Decorating Tips
Window Treatment Design Guide: Elements of Design
Space
Line
Form
Color
Texture
Space –
The area immediately surrounding the window, known as space, will define the boundaries of your window treatment. Space sets the limits of the treatment’s function and the decorative things we can do with it. Space considerations include questions such as: Is there enough wall space to extend the treatment beyond the window? What about the space above the window?
Design Tip -
Small rooms need simple treatments with low contrast to keep the eye moving.
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Line –
The line created by your window treatment will help set the mood and feeling in your room. Lines of the treatment should support or represent the dominant lines of the room. Treatments are comprised of vertical, horizontal and diagonal lines:
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Vertical lines add height, dignity and a formal feeling.
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Horizontal lines are restful and more casual in feel. They can provide relief for strong vertical lines like paneling and molding.
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Diagonal lines attract attention and need to be supported by vertical lines or opposite diagonals.
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Curves soften the mood and keep the treatment from being stiff.
Design Tip -
Vertical lines carry the eye up from the floor and disguise boxy, odd-shaped windows. Horizontal lines can be formal when used with vertical lines-think Kingston valance with tails. Use diagonal lines as detail, or only in top treatments, rather than a focal point. Lines need to be balanced for harmony.
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Form –
When lines join together to create shapes, you are defining form. Creating these shapes can alter or emphasize a window and is a prime strategy. Rectangles are the most popular treatments shape, triangles add stability, and curves soften.
Design Tip -
Generally our eye is drawn to rectangular rather than squares. Use this principle to camouflage. Treatments should echo the shape in furniture and architectural features in a room.
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Color –
To set the mood in a room, you must pay careful attention to color selection. Your choice of colors in a room can make it appear larger or smaller. Reds, yellows and oranges can foster a warm, intimate feeling while blues and greens can create a cool feeling in a room. You can even use the right colors to hide ugly features and create a focal point.
Design Tip -
When selecting color for window treatments keep in mind the changeable elements of the room, room size, room exposure, room function and amount of natural light.
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Texture –
Texture refers to the coarseness or smoothness of fabric materials. Rough, nubby fabrics create a casual feeling. Smooth and shiny fabrics have a more formal appearance.
Design Tip -
Use several layers of complimentary texture for variety and interest. Avoid dramatic contrast. One texture should dominate.
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