Contrasting Colors in your Window Treatments
Contrast in Window Treatments
Decorating your home can be a fun and challenging experience. Window treatments are an essential but sometimes overlooked item of decor. They can play a supporting role or stand out to set the tone of the room. Choosing between contrasting and matching furnishings is the first step.
Are contrasting window treatments right for you?
There are several things to keep in mind about window treatments.
- Remember the view
Contrasting treatments will draw attention to the window and its view. If it’s not one you’re fond of, a more subtle effect might be in order.
- How big is the room?
Contrasting treatments can reduce the sense of space in a cluttered or small room, so they may not be ideal for a very small space. Keeping this in mind, a touch of contrast can add a dramatic and lovely effect.
- What is the space for?
Consider how you want to use the room. If it is a place to display art or other objects, focal point windows can steal the show from your treasures. Or perhaps the room is a sanctuary of rest or study, where distractions should be kept to a minimum. But maybe it is a place to entertain or one where you wish to feel energized and creative. Dramatic treatments can help create this effect.
If you decide on contrasting window treatments, there are different approaches to take depending on what sort of contrast you want and how great you want it to be. Colors and materials influence one another to create the desired end.
Contrasting Window Treatments
- Decide on the level of contrast
Take a look at a color wheel. The farther apart two colors are, the more they complement or contrast one another. This has the potential to be jarring, so choose something you can live with. The two shades do not need to be diametrically opposed to drawing the eye and add character to a room.
- Decide on the materials
Material choice offers another way to add contrast. A smooth, matte wall paired with shimmery satin drapes adds a touch of opulence that can be played up or down depending on the colors used. Patterned fabric provides an even more nuanced approach. A chintz, paisley or plaid with only one or two contrasting shades will still provide a pop of color while not intruding on the room. Or perhaps abandon cloth entirely for fitted and louvered wooden blinds. The color contrast can be less in this instance and still stand out. There are many options as there are materials which can be combined in a seemingly endless array.
No matter how you choose to go about it, decorating your windows is a superb opportunity to update your living space. They can be subtle, letting the other furnishings shine, or dramatic, setting the tone for the rest of the room. No matter what you choose, window treatments are a great starting point for any decorating project.
Guest post courtesy of Proctor Drapery and Blinds. With over 35 years of experience, St. Louis’ window treatments expert Michael Proctor can help you find the perfect shutters, draperies, and blinds for your home.
