Is it time to replace your outdated window treatments? You simply can’t go wrong with my top 5 recommendations.

The days of layered window treatments and heavy drapes are over. Swags and jabots, gathered valances, and tab curtains have all gone by the wayside. Today’s trend toward window coverings is simplicity and minimalism with an emphasis on clean, crisp lines. Homeowners are looking for ease of maintenance. No clutter.  If you are in the market to replace outdated window treatments, you simply can’t go wrong with these tried and true timeless style options. Here are my top 5 picks to help you with your decorating.

#1  Drapery Panels
Timeless and classic draperies and curtains are here to stay, but I am seeing them as purely decorative. Instead of full functional draw drapes to cover a window, they are being used as single panels to bring color and softness to a room to coordinate and complement existing furnishings.

A pair of drapes paired with a blind or shade for privacy keeps a space light, airy, and uncluttered. There are many heading styles to choose from but the most popular are tailored styles such as inverted (tuxedo) pleats, grommet panels, French pleat, and ripple-fold.  A stunning rod that suits your décor adds jewelry to the room for the perfect finishing touch. Decorative banding on the inside edge and along the hem of drapes is a popular embellishment that adds a designer touch. You can never go wrong with drapes, but you will want to be sure that they are the perfect application for your space.

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​​#2  Roman Shades
The beloved Roman shades are an all-time favorite for many reasons. They are simple and address the need for keeping windows uncluttered. They provide privacy when lowered. They serve as a valance when raised. And, my favorite thing about them is that they can be fabricated cordless eliminating unsightly and unsafe cords all together. They will work in any living space and provide a lot of opportunity for customization. Their tailored look is simple, functional, and worthy of consideration. You can choose any fabric, add banding, and other embellishments for a truly unique look that's all yours!

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#3 Tailored Valances
Staying on trend with simplicity for your windows, a decorative soft tailored valance is another great option to update your window coverings. We recommend a simple uncluttered design such as a tailored box pleat, faux roman shade with a relaxed or straight hem, or a scooped valance to soften your window.  A valance is a great way to add color, pattern, or texture to your living space.

In some cases you may need a functional blind or shade for privacy and light control.

Valances are a great application for most windows where simplicity at a lower cost is desired. 

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#4  Cornices
Cornices are upholstered valances fabricated from wood, covered with batting, and upholstered in fabric. There are many shapes available for this timeless classic look. They are easy maintenance and only require an occasional vacuum to remove dust. They go with any decorating style such as contemporary, traditional, or transitional.

​A decorative or contrast fabric cord can be added as an embellishment to provide designer details. 

Like all custom window treatments, you are only limited by your imagination. There is a lot of opportunity to be creative or as stay simple as you like.

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#5 Plantation Shutters

Plantation Shutters are often referred to as furniture for your windows. They lend an uncluttered timeless look to a space and provide your windows with plenty of light control. No other treatment is necessary with this beautiful option unless you choose to pair them with drapes or a valance.

Louver sizes come in 1 7/8”, 2 1/2”, 3 ½”, and 4”. The larger the louver, the more contemporary the feel. The smaller the louver the more vanes you will have. You can have an invisible tilt for a clean contemporary look or request the traditional tilt bar that can be centered or positioned to the left or right of each panel.

Shutters come in several white options, and stains to match nearly any décor. They can also be customized in a paint color of your choice. You will love the clean lines of shutters for your windows. Timeless, classic, and functional is the best way to describe them. They also add to the resale value of your home.

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There are so many window covering options to choose from which can leave you feeling overwhelmed. But I promise you, less is more. We are all far too busy for the old fussy treatments of yesterday and long to make our lives simpler. And that includes window treatments for your home.
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If you need expert help to update your home, please feel free to reach out to us for a consultation in the comfort of your home where we bring products to you for easy selection. You can reach us at 518-355-0063 to update your windows. We have the samples, fabrics, hardware and more to help you design a window treatment that will last for years. Love your windows. Love your home! We can help.