Soft Window Treatments: What Are They?

Soft window treatments are window coverings made from soft materials, known for their flexibility, softness, and warm, inviting atmosphere. They are more versatile than most hard treatment varieties and often feature more appealing designs. There are two main types of soft window treatments: curtains, which are pieces of cloth hung over windowpanes to block or enclose the window, and soft window treatments, which are made from soft textiles and fabric.

Soft window treatments are smooth to the touch and offer more variety for interior design purposes. Homeowners can select fabrics and styles to create the perfect style for their home. Soft window treatments are often used as decoration on top of hard treatments but can also be used as a standalone piece of fabric.

Shades are solid pieces of soft or pliable fabric that roll or fold over the window. They are often used as decoration on top of hard treatments but can also be used as a standalone window covering. Soft window treatments are primarily designed with patterns and made with various textiles, but they are prone to damage like fading and tear due to exposure.

In contrast, soft treatments offer more fluid control over light and privacy by raising or lowering a shade, enabling serene environments. Custom draperies and soft treatments can transform the entire look and feel of a room by adding a sophisticated sense of comfort and warmth.

Why do they call them window treatments?

A “treatment” is defined as a decorative element, such as a valance, shade, or drapes. In contrast, a window covering, such as a shade or blind, serves the dual purpose of providing privacy and light control by covering the window.

Which window treatment gives the most insulation?

Insulated cellular shades are highly effective window coverings due to their honeycomb cross-sections, which act as insulators, reducing heat conduction. These shades offer significant energy savings, comfort, privacy, and increased home resale value. In heating seasons, tightly installed cellular shades can reduce heat loss by 40 or more, resulting in about 10 heating energy savings. In cooling seasons, they can reduce unwanted solar heat by up to 60, reducing the total solar gain to 20 when installed tightly.

What are the different types of window treatments?

Window coverings are essential for maintaining a beautiful and functional space by filtering light and preventing fading of furnishings and rugs. These treatments include blinds, window shades, shutters, curtains, and drapes. Blinds can be vertical or horizontal, with horizontal blinds being quieter and longer-lasting. Shades are single pieces of fabric or synthetic material raised or lowered by a wand, providing various levels of light control. Drapes or curtains can be made of various materials, and shutters come in classic and modern styles.

Most window coverings are available in different price points and sizes, and can be customized in various ways. Motorized lift options regulate light filtering with a touch of a button, and many window treatments offer light filtering, room darkening, or blackout fabric options. Blinds and shades can be installed in a top-down and bottom-up combination for more control over light, privacy, and view.

What are soft windows?

Soft window treatments, made from fabric or textiles, include drapes, curtains, sheers, valances, swags, and Roman shades. These treatments are often categorized into alcoves, which are sections of a wall or room set back from the rest of the space, such as bay and bow windows. These spaces can influence the mounting options available for specific window treatments. The article provides a comprehensive overview of soft window treatments and their definitions.

What is stiff window treatment?

Window treatments can be categorized into hard and soft types. Hard window treatments, like shutters, blinds, and shades, are made from sturdy materials like vinyl, metal, or wood, providing privacy and light control. They can be adjusted to regulate the amount of light entering a room. Soft window treatments, like curtains and drapes, are made of lightweight, flexible materials like linen, silk, or cotton, adding a decorative touch while providing privacy and light control.

Hard window treatments are ideal for those looking to control light, are easy to clean and maintain, and are highly durable. Popular examples include blinds made from adjustable slats, shades composed of one piece that can be raised or lowered, and shutters made with solid panels or slats that can be opened or closed. Wood is the most common material used for shutters, but vinyl and other materials are also available.

Are softwood windows any good?

Softwood timber windows are lighter, lighter, and more affordable than hardwood windows, appealing to homeowners for their traditional look with a modern finish. They are also easier to work with and suitable for a wider range of window and door applications. However, softwood windows lack the density and strength of hardwood windows, making them less durable and more vulnerable to elements. They require more attention and preservation in the long term and lack the aesthetic appeal of hardwood windows.

To address these drawbacks, PVCu windows have become a popular alternative. PVCu windows, first available in the 1980s, have made significant advancements since then, but are only available in white or a small range of foils. Despite their cost-effectiveness, PVCu windows require more attention and preservation in the long term.

Are window treatments still popular?

In 2024, bold patterns and bright colors are popular trends in interior design, particularly for living rooms and bedrooms. Floral and geometric patterns are popular choices for curtains and shades, with fabrics available in hundreds of colors, textures, and unique patterns. Sheer overlays on solid window treatments can elevate the style of any room, allowing diffused natural light to create a soft and ethereal ambiance. Sustainable and eco-friendly options, such as recycled fabrics and natural fibers, are also becoming more popular.

Norman®, committed to environmental concerns, uses composite materials like Woodlore® shutters, made from the wood of rapid-growth trees. These eco-friendly options offer a more sustainable and stylish approach to interior design.

What type of curtains do hotels use?

Blackout curtains are a common window treatment in a variety of settings, including hotel guest rooms, theaters, and private bedrooms. Such window treatments impede the passage of light from the exterior, thereby reducing the overall level of illumination within the space. Fabric of substantial weight is used in their construction, affording the occupants a reasonable degree of privacy. Five-star hotels favour them for their energy efficiency and safety, particularly in the context of small children. Additionally, they are utilized in residential and commercial settings.

Is it OK to not have window treatments?

In her design philosophy, Sara Hillery posits that a bare window can provide a refreshing respite from the pervasive use of color and pattern in a room, imparting a sense of clarity and simplicity to the space. This approach is contingent upon the overarching design scheme and the quantity of color and pattern present in the room.

What is the difference between hard and soft window treatments?

Hard window treatments, such as blinds and shutters, offer durability, sleek design, and practical light control, while soft treatments provide elegance, warmth, and can improve room insulation and acoustics. Efficient hard treatments like cellular shades are energy-saving, low-maintenance, and offer long-term durability, privacy, and noise reduction benefits. Layering hard and soft window treatments can create a luxurious, tailored look, combining functionality with aesthetic appeal.

Hard window treatments, like blinds and shutters, are made of sturdy materials like wood or aluminum, while soft window treatments, like curtains and drapes, are crafted from luxurious fabrics. The choice between these treatments depends on striking the right balance between function, style, and ambiance, in line with your interior design concept.