Not Your Ordinary Window Treatments

A great way to spruce up or change your room's appearance is to change your curtains and window treatments. There are so many different types of window treatments on the market today that there is no need to stick with those old fashioned drapes or blinds any longer.

Just a few of the newer and more creative types of window treatments available include:

Arched windows – these can be hard to work with since they are not square and typically ordinary blinds and curtains won't fit. Instead, try a much larger curtain size that is floor to ceiling in length. Use a loosely woven or cotton type light colored or white fabric with large loops or large rings mounted to a simple bar. The long curtains give the wall an extra appearance of height and the loose fabric lets in lots of diffuse light even when the curtains are closed.

Roman Blinds – these blinds can be either very elegant or very casual, depending on the style and colors used. In you can also highlight the Roman blind by adding a colorful valance that accentuates the colors in the room. Roman blinds can be used in virtually any room in the house but are very popular for kitchen windows and bathrooms.

Bamboo blinds – this roll up blinds are versatile but neutral and natural enough to blend into almost any earthy toned room. Newer styles of bamboo blinds are often painted with wonderful Asian style patterns and prints to almost turn windows into a work of art when the blinds are closed. Bamboo blinds can be covered with a valance to match the accent colors in the room or can be left completely natural. These blinds look terrific in a kitchen or a sunroom.

Layering – for a multiple use room, layering both blinds and curtains may be very practical and can bring in all the colors used into the room through the use of different types of window treatments. Start with a darker blind, then layer the various colors in either sheer or lightweight fabrics. To show or display more or less color, simply slide the different layers open or closed.

Wooden blinds and plantation shutters – one of the more costly yet long lasting window treatments, inside wooden blinds and plantation shutters add a touch of class to any window. While they are permanently attached to the window, they can be adjusted to allow more or less light in at any time. They are also relatively easy to wash so spring cleaning is a snap.

Sheers – using a sheer blind that allows light to enter the room is ideal for a sunroom, living room or kitchen. To add that final touch use heavier curtain panels that are tied in large round knots over the ends of the curtain rods to frame the windows. You can also use very narrow curtain panels that are held back from the window with two or three stylized metal or wooden hooks.

Finding the right window treatment for your room takes a bit of looking and some creativity. Home decorating sites on the internet can give you a good idea of what different styles look like, which can be a real time saver.