Thursday, May 12, 2011

Floortoceiling Window Treatments

Cotton panels provide privacy and allow light to shine through as well.


Although a floor-to-ceiling window can create a dramatic statement in a room, due to privacy reasons you may not want to leave it bare. These windows can present a challenge when it comes to decorating because of their height and the lack of standardized materials available for use. But there are ways to cover them and make them look fabulous in the process.


Practical Considerations


Choosing a window treatment that you enjoy for years involves knowing the purpose for the treatment and comparing the costs. Choice of window coverings will differ if privacy is a concern, such as your windows look into your neighbor's, as opposed to blocking out the sunlight because you work nights and sleep days. Another consideration is cost. The amount for a large, floor-to-ceiling treatment can vary tremendously depending on whether you use soft or hard window treatments.


Soft Window Treatments








A soft window treatment works well for a floor-to-ceiling window. Soft treatments consist of fabric curtains that blur the hard edges of the window. Fabrics vary from a thick, heavy material, such as brocade, to a lightweight fabric, such as lace or sheer material. A combination of fabric creates a layer effect if you drape the top with a valance from a complementary material, such as a scarf, or place a set of sheer curtains under the drapes and tie back the drapes exposing the sheers during the day.








Hard Window Treatments


Hard window treatments work equally well in floor-to-ceiling windows, although they are more costly. Hard window treatments consist of blinds or shutters. Both blinds and shutters contain slats that may open vertically or horizontally. Shutters come in wood or a wood composite material while blinds may be plastic or fabric-covered. Both close completely blocking light and allow angling of the slats to control the light that enters the room. Blinds may be pulled up or to the side to reveal the room, while shutters are folded up.


Embellishments


Bring diversity to your window treatment with a couple of embellishments. Rather than just use shutters alone, place a fabric cornice or valance above that complements the room colors. Or hang colorful glass beads or a stained-glass "dream catcher" underneath the treatment, so when the window is bare, the light reflects through the items. Beads can tie back drapes while a large plate, seashell or decorative item can become the tieback holder. A plant hung from the ceiling can trail down vines that intertwine with the window treatment, if curtains, or soften it if wood.

Tags: window treatment, back drapes, blinds shutters, floor-to-ceiling window, Hard window treatments