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How to Dress Up Your Windows

Choosing window treatments can be one of the most difficult choices to make in home decorating. There is so much to choose from, including shades, blinds, drapes, colors, fabrics, accessories… how to decide? Here are some tips that the design experts at Melanie’s recommend:

1. Let the décor be your guide. Look through decorating books and magazines in rooms similar to yours in order to figure out what you like. Combine a little from different window treatments to make your own unique look.
2. Consider your budget. Window treatments can be costly, even with the money-saving tips offered by our design experts. Determine how much you want to spend on each project and plan accordingly. For large projects, consider whether you might offset the costs of decorating with savings from energy-efficient window coverings at home or increased traffic for commercial buildings.
3. Be practical. Window coverings are more than decorations; they perform a number of practical functions. For example, you can increase privacy in your home and increase energy-efficiency by installing an appropriate window treatment. Blinds and shades come in many varieties, some of which are high-tech, such as remote-control electric blinds. Figure out what you need your window coverings to do, then make them look perfect.
4. Keep it simple. While you may be tempted to use a wide variety of our fabrics and window coverings, too much can overwhelm a room. Consult with our design expert to determine how to create a simple, beautiful cover that will express the personality of your room, and consider decorating and additional window if you find multiple fabrics that you love.

Light Can Change Everything

Light can enhance our mood and affect our sleep patterns. A lack of light can make you sad or even sick. Natural light is crucial to human well-being, but sunshine can also bring with it glare, heat, and harmful UV rays. How do you work with natural light in your home?

Window coverings not only control light, but enhance it. Shades can soften and diffuse light, and are available in a range of styles from sheer to opaque. The best window coverings are versatile enough to let in just the right amount of light for the space, providing bright light for daytime activity, a soft glow for romantic evenings, and complete darkness for sleep. Window shadings can protect against harmful UV rays, making the sunlight safe for your skin.

Light is also important when considering the coloring of your fabrics. Work with our design experts to determine the best color and fabric solutions for you home!

How to Decorate Your Windows

Today there are a lot of options for dealing with one of the most difficult decorating problems—window coverings and treatments. With the rise of home decorating centers and the increasing presence of design consultants and other knowledgeable staff at your local department stores and other venues, your chances have never been better to create unique, custom window treatments that do exactly what you want them to and look good doing it. Shades, blinds, sheers, drapery panels and valences, window scarves and other decorative elements all come in a dizzying variety of sizes, colors, and materials.

The first step is assessing the kinds of windows you have to cover and the basic style of your home. Remember, window coverings, for the most part, stay with your house when you sell it. Blinds, shades, shutters, and the like can have an effect on the future sale of your home as well as your current comfort and convenience. Consider the mood you want to set in your house, the size of materials, and whether you will be selling your home in the near future.

Once you’ve decided on window basics, you can begin adding features and fabrics to make windows a focal point, create an illusion, or provide insulation or light filtering. A simple rod with sheer panels can create a light and airy effect, or can be layered to create texture. Some window treatments are inexpensive and easy to change, allowing you to decorate with the seasons.

Looking for something more substantial? Traditional draperies, whether they are made-to-measure or custom-made, provide a more permanent decorating solution, and can be layered with sheers. These installations create the illusion of larger windows or window walls, and can provide extra protection from outdoor weather. Always consider blinds or shades with draperies, as direct sunlight can fade and ruin beautiful fabric quickly.

Finally, a variety of options exist to cover the top of the window and provide a finished look. Fabric valences, wood pelmets, and upholstery can be added for an elegant, finished look. No matter what options you choose, consult with one of our expert designers for the best finish!