Welcome to another Window Wednesday! Last week we talked about hard window treatments, and today we are going to talk about soft window treatments. I would define soft window treatments as any window covering that is sewn from fabric.
Be sure to check out our Decorating With Window Treatments page for more ideas, tips and techniques for your windows!
You can find some styles of soft window treatments in stores or on-line, or you can have them custom-made to fit any window. When you have them custom-made, you choose the fabric and style that you like, and the treatments will be made to fit your windows.
There are three main types of soft window treatments:
Drapery Panels – Drapery panels are the probably the most popular type of window treatment. The panels can be purely decorative and stationary, or can be functional and can open and close to provide privacy and light control. There are also many pleat styles to choose from, the most popular is the pinch pleat. Below is a pair drapery panels that I did for a client’s home. The bishop sleeve panels are pinch pleated with a valance overlay You can see other examples of drapery panels in my Gallery.
Valances – Valances are usually purely decorative, and just cover the top of a window. They are good for covering a blind headrail, or to add some fabric and color to a window. There are many, many different types of valances. Some are are just fabric, and some are fabric covering a board, like cornices. Cornices, an upholstered board, are not soft, even though they are in the group of soft window treatments. Below is an example of a valance that I have done for a client. You can see more examples of valances in my Gallery.
Shades – Shades are another type of soft window treatment. They are a blind that is made or sewn out of fabric. Shades are functional, and can provide privacy and light control. They are a good option for someone who wants a blind, but wants to have one that uses a fabric that complements the rest of their room’s decor. There are many shade styles, but the most common is the roman shade. Below is an example of a roman shade that I fabricated for a client’s daughter’s room. You can see more examples of shades in my Gallery.
Do you have a favorite style of window treatment?
Delores Lyon says
April 7, 2015 at 3:49 pmThanks for sharing these different window treatment ideas! I really love the idea of drapes that make the window look better, while also adding a nice splash of color in a room. I would love to get some draperies like the one in the first photo. However, instead of pink, I think I would go with a soft beige to complement the rest of the room.
Jann says
April 7, 2015 at 4:28 pmThanks Delores! I’m glad you enjoyed the post!
Vivian Peazer says
May 18, 2015 at 4:00 pmI love the idea of “soft” window treatment, particularly the floor-length curtains you suggest. However, I would probably still want to have blinds on my windows. They’re easier to use, and I wouldn’t want to keep adjusting the curtains. Overall, having both would be ideal.