How to Choose the Right Fabric for Your Window Coverings

Inside sunroom seating area with floor-length drapes on sliding glass doors and modern Roman shades on four large windows One of the first decisions you’ll make when selecting window treatments is whether they will be soft or hard. Fabric window treatments, including drapes, curtains, shades, and sheers, are considered “soft” because the material they’re made from is pliable. Contrast this to the solid—or “hard”—materials that make up blinds and interior shutters.

When it comes to interior design, however, there’s more to the “soft” concept than how drapes or shades feel to the touch. Fabric window coverings tend to soften the look of a room, and the type of fabric you choose can help create or obstruct the ambiance you have in mind. This is only one factor to consider as you select fabric for your drapes, valances, or shades. Here are a few others:

Functionality

Lightweight and even sheer fabric might be a great choice when you want to let in lots of natural light without worrying about privacy and insulation. But for windows in rooms that tend to heat up in the summertime or get teeth-chattering cold every winter, you should opt for heavier-weight fabric that can help insulate your home so your cooling and heating systems don’t have to work so hard to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

Design

For many homeowners, one of the most appealing aspects of fabric window coverings is the vast array of colors and patterns they’ll have to choose from. Generally, it’s a good idea to select a coordinating solid color in a room where you don’t want your drapes or shades to be the focal point. On the other hand, a bold color or pattern can put some zip into an otherwise drab interior décor.

Quality

If you’re like most homeowners, you want to maximize the value of your window treatment investment. This means you’ll need to select high-quality fabric that will maintain its beauty for many years.

How do you accomplish all of these goals? The best way to select the right fabric for your window coverings is to partner with a savvy design consultant from the Exciting Windows! network. One of our window treatment consultants can meet with you in your home, discuss your goals and aesthetic preferences, and help you select not only the ideal window treatments but the best, high-quality fabric to suit your needs. What’s more, when you entrust your project to one of our consultants, your purchase will be backed by our 4-Way Guarantee. Contact us today to get started.