HGTV.comHGTV.com

New Trends in Window Treatments: From Shades to Sheers

Smart Design : Episode SDN-308 -- More Projects »
PHOTO

Floor-length drapes are simple, classic and function in just about any situation.
Christina Manca explains the new trends in curtains from shades to sheers, the assortment of available fabrics and how each will work in your windows:

  • Today's window treatments are very simple, minimal, easy to care for and they don't overwhelm a room. The first consideration in terms of a window treatment is its function, which includes two major ones--privacy and light control.

  • For a very full window treatment, use three times the window width for the fabric so it still billows when closed. Otherwise, it will lay as a flat panel and give a totally different look.
PHOTO

Copper scrim is a great material for window treatments because it's transparent during the day, but when the lights are on at night, it's opaque so it affords some privacy (don't use this if you need complete privacy).
  • Wool is a great choice for treatments. It drapes beautifully because it has some weight to it, helps to insulate things and wool doesn't deteriorate as quickly as other fabrics might in the sunlight.

  • Be sure to line silk drapes to make sure that you get a long lifetime out of a window treatment because it deteriorates quickly. This fabric adds a lot of dimension to a treatment due to the way it catches the light.
    • PHOTO

    Manca believes that the Roman shade is replacing the blinds of the past as a more streamlined, simple look.
  • Cellulose is a paper fiber blended with cotton that has the look and feel of heavy silk, but it won't deteriorate as quickly.

  • Today's drapes are not only about fabulous fabrics, they're also about the hardware, which includes the rods and finials (ornaments that decorate the ends of the rods). Hardware comes in any shape and form made of everything from wood to chrome to brushed nickel to brass.

  • The hottest new trend in window treatment is electronic shades. There are several different varieties of styles and a wide palette of colors available.

    fabric swatches, Roman shades (Homeworks)

    • Resources
    decorative project materials
    Homeworks
    480 Broome St.
    New York, NY 10013
    Phone: 212-343-9900
    Guests
    Christina Manca
    Designer, Drawing Board Design
    186 W. 80th St #7K
    New York, NY 10024
    Phone: 212-362-2961
    Fax: 917-441-3279
    E-mail: cmanca@dbd-inc.com
    Website: www.dbd-inc.com
    Also in this Episode
    Smart Design : Episode SDN-308
    •Cowboy Chic
    •Stylish Sinks
    •New Trends in Window Treatments: From Shades to Sheers
    •Finials
    HGTV.com
    Services Popular Content About
    Our Sister Sites

    Comparison Shop for Home Decor & Garden Tools at Shopzilla & BizRate

    UpMyStreet and uSwitch.com provide UK comparison services.

    © 2008 Scripps Networks, LLC. All rights reserved.