Function Needs

When you're furnishing your home, special needs are part of the picture. Providing privacy, letting light in while keeping a bad view out - all these issues are important. But finding the best solution doesn't mean sacrificing style. In today's design world, style is always part of the solution. With so many options, you'll find it's easy to impose fashion on function.

1. Privacy

If you don't want the world looking in, you need to cover your windows to protect your privacy. A window treatment with panels that can functionally open and close offers both privacy and light control. You can even layer them over a sheer curtain to vary the light control and privacy protection.

2. Light control

While most of us crave light-filled rooms, there are times when too much sun is hard to live with. If you love light but want to subdue it, then select window treatments with a sheer curtain.

3. Insulation

If cutting energy costs is high on your list, double-layer panels are your best choice. In winter, keep both layers closed, and in the summer open them up to let in the breezes.

4. UV Protection

Blackout liners are terrific in rooms where darkness and UV protection are desired

5. Visual Illusion

You’re lucky if your windows face a spectacular vista. Then to maximize a view, use treatments without panels or install the panels further from the recess of the window. However, if your windows need to function as camouflage, flank your windows with panels.

To visually manipulate the look of your windows, use treatments with panels to elongate, narrow or widen them. Panels puddled on the floor lengthen the look of a window. Extending panels to either side makes windows look wider. Extending panels to the glass makes windows look narrower. Top treatments add height to windows, as will mounting panel treatment high above the window frame. With visual tricks, a mediocre window becomes majestic.