Top Considerations for Custom Window Treatments in Historic Homes
No matter if your home is an Arts and Crafts, Colonial, or another style altogether; there are countless window treatment choices that complement these older structures. Swag curtains and tiebacks, decorative passementerie, wood stains or custom window coverings – there is something perfect to complement every design style available today. Start by setting your goals for privacy, light control and insulation. This will allow you to better convey what it is you desire when working with professionals. Roller Shades Roller shades differ from other window treatments in that they consist of only a single sheet of fabric that rolls up and down over windows, offering a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that can be personalized using solid or patterned fabrics in multiple colors and opacity levels. Vertical blinds are an excellent choice for historic homes as their vertical design provides little room for airborne allergens to enter through hardware or strings at the bottom. Therefore, they can provide relief from allergies caused by pollen, pet dander and dust. If your historic home features double-hung windows, pair roller shades with drapes or valances to create a luxurious and layered aesthetic. Or combine plantation shutters and roller shades for an energy-efficient yet rustic style that incorporates historic charm – this style comes in various colors and wood stains to complement period architecture perfectly. Curtains Curtains offer both insulation and UV protection from harsh sunlight that may damage rugs, furniture and decor in historic homes of the Northeast region. Because of window curtains , drapes are one of the most commonly chosen window coverings. Homemakers in the early 1800s began pasting wallpaper onto paper or cloth shades and attaching them with rods for a decorative window treatment without incurring costly drapery expenses. As the century rolled on, so too did the desire for decadence and decadence reached new levels of lavishness. Homes built in Federal style often included heavy lacework and extravagant swags; Victorian homes featured extravagant embellishments such as gilt valances, lambrequins, and floor length draperies. If you live in a Colonial clapboard home, use voluminous Roman shades that add drama and draw the eye away from exterior trim. Or consider opting for more modern solutions with relaxed fold drapes which are easy to use and coordinate well with upholstery fabric in your room. Interior Shutters Interior shutters are an attractive window treatment, adding value and style to your home. Incorporating interior shutters as part of any decor style adds value while protecting furniture and floors from sun damage. They can serve as sunshades during sunny weather while providing insulation against colder climates. Frames play a significant role in both function and style when it comes to shutter panels, from decorative moldings that double as decorative elements, to hidden frames which offer a seamless appearance. There are countless frame styles available; everything from decorative moldings that double as decoration for added flair, to sleek hidden frames for seamless appeal. As there are so many affordable upgrades available to you when selecting shutter upgrades, such as shutter pulls and locks to keep children and pets out of windows or split tilt features which allow individual control of slat angles, you have many options when it comes to upgrading your shutters. Brent Hull from Hull Millwork can offer some wonderful inspiration when upgrading. Wooden Blinds Wooden blinds add warmth and versatility to any historic or modern home's design, complementing other wooden pieces in the house's furniture perfectly. Their versatile color palette complements their warmth. Wooden blinds can help increase the value of your property as they become permanent features of your home. Potential buyers will recognize your customized window treatments as added assets to the value you add with each sale. Blinds come in various stains and finishes, but many homeowners opt for mahogany or walnut due to its more rich hue and texture. You can add a cornice for an additional dramatic look. Custom window treatments can provide the ultimate customization, precisely fitting each of your window sizes with no seams showing and patterns being mismatched. They can even feature cloth tapes, rounded slats and routeless controls for added flair!