Art is continuously evolving, so it’s no surprise that designing a good and comfortable home can be challenging. One of the current popular concepts is “contemporary” design, known for its classic elegance and simplicity. It is mostly overwhelmed by neutral colors and clean line patterns, and utilizes natural materials.
Contemporary is often confused with “modern” design styles due to its minimalist vibe. Looking deeply into it, “modern” suggests a specific concept at a certain period, whereas “contemporary” refers to aesthetics and is subject to constant change at an unspecified era. Such aesthetic looks at elements incorporated to achieve a design that works for the current taste.
Nowadays, we can see numerous contemporary designs in various home elements such as furniture, paint selection, accessories, and most especially in window treatments where natural light is the core of the whole concept. The overalls shall appear flawless when examined at different angles. Thus, window treatments play a significant role in this.
Choosing from white, grey, natural colors, and lighter-colored wood finishes are key to finishing the signature look of contemporary windows. However, some may prefer to control the light allowed in their homes. Deflecting harsh rays and creating a more inclusive feeling is just as important in conceptualizing the design.
Window treatments come into play through texture, height, color, and pattern. Curtains, drapes, and other shades provide another layer to challenge contemporary design. To help you understand more about contemporary window treatments, here are some useful tips for you.
Light And Breezy Drapes
You’ll never go wrong with having light and breezy drapes for your contemporary window treatments. They give off that calming atmosphere that reminds you of a relaxing tea time with friends or a quiet moment all by yourself with only a book as your company.
White is a popular choice but you should also consider floor-to-ceiling, dusty pink drapes that can make your window appear taller while adding a tinge of color to your room. You should also check out some semi-sheer drapes that can filter the right amount of light you want without sacrificing privacy.
Traditional Roman Shades With A Twist
Roman shade is a classic but a little makeover wouldn’t hurt. Putting a little twist to it can turn it from traditional to contemporary. A good way to do so is by changing linen or another fabric with bamboo. Doing so can add more texture while creating an elegant yet relaxed ambiance. You should get one that comes with height adjustment to ensure privacy.
Customized Roller Shades
Nothing compares to the versatility of roller shades. It’s no wonder that many prefer them for their contemporary window treatments. Thanks to the wide range of fabric and wood options, such shades come with blackout and light filtering features. They can be adjusted depending on your required height. The good thing about them is they can be customized to suit your taste and needs.
Bold Patterned Drapes
With contemporary window treatments, you can go bold and daring such as choosing patterned drapes for a change. Don’t hesitate to experiment and play with patterns, colors, and textures. For instance, instead of simply choosing drapes that blend with the rest of the room, try something more eye-catching. Just make sure that beauty and balance are in place.
Barely-There White Shades
Sometimes it is fantastic to go bare! Elegant contemporary barely-there white shades are designed to inspire relaxation and peace. Such white window treatments filter light and provide privacy at the same time. The barely-there shades won’t distract you whether you’re watching your favorite TV show, reading a good book, or browsing the web.
Tall, Dark, And Handsome Curtains
Many women are attracted to tall, dark, and handsome and this applies to contemporary window treatments, too. Nothing is as timeless and elegant as tall and dark curtains, especially if they’re paired with neutral tones. They’re eye-catching and yet they can also draw attention to everything else in the room including the furniture and decor. Made of heavy and thick fabrics, these curtains are perfect for blocking light and providing you with the privacy you need.
Dual Purpose Window Treatments
You can pretty much be as creative as you want to be in terms of contemporary window treatments. Be practical and versatile by using a combination of Roman shades and curtains and experience their wonderful effects. For instance, if you prefer to block the rays of the midday sun, you can simply close the curtains. Meanwhile, you can pull down the shades at night for a little privacy. Further, the horizontal and vertical treatments when used together can have a charming effect.
Add Valance for Height and Style
Never underestimate the value of valance in contemporary window treatments. Though valances may seem traditional, choosing the right one can give any window a contemporary look and feel to it. For example, adding a white valance with black trimming will compliment patterned wallpapers while enhancing the ceiling height and adding class to boring shades.
Versatile Shutters
Shutters have that coastal appeal to them that many people love. If you think these wood window treatments are just for beach houses, think again. These shutters can make any room look neat and clean and at the same time airy. They can also redirect light and they’ll provide you with a semi-obstructed view of the outside.
Finding Contemporary Window Treatments For Your Home
Are you excited to finally replace those old and worn-out window treatments in your home? If so, it’s about time you learn how to find the excellent choice that suits your budget and preferences. So you’ve probably already examined your space and pictured the future look of your windows but the actual shopping for new treatments can be quite a chore.
Here are some tips to get you started:
- Consult an expert
You can never go wrong by consulting an expert on which contemporary window treatment will work for your home. These professionals will charge you for their services but at least, you get expert advice. Meanwhile, there are home depots or companies that offer free consultations provided you buy from them. Another option is to tap a friend who’s knowledgeable about interior design to help you for free or for a small fee.
- Do your research
The various contemporary window treatments mentioned above can already help you decide which ones to have in your home. However, it pays if you can do your own little research about them, too, particularly their pros and cons. You should also look into their availability in your area as well as the prices you have to pay for them.
- Learn from experts
Did you know that many interior designers share their ideas about contemporary window treatments and more for free? Most of them have personal blogs or are featured on home improvement websites. Others even have video tutorials. Take time to read or watch them and be inspired.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Contemporary Window Treatments
Buying contemporary window treatments is no joke. You have to invest a lot of time and money. There’s simply no room for errors. Below are some of the most common mistakes people commit when buying these treatments. Read on to learn how to avoid them.
- Picking the Wrong Size of Treatments
Window treatments have to be meticulously measured or else they’ll look out of place. Purchasing a product with the wrong width or height will appear disproportionate to your window.
Before heading to the store, make sure you have the right supplies such as a pen, notepad, measuring tape, and marker. Start with the tape. Use it to measure all sides of the window. Dimensions help in shopping whether you want vertical or horizontal treatments. Make sure to note which window is subject to refurnish to avoid the mistake of buying materials that clash with the interiors.
In case you’re not confident that you’ll do a good job at measuring your windows, hire an expert to do so. You can contact a local Home Depot where you intend to buy your contemporary window treatments and hopefully, they’ll have someone to come to your place and do the measurements for free.
- Forgetting About Your Décor
There are countless window treatment options available in stores. It is easy to feel overwhelmed which might lead to your purchasing treatments that don’t match the existing décor in your home. For instance, a traditional treatment in a modern interior is clearly against contemporary design.
However, sticking to drapery, vertical window panels, and roller shades represent a contemporary style in a modern home. Texture can also come from woven wood or honeycomb shades. Meanwhile, a sheer window covering adds visual interest to a traditional home. The options are endless!
- Ignoring Function
While size and style are the highlights of the discussion, one consideration is often forgotten and that’s functionality. Keep in mind that window treatments aren’t just for aesthetics but to provide privacy, light control, UV protection, and insulation.
There are many important things to consider when it comes to purchasing drapes, shades, blinds, and other window treatments. For instance, try asking yourself the reasons why you need to change treatments. Are you considering the changing seasons? If yes, remember that keeping the home cool in summer and warm in winter is excellently provided by honeycomb shades. If you opt for a darker room, a blackout treatment is a right choice.
- Overlooking Curb Appeal
Whilst it is essential to focus on the appearance of the window treatments inside the home, it is also a must to consider how they’ll look from the outside. Living in a neighborhood might help you spare some thought as to which colors perfectly fit in.
For instance, installing nude or pastel drapes and curtains in a nursery room might clash with the rich exterior colors. Try to step outside and look from afar. Note the colors and style of your home both inside and out before searching for contemporary window treatments. Doing so can help you decide which of them will suit your home.
- Disregarding Safety
Safety is a priority in building or decorating a home. Aesthetic alone is nothing without taking security into account. When it comes to choosing the ideal contemporary window treatments, you should consider the safety of everybody, including that of your kids and pets. Remember that horizontal blinds and loose cords can cause strangulation so avoid them as much as possible.
- Failure to Assess the Room Environment
It is important to assess the vicinity and the environment of the space for which the window treatment is purposely designed for. Are they going to be exposed to too much heat or moisture? For instance, bathrooms need treatments that can withstand the ever-changing temperature. Therefore, treatments made of real wood are a big no-no. Curtains made of fabric should also be avoided because they’re prone to molding.
- Choosing the Wrong Hardware
The least minded on the list of considerations is the hardware. It is just as important as everything else since it’s responsible for supporting the weight of the current window treatment. It will pay to consult a home improvement expert about the capacity of the hardware in supporting the new style or whether it needs replacement.
It’s very easy to commit these mistakes but fortunately, you can avoid them just as easily. Choosing and buying the right contemporary window treatments is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make for your home. It’s imperative that you learn to avoid these mistakes so that you won’t end up buying the wrong treatments and wasting your time and money.
Nowadays, you can find tons of contemporary window treatments, especially online. However, you should try to know more about them by reading design ideas, watching tutorial videos, and finding other useful information that can help you in your search for excellent contemporary window treatments.
