windowtreatmenthome.com

Many homeowners opt for a southwest theme to their homes because of the richness and warmth that this design scheme brings. Aside from choosing the perfect furniture, flooring, and accent pieces, the thing that successfully ties in a room’s design is the choice of window treatment. Homeowners decorating a space with this theme should consider installing southwest window valances for effectively show southwest sophistication. Installing valances do not only improve a room’s look by being decorative but also aids in solving design dilemmas that homeowners may face. With valances, a seamless and polished look is achieved which makes windows look larger.

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These may be installed to hide drapery hardware or even to hide wall imperfections. On its own, it adds visual interest and personality to a room without obstructing light. In other instances, it may be used to complement curtains, blinds, shades, and other window coverings. The most important thing to do before buying anything or enlisting the help of any professional is for homeowners to planning and sketching for ideas of what they would want their windows to look like. What are the windows’ measurements? Should the board or rod be on the same level as the window frame or should it be placed higher? Until what part of the window should the valence drop? How far apart should the draping or pleats of the fabric be? Would a board valence or a rod suit the window better? These are some key questions that must be answered during planning.

To avoid being overwhelmed by the variety of choices for valances of this theme, there are some things that homeowners must keep in mind in choosing fabrics. Before anything else, a homeowner should consider the style, color, and fabrics used in the furniture in the room where the window treatments are to be installed. The objective is to have all design elements working together instead of clashing with one another. The southwest is all about bursts of color so they must not be afraid to play with colors, combine different textures, and experiment with patterns.

Choose from vivid colors that are reminiscent of wood, pottery, hand painted tiles, and bright sunset hues. Combine textured fabrics like leather, suede, and quilted blankets with other materials to achieve a unique effect. In choosing prints, look for fabrics that depict southwest settings such as mountain ranges, desert landscapes, and ranch scenes. Bold patterns also work wonderfully in rooms where the furniture and accessories follow earthy color schemes.

There are many types and shapes of valences that homeowners may choose from. The two kinds that work well with the southwest theme are banner style valances and box pleat valances. The banner style is suited for people who want to make them on their own but don’t like or have no skill in sewing. Folded diagonally, bandanas are draped end to end over a rod or are affixed on a board. The box pleat style is composed of back to back knife pleats and is made of fabrics that hold crease such as linen and cotton. These valances resemble pleated skirts.

Changing valances are an easy and inexpensive way of updating a room without changing furniture or drastically changing the window treatments. Thinking outside the box and personalizing designs pay off when it comes to home interiors. These valances can serve as focal points that provide a visual connection among rooms, effectively giving homeowners the southwest retreat they desire.

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