Photo Credit: Better Homes and Gardens
Taking care of Mother Earth is on many peoples’ minds these days. One major trend is reducing our carbon footprint by literally reducing our footprint and downsizing our homes. Having a smaller home means lower heating bills, less space to clean. However, it can also mean unexpected décor opportunities. There are specific challenges you may face when selecting window treatments for small rooms or small homes, but there are wonderful décor workarounds that will let your small room make a big impact.
Shine on!
Photography by Paul Chmielowiec
Even if it’s a small space, nothing will open it up like lots of light. You can make the most of the sunshine with a mirror, strategically placed to catch the most of whatever comes through your windows. When choosing window treatments that will let every ray of sunshine in, be sure to look for blinds or shades with tilting louvers. This allows you to direct the light where you need it most. My personal favorite is Silhouette window shades. Not only can you tilt the louvers, the sheer fabric defuses the light, transforming harsh sunlight to a soft glow.
Select a Window Workhorse
When you’ve got less space, you need to make the space you have work! Efficiency is important when your home office doubles as your guest bedroom. When your room serves several functions, your windows do double duty as well. If you need to maximize the versatility of your windows, check out Duette honeycomb shades with Duolite. The Duolite option allows you to combine an energy efficiency room darkening fabric with a stunning sheer fabric, giving you the best of both worlds. As well, consider an automated rise system like PowerView® Motorization and App. Set your shades to raise and lower at different times of the day to allow even more flexibility and ease – with your iPhone or iPad! These shades are so smart you can even program them to operate with the sunrise and sunset!
Minimize the Palette or Punch It Up
When it comes to color, there are two ways to go in a smaller space. You can make the space larger by minimizing the color palette. Gentle beiges and greys can be matched by simple drapery or blinds in matching tones. This lets the eye travel and makes a space feel bigger. Paired with furniture in the same color range or that is made of Lucite or metal, the room will soon have an open, airy feel.
The other option is to give the smaller room a punch of color. Giving a smaller room a pop of geometric pattern or dramatic window treatments draws the eye and gives your space a focal point. If your small space has high ceilings, oversized draperies will lengthen the room, making it look larger as well.
If you’ve made the decision to reduce your living space, or if you have a small space that needs to serve multiple purposes, your window treatments will make a tremendous difference in the appeal and functionality of a smaller room. Style and practicality are always necessary, but in a smaller room, your windows will need to do far more than regular duty. As with any custom window treatment, your Hunter Douglas window fashion designer can help you make the right decisions to achieve style and function that works in your home.
