Editors' Picks: Fresh Window Accessories

While traditional rods and finials have been around for years, new twists on old favorites can instantly light up a lackluster window. This couldn't be more literal than with the "LED there be light" curtain rod collection by Blome. The German company's curtain rods come with built-in lights that are lit from an external source, illuminating draperies from above. LED lighting also has perks beyond great design: It can outlast regular light bulbs and emits no heat. With trends toward green design, energy efficient LED lighting is definitely an eco-friendly option. Your windows will shine no matter the time of day.

Window trends today mix the traditional with the unexpected. Deliver a little bit of both by dressing up your window with unusual hardware that can take your window treatment to new heights. Pottery Barn's Ceiling-Mount Hardware from $69 to $99 is an unexpected way to hang a window treatment that gives great results. The eye is drawn upward, making squat windows appear taller, and the finishes (bronze or pewter) are completely modern.

Industrial design is giving way to futuristic convenience in cozy living spaces—that means clean lines and high-tech metals mixing with fabrics and textures that make you feel comfortable. Traditional lightweight fabrics like organza or cotton can walk this line on the Cable Curtain Rod by Studio from JCPenney. The super sleek tension rod comes in three lengths, three colors (antique gold, black and pewter) and ranges from $19.99 to $29.99. Taking a cue from modern appliance design, the rod is 100 percent stainless steel with a zinc finial. It almost invisibly holds up a window covering, and can even be used outdoors due to its rust-proof steel.

There are lots of simple solutions for hanging draperies or curtains, but the drapery ring is one of the simplest. Just loop rings through a rod and use the clips to attach the fabric panel. When adding these to your window decor, choose bold rings with modern finishes that make a statement, rather than traditional blacks, woods or whites. Your window treatment will go from ordinary to glam with rings like these Global Home Beaded Drapery Rings from Target ($9.99). The rings create instant drama with reflective gold beads and steel clips. For an understated, but still mod look, Umbra's $9 Wisp Clip Drapery Rings have tear-dropped shaped fronts which seamlessly hide the clip. They come in pewter, aged brass and black, so your window can be simple but still be stylish.

5. Fashion Forward Tiebacks

Traditional tiebacks mean tassels, tassels and more tassels. Modern window treatments would take a serious departure from sleek if it weren't for today's equally modern finds. Warm metallics, shimmering ornamentation and leather put the bling in your tiebacks while giving an otherwise simple window drape something to gleam about.

London-based Spina's recent line of tiebacks is totally luxurious, with feathers, crystals and even fuzz. The Mink Pompon Tieback with Solid Silver Chain Drop is one example that demands attention. Its powdery, soft fur is contrasted with hanging silver chains. Your window treatments will be sure to cozy up to this tieback.

For the ultra-fashion forward window, Spiegel's "one size fits all" $19 Leather Belt Tieback combines real leather with a working Silverstone buckle. The belt attaches to the wall with a ring, so there's no need to ever take it off at the end of the day.

You've seen them on cars, but have you considered them at home? Window decals and adhesives are a quick fix for a window that requires privacy, but still needs to let light through. These films can be cut to fit any window shape and are easily removed. The best part? All you need is water to apply these translucent patterns. Try the $6 Adhesive Film Sample Set found at 2Jane Co. Each panel measures 4" X 8" and comes in a variety of patterns: Moroccan tile, flowers & lace, pixels, orba, adelphi and clover.

Putting a panel meant for a wall inside your window is crazy talk; it also happens to be an extremely easy way to accessorize a window while adding some privacy. Wall panels ideal for windows are those that are transparent or translucent, have some sort of graphic element or pattern and, most importantly, fit inside the window frame. The $150 Downtown Wall Panel from Pier 1 Imports is an ornamental piece handmade from wood and iron. Adding an urban edge to any window, the panel lets light through while slightly obscuring the view.

Floral prints have been designed until they can't be designed anymore. Different colors, different sizes, different species. Let the flowers you hang in your windows be real, instead of a print. CB2's $9.95 Hanging 3-Piece Glass Vase can hook onto a curtain rod and suspend in front of your window. Twenty inches of aluminum and steel suspend three glass test tubes that can hold your favorite flowers. But be frugal—one orchid bloom or gerber daisy per tube is enough to add lively color to the window's view.

Some of the best prospects for business in the home luxury category, according to Interiors Design Intelligence, are building products. This, of course, includes windows, and some companies are capitalizing on the demand for well-designed home essentials. While other window accessories may come and go, this next pick provides permanent privacy from snooping neighbors. SwitchLite Privacy Glass is essentially a built-in blind for your windows. A sheet of liquid crystal sits inside the window and is powered by a switch. When on, the glass is clear. When off, the liquid crystal molecules line up, providing an instant translucent privacy barrier. Contact the manufacturer for a price quote.

10. No-Hands Window Treatment Control

It's nearing night and the daily "closing of the window blinds" ritual has begun, only to be reversed the next morning after you wake up. Manually closing certain window treatments can cause wear and tear to the strings, eventually ending in frustration or new blinds. Enter Hunter Douglas with its collection of electrical-powered motorized shades and blinds. Price is dependent upon size and the kind of window treatment you choose to motorize. Operated via remote or light switch, the window treatments are set at the factory to open to a predetermined length. A sensor prevents the window treatment from folding up past its height. With a single remote powering up to 12 treatments, this high-tech window toy will prevent broken strings. But if the power goes off, your windows will just have to wait.

For more window treatment tips and trends read on with Windows That Wow.