Dramatic Drapes – What is Your Reasoning for Your Needed Space Accessories?

I think most people see windows and natural day lighting as a big plus to a space. But if you do not take the time to dress that investment you are missing out of what the space can stand for. In addition, adding a great window treatment provides many positive attributes including (but not limited to):

Beauty and Depth

• No matter how drama or simplicity you want your treatments to bring into your space, it is important to think about their aesthetic impact on the space. A simple straight sheer treatment has a very different impact than a heavy sweeping velvet curtain – but each serves a fitting aesthetic purpose and send a visual message about the space. I like to think of window treatments as the frosting on the cake – you need the frosting, but what do you want to say about the cake through this outer layer? It’s a question of form vs. function – but why not both?

Controlled Light Pollution

• The amount of “light trespass” your home and/or office releases has a direct impact of night sky visibility – this is a growing concern in the eco-driven design community. Lack of night sky visibility, especially in urban settings, can cause a disconnect from humans to the capacity of the Earth at large – not to mention it is just a waste of energy!

Controlled Natural Daylight

• Opposite of the above bullet point – this can be achieved through blinds, drapes, sheers, layered curtains. By controlling the amount of light coming into the space, you can compete with glare – other than that, I am not sure why you would want to block it out!

Privacy

• We all have seen into a house or apartment when it’s dark outside and light inside – it can be like living in a fishbowl! By adding privacy, you do not have to think of this as blocking your view. Think about “half window treatments,” where half of the window vertically remains uncovered so just the lower half is private from view. You can also purchase reverse opening blinds so they can open from the top or the bottom! This can be compared to the purposes of tapestries in castles – they can balance heat and conserve overall heat production, plus look great at the same time.

So what is your window treatment reasoning? What purpose do they serve for you in your space?