Window Treatments

Window Treatments 

Windows are a very important architectural feature in a room. Windows add a sense of warmth to any space, they bring light to a room, and they bring a sense of happiness. Without windows in a room, the space becomes dull, and lifeless.  Window treatments can add a sense of drama. Window treatments draw your eye to the architectural feature in the room. However, window treatments can be tricky. A good example for window treatments is at the Merket Alumni Center.

I recently visited the Merket Alumni Center for a Design Expo. The space is very traditional, with dark stained wood, and heavy pieces of furniture that create a warm and inviting space.  The windows were beautiful.  Reaching at least ten feet high are three windows in the room. Two of the windows flank a breath-taking fireplace, and the third window is on the wall perpendicular to the fireplace. The windows fill the room with tons of natural light. The room has the perfect balance. The windows were dressed with beautiful ornate drapes that go all the way down to the floor. The drapery rod is hidden behind a cornice box that had traditional molding. Behind the drapes was another window treatment. The window treatment was a pull down shade, which was a little more modern, but still flowed seamlessly with the space. The shade was in a neutral cream color, which blended into the windows and the ornate drapery. The shade was the material of what would be on window panels outside of your house.

The window treatment used in the Merket Center is a good example of how to draw ones eye upward. The height of the drapes make the ceilings seem taller than they actually are. The reason for this is a little trick the interior designer plays on the eyes.  The designer hanging the treatments at the top of ceiling, which in turn makes the space seem taller.

Windows in a space allow the outside to come in. A window can transform any space, and adding window treatments can create a sense of drama, while at the same time adding privacy and temperature control.  Windows are a piece of architecture that can be seen inside your house as well as outside. Meaning that windows should be treated as a piece of artwork. Play with the shapes, and size of the window and the treatments.  A perfect example of mixing formal with modern window dressing is at Merket Alumni Center. Go by and check it out yourself and be transformed!