Are you having trouble choosing the right window treatments? Let us walk you through the many options and help you find the perfect styles for your home.
01of 19
Window Banks: Panels & Valance
:strip_icc()/100906991_3-380eef41954a44aba6e71afc1dd2b79f.jpg "The Ultimate Guide to Window Treatments (1)")
Just as you'd showcase a beautiful painting with an equally attractive frame, preserve nature's artwork by flanking a window bank with softly gathered curtain panels united by a wide, tailored valance that spans the top. If exposure from outside elements is a concern, add sheers behind the fabric panels, as they can be drawn shut when needed, while still allowing in light.
02of 19
Window Banks: Tent-Flap Panels
:strip_icc()/100876557-c24ee4b43aba4c65a846b18f388ed40a.jpg "The Ultimate Guide to Window Treatments (2)")
If sweltering sunlight or howling winter winds come calling, mount your treatments snug within the frame of each window to aid in insulating your room. Curtain panels in tent-flap style offer clean lines that are attractive both open and shut, depending on weather conditions and privacy needs.
03of 19
Window Banks: Shades
:strip_icc()/100906992_1-9b827db7a5d44557ad1ddb4f9308b204.jpg "The Ultimate Guide to Window Treatments (3)")
With today's worldwide selection of woven materials and the plethora of fabric patterns, Roman shades are far from simply practical coverings. Embellish your shades with decorative contrast binding or trim, and you've given your windows both style and function.
04of 19
Window Banks: Panels on a Rod
:strip_icc()/100876561-78dd566752bb42738410172209f3691d.jpg "The Ultimate Guide to Window Treatments (4)")
Curtain panels trailing from a decorative rod are the most classic of treatments. Accentuate the architecture of multiple windows by suspending a narrow panel between each pane. For a bay window that projects beyond the room's footprint, simply mount the rod on the foreground wall.
05of 19
Double Hung: Pleated Panels
:strip_icc()/100906991_1-16a26f5316f643589b7db58afe09e9ab.jpg "The Ultimate Guide to Window Treatments (5)")
As tried and true as the window itself, pleated drapery panels deliver elegance in the most straightforward of treatments. For a more formal, decorative statement, add an angular valance pleated to mimic sophisticated jabots. Or for a more laid-back effect, top panels with a flouncy scalloped valance.
06of 19
Double Hung: Swags
:strip_icc()/100876566-59b1a6a9367746249f0dc2e723bc4662.jpg "The Ultimate Guide to Window Treatments (6)")
Unify a pair of side-by-side double-hung windows with asymmetric swags draped across the top of each and cascading down the outer edges. For spaces requiring a touch of privacy, layer sheers beneath the decorative swags.
07of 19
Double Hung: Cascading Panels
:strip_icc()/100906991_2-5d037312aa2f4364a12904096354f8ba.jpg "The Ultimate Guide to Window Treatments (7)")
The beauty of the versatile double-hung is its ability to wear the most casual curtain panels or the most formal bellowing draperies. For fine-dining sophistication or great-room grandeur, pour rich, full panels over a grand curtain rod and bustle one or both slightly aside on matching tiebacks.
08of 19
Casem*nt: Pleated Shade
:strip_icc()/100976555-fa0970088f7c4beba8bd3bc24f0346eb.jpg "The Ultimate Guide to Window Treatments (8)")
Complement a casem*nt window's contemporary appeal with a tailored, pleated shade. Mounted neatly within the window frame, these fabric treatments enhance clean-line design with a soft touch.
09of 19
Double Hung: Panels on Rings
:strip_icc()/100876560-a37bd36b7da8452bb8a10422334a0503.jpg "The Ultimate Guide to Window Treatments (9)")
To open a double-hung window on a warm summer day is to treasure the refreshing breeze floating into the room. Capture the sensation visually by framing the window with flowing panels clipped to rings that draw easily across a decorative rod.
10of 19
Casem*nt: Roller Shade
:strip_icc()/100876567-6be1da1730f54c42b2e0685cc97f39b2.jpg "The Ultimate Guide to Window Treatments (10)")
Winning a resurgence in design with its retro style, the roller shade offers many decorative options in patterned facades, embellished hems, and charming pulls.
11of 19
Casem*nt: Panels on Swing-Arm Rods
:strip_icc()/100906994_1-09522544c031421e90d3d15c6cd25224.jpg "The Ultimate Guide to Window Treatments (11)")
Echo the booklike function of casem*nt windows with panels hung on swing-arm rods (airy sheers work particularly well).
12of 19
Casem*nt: Tab-Top Panels
:strip_icc()/100906990_1-e1dea304807d43d48fdeb8930d5c714e.jpg "The Ultimate Guide to Window Treatments (12)")
A proven fit on nearly any window, drapery panels can be formal or laid back. Tab-top panels lend casual comfort to any space.
13of 19
Transoms: Shutters
:strip_icc()/100906995_2-415a9106b9544221b98e101358eb0469.jpg "The Ultimate Guide to Window Treatments (13)")
Simple, clean lines complement a shapely arched transom window. Shutters mounted on double-hung or casem*nt windows below an arch provide classic design, light, and privacy control. For additional privacy, fan-shaped shutters fit many standard arched transoms.
14of 19
Transoms: Duel-Fabric Panels
:strip_icc()/100876562-297cfcf59bb141909f0c4b185e39c7b1.jpg "The Ultimate Guide to Window Treatments (14)")
Transoms add natural light along with the illusion of height. A curtain rod mounted at the ceiling enhances the height trick, while dual-fabric panels—sheer on top attached to opaque tails—let the extra light shine through.
15of 19
Transoms: Full Dressing
:strip_icc()/100876564-e929897356474a199f15a072933a6685.jpg "The Ultimate Guide to Window Treatments (15)")
Homes with elegant, traditional decor often feature transoms. When style directs a full, robust window dressing, treat the main collection of windows with drapery panels connected by a valance (adding blinds beneath for privacy, if necessary), but mount the rod as you would without the transoms, so the architectural addition is still enjoyed.
16of 19
Patio Doors: Door-Mounted Panels
:strip_icc()/100876559-f663e5f784044021978c441e8817f9cf.jpg "The Ultimate Guide to Window Treatments (16)")
For a soft touch applied directly to French doors, hang curtain panels cinched halfway down to let in the light. Don't forget the view from the outdoor living area—use a coordinating fabric for the curtain backs.
17of 19
Patio Doors: Cornice & Draperies
:strip_icc()/100906995_1-ecc8294a0aa142d4b92d2af876c90b17.jpg "The Ultimate Guide to Window Treatments (17)")
With careful placement, even the most sophisticated window treatments can apply to French doors. Crown the door frame with a shapely cornice that disguises the rod. Be sure the panels can move aside sufficiently to allow the doors to open.
18of 19
Patio Doors: Stacking Panels
:strip_icc()/100906993_1-237a19eb868449778beea4b82f9de963.jpg "The Ultimate Guide to Window Treatments (18)")
Follow the natural flow of a sliding door with flat fabric panels mounted above on a gliding track. The visual parallel is striking, while the stack-aside function keeps the decorative treatment practical.
19of 19
Patio Doors: Cornice & Shades
:strip_icc()/100876558-d9ffb5f49fe34c0a8b074732e9b571a7.jpg "The Ultimate Guide to Window Treatments (19)")
Use horizontal shades or blinds mounted on the wall above the door frame to give sliding doors privacy and light control. To disguise their less-aesthetic headers, top the shades with a decorative valance. Be certain the valance and raised blinds are mounted high enough to allow easy passage through the door below.
