile got the name “blackout” due to the rubber’s inherent qualities of being solid and non-porous. They insulate the window when closed, but the bonus is that they also block out the sun. I love to use this lining in draperies in a bedroom, and especially a nursery for sleeping babies. Not only will it insulate the window by keeping the draft at bay; it will also repel heat in the summer.
2. Roman Shades
Roman shades can be installed inside or outside of the window casing. These custom window treatments can also be lined with blackout or insulation lining to protect against the elements. They can create a clean, modern look or be amped up with highly textured fabrics and trim. There is a solution to suit any room or personality. One thing is for sure—it is a stylish look that takes your décor to the next level.
3. Layer It
An uncovered window is said to leak 10%-25% of the indoor climate, so covering your windows with something is better than nothing at all. Window treatments also play a big part in elevating a room and achieving a truly finished look. Designing window treatments is actually one of my favorite parts of my job.
I often recommend layering window treatments, so you have multiple layers of protection. Protection from drafts as well as the glare of the early morning sun. And when you want a little privacy, the right window treatment layers allow you to accomplish that while still letting in a touch of sun.
The right fabrics and placement can make window treatments a focal point and even a work of art—this is a design solution that can play a big role in creating a bespoke space.