What would we do without windows they give us beautiful views to the outdoors, they allow light which we need to start our day, and when open give us the sense of the season’s air. Windows give us the feeling of interior spaciousness, and frame our view of the world beyond. Windows are nothing short of fabulous. But for all there befits, windows present more than a few aesthetic and practical challenges. When uncovered they admit strong and harsh sunlight, or people passing who view your life thru the windows day and night. Also in cold climates chilling drafts. A bare window can also appear baron and unfinished unless they are architecturally worthy or located in a private and light controlled area. This would be for people who live behind gates or have homes in mountains and architecturally the architect build overhangs over certain areas of the home. The latter situation is a luxury, however, and for both beauty and function, most windows need a window treatment even it’s a stair well or a attic window but most important our living rooms, bedrooms, dens and dining rooms need covering and today we have so many choices. There are soft window coverings and hard window coverings each day manufactures are coming up with different styles, fabrics and finishes. It can be confusing to you on how and what to put on your windows and an interior designer can be of great help in this situation. When you choose an interior designer they can address the total space of the area, and give you the balance rhythm and scale to give your room a picture perfect feeling, by adding beautiful window treatments. If you think your options are few silk drapes are very popular today and they can be pinch pleat or rod pocket styles. Blinds are usually wood and they come from 1”to 2” to 3”. Bamboo wood roll up shades are back and they are eco green friendly. There also are beautiful wood poles that are eco friendly with finals and even the brackets, metal and bamboo poles are available also that pass the green standard rules. You are in for a big and pleasant, surprise. Familiar styles are still available of course roman shades, beautiful swag styles, plantation shutters, and new patterned sheers today have a embossing or a print design, Drapes can be designed in silk or if your on a budget the same fabric might be duplicated in polyester. These fabrics can be heavily embroidered and purchased in many colors. Many of these old favorites can be open to fresh interpretations, Panels can have different innovative pleat patterns today, and the drapes can puddle to the floor 15” or be bishop sleeved. Settling on a window treatment style is only part of the process. Once upon a time early in the 50’s the only decision was antique satin and your choice was beige or ivory, window treatments. That attitude has evolved, fortunately, and today’s window treatments are an integral part of a decorating plan, not an afterthought. To give your windows their due justice and your design the beauty it needs for your room to have an impact on your guests, formulate a few decorating goals: Do you hope to create a high energy, high contrast room, where the windows take center stage? Or do you lean toward supporting role window treatments that blend and harmonize with the other furnishings? How do see color and pattern on your window treatment, and last how do you want them to function that means do you want a under covering first and then material stationary drapes over that or do you need a drape with a blackout lining to protect your room from heat and morning light. Check out all types of rods, do you want them to draw from the center or be cut to hold small panels on each side of the windows These may sound like difficult questions, but design decisions are creative and fun, and clear goals can help you achieve a pleasing and gorgeous outcome. There is no doubt that today’s windows wear an astonishing array of window fashions. With planning and shopping with a professional you can find the right treatment and add your windows to the best dressed list of the millennium.