<div>Window treatments are one of the most significant design elements in a room since they help connect the space. The type, color, and materials used can accent the shape of the window or the room decor.</div><div> </div>Window treatments are also functional and help provide privacy while reducing energy bills in the hot summer months. They reduce glare and filter harsh sunlight, especially during the late morning and afternoon hours when it's usually hottest outside. Many people aren't familiar with the term window treatments; instead, they think of it as a form of decorative window covering.

Window treatments generally fall into two categories: functional and decorative. Functional window treatments are interior or exterior window coverings or modifications that reduce light, heat, or visibility, including frosted and stained glass. In contrast, decorative window treatments are purely aesthetically pleasing.

While classics, such as shutters, mini blinds, and drapes will always be in style, new trends include Roman, solar, cellular, and sheer shades. Motorized shades controlled with smart devices are also becoming more popular.

<ul><li>Cornice: A cornice sits at the top of the window, similar to a valance, but it's made of solid material, such as wood or hard plastic. It covers hardware for blinds and curtains, but a wide cornice can also be used to cover a soft arch.</li><li>Valance: A valance hangs from the top of the window and is made of a short panel of fabric material that's generally one length. Valances may be paired with curtains, blinds, or shades.</li><li>Awning: An awning usually sits on the house's exterior and extends out to shade the window from the outside. Awnings are typically made of fabric. An indoor awning functions as a valance. </li><li>Roman Shades: A Roman shade is made of fabric that bunches up when opened but lays flat when closed. Roman shades are popular because they're versatile and stylish.</li><li>Lambrequin: A lambrequin is a valance that comes down on both sides of the window. They're often flat and have a vintage look to them.</li><li>Shabby Chic: Shabby chic is a style that makes use of vintage-inspired materials, such as lace, and is characterized by a worn, lived-in look.</li></ul>

Where you buy window treatments depends on which types you're purchasing. While most window treatments are available at home improvement stores and other retailers, you can find custom drapes and blinds through local specialty stores.

Generally, window treatments range from $50 to $2,000, depending on the type, material, brand, and construction. DIY frosted glass spray, organza fabric for swag, and self-stick window films are less than $10, while custom drapes made with rare, exotic materials can run into the thousands.

While most interior decorators refer to blinds as window treatments, in real estate, blinds are often thought of as fixtures because they're screwed into the frame and attached to the house. This distinction is necessary when a real estate contract includes the right for the seller to keep window treatments.

People treating bay windows with shallow depth should stick with thinner options, such as woven wood, sheer, or cellular shades, and mini-blinds. For bay windows spaced further apart, Roman shades and drapery panels are great options. Valences are an excellent choice for bay windows spaced closer together.

Although any window covering will help keep your home cooler, cellular or honeycomb shades are extra energy-efficient. With honeycomb shades, the honeycomb-shaped cells trap warm air to prevent it from entering the room. Exterior awnings work to keep the sun from hitting your windows, which also reduces heat.

Bathroom window treatments need to be durable and able to withstand high humidity while giving adequate privacy. Some of the best options include: <ul><li>Faux wood blinds</li><li>Vinyl shutters</li><li>Roller shades</li><li>Cellular shades</li><li>Vinyl mini-blinds</li><li>Woven wood shades with a privacy liner</li></ul>

Hang floor-length and shorter curtains and drapes up high and wide, between four to six inches above the window frame, which makes your window appear more dramatic. Floor-length curtains hang nicely when they're about 1/2 an inch off the floor. Short curtains should hang at the bottom of the window trim. Blinds and rustic shades, like bamboo, can sit inside or outside the window trim.

For soft arches, a curved metal rod with princess curtains, jabots, or swag is complimentary. Valances work well with most types of arches. For semicircle arches, fan-style honeycomb blinds and sunburst shades fill the arch's curve, while blinds and shades intersect at the top of the horizontal cross-section.

With curtains and drapes, measure six inches (15 centimeters) or more on both sides past the edge of the jamb. For inside-mounted blinds and shades, measure the window trim dimensions, from inside trim to inside trim. When using outside mounted treatments, measure the area you want them to cover.

Awnings, curtain liners, and privacy film help to reduce light. You can also layer window treatments, such as pairing blinds or shades with curtains and drapes. Cellular, roller, and Roman shades darken rooms very well. Black-out curtains and shades block the most light.

A scarf curtain, also known as swag scarf curtain, can be draped with: <ul><li>Curtain rods </li><li>Brackets</li><li>Loops</li><li>Hooks</li><li>Finials</li><li>Sconces</li></ul>A scarf can have one drape across the length of the window or multiple drapes. Scarves can be layered and have symmetrical or asymmetrical side lengths.

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