Window Shades

Choosing the right window shades can be an intimidating process for those who don’t have design experience. Designers have tricks they use to camouflage things like corner walls between windows, small windows, or even unattractive windows. Without hiring an expensive designer, however, you can use the same strategies to create your own customized, high quality window treatments. At Decorating Depot, we have some tips to get you started.

The first step is to use the color wheel. The first instinct of many is to choose entirely neutral window shades, hoping they will blend into the wall color (how many times have you seen cream-colored pleated shades topped with a beige or taupe cotton sateen valance)? Instead, select a neutral window shade and complement it with drapes or sashes that are on the opposite of the color wheel. As an example, let’s start with pleated shades.

Pleated window shades are available in fabrics that offer different levels of concealment, from sheer to fully private. Brands like Graber have developed patented designs that keep pleats uniformly spaced, so no unsightly sags or folds mar your window treatment. If you choose a soft, yellow-based cream for your shade, violet and red-violet are its opposites on the color wheel. Try an eggplant color infused with deep red tones for your curtain. By contrast, if you choose a soft blue-green shade, red and red-orange are its opposites–try a deep cranberry for maximum contrast.

After you’ve chosen the colors for your window shades and complementary treatments, decide how you want to highlight (or hide!) your windows. Many modern tract home designs offer plenty of windows, but they are usually short and narrow. Decorating around these windows is simple. Choose a fully opaque window shade (to avoid unattractive views of unfinished side yards or neighbor’s walls)–roller blinds, mini blinds, or honeycomb shades work well here. Next, choose light colored panels that are at least 10 inches longer than your window. Mount them about five inches above your window, and let them drop to the floor below. The elongated window treatment will give your narrow windows the illusion of height. Additional height can be added with ring tops and finials.

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