Window Treatments 101

It can sometimes get confusing - all the many kinds of window treatments available. Some people, most notably single males, might be tempted to just get whatever hits the window just so that it doesn't look bare or unfinished. Window treatments do have important functional and practical purposes to fulfill and knowing the difference will greatly help when time comes to choose the right window treatments.

In the simplest definition, window treatments are basically the covering that is placed over the windows. More than covering they perform three important functions for any home - privacy, control of light and style. Depending on where you live, one function may be of a higher priority than the other, but whatever kind of window treatment you choose should satisfy each functional requirement.

Protecting Your Privacy

Privacy is very important for your home unless you are living in a secluded part of the country side or vast miles of planes where no other people are near enough to peer insides of your home in passing. But chances are you are just like most people who live in a neighborhood where you prefer to diminish the chances of prying eyes gazing upon you or your property.

Window treatments can solve this problem if they are designed for privacy. You can use a glass treatment such as diffusers or frostings if a clear view of the great outdoors is not desired from that window. Types of privacy treatments include opaque designs like blinds or shutters which can be closed for privacy and opened to enjoy the view.

Controlling the Light

It's also important for window treatments to help control the amount of light that enters a room. At different times it might be desirable to keep the glare down, for example while watching TV or while enjoying an afternoon nap. At other times of the day, you might want to allow more light to enter. A cloudy day when its still a bit too early to turn lights on for example. For these reasons window treatments that allows control over the amount of light entering the room is desirable.

Controlling the amount of light can also be important to keep fixtures, furnishings, artwork, flooring, and fabrics protected from the damaging ultraviolet rays from the sun. UV rays may fade or age important or expensive belongings. The fibers in carpets and rugs may break down and eventually rot when exposed to too much sunlight. If this is a concern, you would want to keep the exposure of these items to harmful light at a minimum. Glass tinting is another option here.

The best window treatments for this function are those that can easily be opened and closed at varying degrees. Blinds and drapes may be best for such purposes. You can also have your glass tinted to minimize bright sunlight from coming in from windows facing harsh or direct sunlight.

Beauty Treatment

Window treatments also add style to your homes. A bare window looks unfinished and is unattractive. It gives a temporary feel to a room, as if you won't be living there long enough to bother with treatments. It doesn't look like home until windows are dressed up at least a little bit.

Window treatments come in different colors, designs, styles and shapes all you need to do is to choose one that would complement the general theme of your home. Such pieces could also add a personal touch and a dash of character to the home making it cozier for you, family and visitors.

In closing

Window treatments aren't important just for the sake of having them. They provide privacy, lighting control, and beauty to your home. So go ahead and pick a window treatment that would satisfy the particular requirements for any given window and enjoy.

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