Your windows are an important part of the home. Rarely, however, are they left alone. Whether it’s to dress up a space or add additional privacy, window treatments are essential. They can turn a room from drab to fab with a simple window treatment addition.

Homeowners tend to hesitate when it comes to choosing the right style treatment for a particular kind of window or room. Window treatments you use in the bathroom might not be ideal for a living room with a large bay window. See a few ways you can dress up your room with window treatments.

Some window treatments are a great DIY project, while others might take the help of an expert. Contact a window contractor today for up to four quotes from pros in your area.

Inspect Your Windows

Before beginning any new window treatment, you’ll want to be sure your windows are in good condition. Inspect your windows for leaks and cracks. While you can always call a contractor to do an air pressure test for a thorough investigation, there’s a few ways you can observe if any window repairs should be made:

• Make sure the area between the frame and the window is thoroughly sealed.
• Make sure there are no small cracks in the window. If so, get those repaired.
• Make sure windows are easy to slide open with little force.
• Make sure the window and window frame doesn’t rattle or shake when touched.

How To Choose Window Treatments

Though window treatments are versatile, they are an investment. You’ll want to be sure you’re choosing the best for your space. The average cost to install window treatments is $168, with most homeowners spending between $102 and $159. This price can significantly vary depending on the treatment style you choose and if you install it yourself. Here are some window treatment styles to consider:

• Blackout Curtains or Drapes: Great for the bedroom or rooms that tend to get hot from the sun.
• Drapery: Will aid in blocking out sunlight and are an elegant addition to the room. Usually more expensive than other options.
• Curtains: A lighter material that will add some stylish décor to your space.
• Horizontal or Vertical Blinds: Easily blocks out light and adds privacy by pulling the cord.
• Roll-Up Shades: A long-term solution to block out light easily. Great for a child's room.
• Roman Shades: Adds décor as well as privacy by adjusting them to your preference.

Kitchen Window Treatments

The kitchen needs natural light. Dark kitchens are not ideal for hosting or cooking. Plenty of windows in a kitchen make the space more beautiful. However, plain windows could use a little something to dress them up. If you’re using a curtain or drape, keep them short and higher up, as to not be a potential kitchen hazard. If you have a traditional black and white kitchen, use your window treatments to add a pop of color to the space. Vintage kitchens look great with wooden horizontal blinds, to enhance the rustic look.

Bathroom Window Treatments

Privacy, privacy, privacy. That’s what’s needed in the bathroom when it comes to windows. While we all love natural light, but it can be difficult to incorporate that while maintaining a private space in the bathroom. Often, homeowners turn to frosted windows or higher-placed windows to give them what they need. But, for homeowners without this option, blinds or roman shades are the bathroom window treatment solution you need. Some fabrics and materials are more susceptible to mold and mildew from the moisture in the air. Be sure your bathroom window treatments are moisture resistant.

Window Treatment Ideas For The Living Room

In your living room, window treatment possibilities are truly endless. You’ll really want to match the window treatment style to the window you have. Large drapes and roman shades add a touch of elegance to the space, while sheer curtains can let just the right amount of light in. You can even layer patterns and solids to dress up your window. While straight, rectangular windows might be easier to find the perfect treatment for, some living rooms have other window styles. Here are a few to consider:

Window Treatments For Bay Windows

Bay windows are a beautiful addition to any living room. Finding the right window treatment for them could be a challenge due to their curvy shape. Blinds are where homeowners often turn to add privacy and block light. However, to dress it up, try a valance with every panel. Or, install large drapes at each angle, to really frame the window. Bay window treatment hardware might be more difficult to install than traditionally-shaped windows, so it’s best to contact a contractor who can help.

Sliding Door Window Treatments

Some living rooms have sliding doors that lead to a deck or patio. This makes it easy to transition from space to space. However, you may want to add a window treatment for additional privacy. Long, sliding curtains can help add style to your space when the sliding door is not in use. For a simple look, vertical blinds are an easy way to block extra light from entering the room and won’t get stuck in the door’s track.

Kids Bedroom Window Treatments

When considering your child’s room, you want it to be versatile. Most parents have the goal of creating a room the child loves but can also grow with. Window treatments provide them with versatility to restyle as the child’s interest changes.

One important thing to note when choosing kids' bedroom window treatments is safety. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that one child a month dies from after entangling themselves in a window treatment cord. The first step of prevention is refitting your windows in the child’s room and the rest of the home, if possible, with cordless blinds or shades. They also offer these suggestions:

• Don’t place cribs or beds by the window.
• Clip any cords out of reach.
• Retrofit current window treatments.
• Secure continuous-loop cords to the ground or wall.

Conclusion

Your window treatments are a very important part of the home. They are not only functional but stylish. Use a few of these ideas in your home to brighten up your space.