Window draperies add a lot to your home or business décor. But one key part of using them to their best advantage is to know when to choose draperies and when to use other types of window coverings. How can you decide? Discover a few common window scenarios and how they can help you determine when to deploy the drapes — and when not to.
Use Drapes to Add Focal Points
If you want to add a bold statement to any room, drapes are the way to go. From deep, rich colors to vibrant patterns and designs, draperies offer design options unlike any other window treatment. Dramatic, floor-length drapes can be the focal point of a room, or they can turn a boring view into a statement interior design element.
Avoid Drapes to Highlight Views
What lies beyond your window? If you bought the house due to its large wall of windows looking out over the ocean or the great sunset views, you may not want to block any of that view — even just the sides or top. In this case, other shade choices could help preserve expansive views. Shades, for instance, allow you to see through nearly the entire window height, but they don't block the sides.
Use Drapes to Add Privacy
Need to close off the world? No matter whether you want to block the neighbors or the sunlight, few things work as well as closing a set of full drapes. Full draperies serve better to black out light just by themselves than curtains or even blinds and shades. If you choose styles specifically designed as blackout drapes, you'll often get great coverage of the entire window.
Avoid Drapes on Unusual Windows
Most normal window shapes and sizes look great when paired with drapes. However, strange windows might work better with a different window covering choice. Octagonal or circular windows may be very challenging to style with traditional drapes, but you can custom-fit shades and blinds to take advantage of their unique look.
The architecture around the window might also be tricky, making other coverings more logical. Architectural details that come too close to the windows might be covered up by drapes, so shutters or shades could be a way to show off these elements better.
Use Drapes for Formal and Casual Styles
Don't believe the misconception that drapes are only for formally styled rooms. While they can make the space feel traditional and serious, modern drapes can also be fun and adventurous. Soft linen drapes that pool at the floor offer a rustic and laid-back style. Find an eclectic pattern to match the feel of any space. Or use unexpected fabrics, like burlap or sheers.
Avoid Drapes to Increase Lighting
The same thing that makes drapes perfect for adding privacy could be the reason you skip them where you don’t have much natural light. Drapes will naturally take up some space around the window, but this usually doesn't present a problem. However, if the room already suffers from limited sunlight, you may not want to compound the effect.
In this case, you could opt for fun roman shades or cellular styles that let in more natural light while still offering privacy protection. If you're determined to use drapes, a professional installer can help minimize their footprint over the glass.
Want to know more about styling with and without drapes? Start by meeting with the window treatment pros at Sylvan's and Phillip's Drapes & Blinds in Los Angeles. We will help you assess the nature of each individual window or door and find the best way to show it off. Stop by or call today to get started.
