Whether you’re looking to darken your bedroom, protect hardwood floors and artwork from the sun, or bring some fashionable cohesiveness to a specific area, today’s window treatment offerings bring so many innovative and creative options to consider. From classic to very modern, there’s something for every preference and need. The key is to first understand what you’re hoping to accomplish.
“Simple, sleek lines are dominating window fashions in everything from flowing drapes to chrome decorative hardware,” says Kim Lundy, window treatment specialist at Estate Renovation Centre in Newmarket. “Creating sleek silhouettes against a window instantly lends a clean, modern look to any room.” She notes neutrals, like white and grey, are still very trendy in the décor world.
And the hardware holds equal importance. “Hardware is almost like a piece of jewelry you would add to your clothing to give it more oomph,”
says Dorota Pawlaczek, owner of Auropol Creative Window Décor in Aurora. “It now comes in lots of different colours and shapes.”
Pawlaczek also highlights the popularity of roller shades, especially in condo settings, which tend to utilize larger windows, and are essential for filtering out the sun and keeping a living space cool. As for the bedroom, she says darkness is the key to a good night’s sleep. “The best way to darken the room is to use a light filtering blind, to provide some privacy during the day, and then heavy drapery with blackout lining, which can be closed at night.”
Your choices really are endless, from shutters to a modern roman shade, Bolero, Vignette, and the popular top-down bottom-up, which allows you to maneuver the shade up and down the window depending on the angle of the sun and how much privacy you desire. Plantation shutters which are larger than regular shutters—measuring at 3.5 inches—are also popular right now. Pair them with decorative side panels in a variety of coloured drapery to add style and flare. “Shutters offer a classic, elegant look that privileges both function and style equally,” says Lundy. “Even stronger than blinds; shutters can be expected to last up to 20 years.”
Power blinds and shades are also proving quite popular, adds Martha Francis, co-owner and interior decorator at Sunshine Window Fashions in Aurora. “People want simplicity,” says Francis. “We have such busy lives, we don’t want too much fussiness to look after.” The PowerView Motorization by Hunter Douglas enables smart operation for window coverings with a wireless technology that allows you to operate your shades with a button or your mobile device or tablet. “You can set specific scenes, so you can schedule your blind as your alarm to open up at 6 a.m., and then at 2 p.m., when the sun comes over the house and it gets hot, the blind comes down again.”
Even if you’re sold on using your phone to control your window shades, don’t forget about the classic and beautiful drapery additions that can pull the look together. Pawlaczek explains a punch of colour or texture in a space is always effective and desired. “Lots of people are looking for geometrics, but I’m also seeing more and more coming back to paisley, and lots of big flowers as well,” she says. A modern wave drape is a popular and sleek choice for patio doors especially.
Of course, budget will always play a role. “When it comes to renovations or updating your home, knowing your budget will help you decide which options are right for you,” says Lundy at Estate Renovations. “Some window coverings are more expensive but offer more longevity.” With so many experts to lean on in the area, and a wide-range of product offerings to choose from, you’ll be sure to find something that fits both your lifestyle and your budget.
Article by Allison Dempsey & Charlotte Ottaway
Local Links
Estate Renovation Centre, Newmarket
estaterenovationcentre.ca
Sunshine Window Fashions, Aurora
sunshineblinds.ca
Auropol Creative Window Décor, Aurora
auropol.ca
