Window Treatments for Large Windows

Choosing window treatments for a room is an important step in home decorating. Window treatments for large windows present an opportunity for decorating on a large scale. The function of window treatments is to add softness, provide privacy, and control the temperature and light in a room. Current trends are to use vertical or horizontal blinds or sliding screens. For drapery and curtains there are sheer under curtains and drapes of every kind of texture and weight. With large windows it is important to think beyond looks and consider other factors.

Window treatments for large windows often are shades. Vertical shades are a good choice for extra wide or extra tall windows. They are more energy efficient and offer choices in how much you open them. Fully opened they leave a very good view of the outdoors. Because of the height they may require motorized openers. Pulling vertical shades to one or both sides of a wide window is preferred over horizontal blinds which are heavier and may break draw cords here are also panels of honeycomb shades that can be slid across wide windows.

Many people like horizontal blinds, whether the wider type or mini blinds. They can be used as good window treatments for large windows if the space can be spanned. For extra tall vertical windows consider hanging one blind at the top and one midway, to get complete coverage. For wide windows, it may be necessary to use two or more sets of blinds to go the entire width. Keep in mind if there are any vertical divisions in the wide window and match the edges of your blinds to those divisions. Draw the look together with a cornice, valance or other fabric topper for a custom design look.

When you are dressing your large window, there are always options for custom made blinds and drapes. They can be vertical or horizontal. Window treatments for large windows that are custom made give the best look for your rooms. Consider how you will open and close the blinds and what type of cleaning they will need when you are choosing which ones to get.

Custom draperies or curtains are excellent window treatments for large windows and can balance the weight and look of the furniture in the room. Choose a fabric that has enough body to hold drapes or folds that are essential to your desired look. Use softer fabrics or sheer fabric scarves across the tops. A rule of thumb is to use one and one half the width of the fabric to look best and not appear to be skimpy for your wide windows. When using tie backs for a break, stick to a position about one third down from the top or one third up from the bottom to have the most graceful look.

A window can do without a valance or topper, but you may want to include one. Use brown paper and cut a template to tape above the curtain to help you decide the look and proportion that looks best in your room. Choosing window treatments for large windows is an opportunity to add graceful accents throughout your home.