Great Window Treatment Styles

Window treatments like curtains and blinds have come a long way from just white strips and wood panels. With a variety of choices now available, you can adorn your windows in a way that showcases your personality and tastes, whether it be with a lovely new color or with something that you made yourself, in the comfort of your own home. Read on to hear what some of the newest trends are in window treatment patterns.

Exposed Wood Grain

The best window treatment patterns come as a result of the type of material in your product. For example, the wildness and non-structured appeal of bamboo and other natural elements is becoming increasingly popular. Exposed wood grain in blinds and in naturally woven shades is so fashionable now, in fact, that wood is making a comeback in the interior decorating world, including birch, maple and bamboo for new finials and pulls. Woven shades come in different colors of wood, and some include grassy woven accents. The natural pattern of the material also creates a unique lighting experience, allowing diffused light in so that you can see what's going on outside, but people can't necessarily see back in.

Bold Stripe Colors

Blue is the new red, and in the window treatment industry, ocean hues like teal, soft green and aquamarine are particularly striking. Soft lavenders, grays and dusty hues are other great additions to this new palette. To make a unique and standout addition to any room, modern or creative, try oranges and golds, even browns to even out the soft blue hues and to continue the theme of oceanic and natural tones. Combine these colors into stripe patterns, varying the stripe width. For a soothing affect, choose horizontal lines on a tall curtain or shade. To makes the room feel open and airy, choose vertical lines, which will create the illusion of a taller and more spacious room.

Large Florals

A decade ago, floral prints were nothing but a horrifying '70s throwback. Today, the concept is back in, with designers becoming more and more comfortable with bold flower colors and large print designs. The product is extremely appealing to spring and summer homes with minimal design elsewhere in the room. When used as a pleated overhang or in a cascade valance, florals frame the window in a way that attracts sunlight, brightening the room. For best effect, use a white or soft goldenrod base color, overlaying it with a floral print of your liking. Pair the bold print with a simple pole and basic finials to avoid clashing or over-designing the space.

Do-It-Yourself Prints

The DIY movement has grown massively in the last several years, allowing homeowners to experiment with their own personal tastes and budgets to create projects that best reflect their homes. Patterns for DIY window treatments are available in stores and online, but many people like to create their own concept, often inspired by a design they like or something they've seen before. The best approach to making your own window treatment patterns is to have as much fabric as possible to account for possible error. If cutting is necessary, then purchase a pair of professional fabric scissors for the job. For beginners, consider designing your curtains first, then taking the idea to a local fabric store, who will likely offer a service to cut the fabric accurately for you. Bring measurements of your window with you. If you're not a sewing expert, then there are plenty of other DIY options. Strategically placed ribbons and ties can embellish any basic curtain design, and tablecloths, which typically have already finished edges, can make good replacement curtains.

Stenciled Window Shades

The easiest way to dress up a lifeless roller shade is with stencil designs. You can buy a wide variety of stenciled patterns at the store, but you can also paint your own stencil designs at home. Today's options are sophisticated, easy to use and available in endless designs. You can combine your favorite pattern and paint color for a shade and result that makes a brilliant personal statement in any room of the house. Simply purchase your roller shade and brackets, a stencil in the design that you prefer, paint, natural sponges and spray adhesive. Have your vinyl shade custom cut at the store to fit your window. Make penciled measurement marks on your shade before starting any painting, to mark where your designs will be located. Before painting, use the spray adhesive to stick the stencil to the fabric. Lightly dip your sponge in the paint; then carefully graze it over the stencil to apply the design to your blind. Repeat as desired.

Every window should have a personality. This season, adorn yours with something that will really make a statement.