White
is the perfect neutral. True white is neither cool nor warm, so you
can use it within any color scheme. What's more, you can add a little
undertone and still have predominantly white shades. White is a very
popular color for the window frames themselves, but some homeowners
shy away from white window treatments.
Below
are some ideas for how you can incorporate white window treatments
into your décor.
Chic
Backdrop
Curtains
come in many materials. Some of the thicker materials, such as linen,
are ideal for white curtains. They allow the sunshine to come into
your room while still providing some light control.
You
can opt to use these kinds of curtains as a chic backdrop to the rest
of your room's décor. For example, look for curtains with special
detailing, such as oversized grommets instead of rod pockets. For a
little more casual look, you could opt for tab tops.
These
types of treatments would look attractive for an upscale style, such
as French country. They'll impart elegance without looking too fussy.
Fancy
Details
Of
course, perhaps you prefer more formal styles of window treatments.
In addition to different material options, you also have trim
options. Tassels, beads, or cording can add fancy detailing to white
curtain panels. You could choose a complementary color or stick with
white.
Likewise,
look into alternate hanging models for your treatments. For instance,
you could combine a plain white panel with a trimmed swag across the
top. The folds in the swag will add depth to your window treatments.
You
could also look into a truly fancy treatment style such as the
Austrian shade. These shades bear a slight resemblance to Roman
shades in that they're fabric that draws up. However, Austrian shades
feature multiple draw points so that they offer a ruched appearance.
Tailored
Treatment
White
is a naturally crisp color. So, it's a good option if you want a
tailored window treatment. Naturally, one way to achieve that look is
with drapes customized to your windows.
Roman
shades can also offer a more casual but tailored appearance. You can
choose straight Roman shades or look at one of the styles that add
some pleating, such as banded or hobbled. The pleating adds another
layer of tailoring.
Outside
of curtains, look into different blinds in white. Choose thicker
blinds so you get some visual weight. Plantation blinds would be
ideal for a tailored window treatment.
Airy
Appeal
As
noted, white lets in more natural sunshine. If you don't want a lot
of light control, look into some of the sheer options, which will
give your windows an airy appeal.
The
classic option for sheer treatments are curtains. They typically look
like they're floating in front of your window. They offer the added
benefit of diffusing the light, which can even make the window appear
larger.
Both
Roman and Austrian shades also come in sheer fabrics. You can choose
Roman shades if you want more of that tailored feel and Austrian
shades for the decoration.
Other
Colors
White
makes other colors stand out, which is why manufacturers often use it
as the background for patterned fabrics. If you don't want to commit
to fully white window treatments, look for ones with big patches of
white in the patterning. You can find bold patterns in which there's
a single graphic on a big, white background.
That
said, many color schemes use white as their neutral. For instance, it
matches well with all shades of blue. Black is another common
complement. Explore the different drapery options, such as valances
and cornices, to take advantage of this effect. One element can be in
white and the other in another color. For instance, match white
panels with a navy blue valance for a chic look.
Explore
how white can be anything but boring in your window treatment design.
Visit Sylvan's
& Phillip's Drapes & Blinds
to
explore your drapery options.
