Skip to content

Top Navigation

Better Homes & Gardens
  • Holidays
  • Gardening
  • Recipes and Cooking
  • Decorating
  • Home Improvement Ideas
  • Cleaning and Organizing
  • Shop
  • Rooms
  • News
  • Beauty & Style
  • Health & Family
  • Pets
  • Local Services

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Insider
  • BH&G Magazine Archive
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Insider
  • BH&G Magazine Archive
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin

Explore Better Homes & Gardens

Better Homes & Gardens
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 of the Most Common Perennial Garden Mistakes to Avoid

      7 of the Most Common Perennial Garden Mistakes to Avoid

      Are your plants not looking as lush and colorful as you hoped? Make sure you haven't made any of these missteps. Read More
    • 6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      A professional organizer offers advice on how to tidy up your home without feeling overwhelmed. Read More
    • 5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      Anti-inflammatory smoothies do exist! Instead of blending in boatloads of sugar and artificial ingredients, try these smoothies for inflammation that are stoked with ingredients that may help lower your risk for chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, depression, and more. Read More
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays
    International Women’s Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 109-Year-Old Tradition

    International Women’s Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 109-Year-Old Tradition

    What began as a small movement in 1908 has become a global holiday dedicated to celebrating the strong women in our communities.
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Hanukkah
    • New Year's
    • Halloween
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
  • Gardening

    Gardening

    See All Gardening
    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    Upcycle old newspapers, junk mail, and other waste paper to make these easy, eco-friendly containers you can use to sprout new plants for your garden.
    • Flowers
    • Houseplants
    • Plant Encyclopedia
    • Garden Pests
    • Trees, Shrubs & Vines
    • Caring for Your Yard
    • Edible Gardening
    • Garden Design
    • Gardening By Region
    • Landscaping
  • Recipes and Cooking

    Recipes and Cooking

    See All Recipes and Cooking
    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    If you’re a beginner baker who’s just starting out (or a master chef looking to declutter), start with this list of baking tool must-haves. We’ll help you set up a baking kit for beginners with 21 essential tools. For those who already own these tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to toss that never-been-used soufflĆ© dish. Building your essential baking toolbox starts here!
    • How to Cook
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Fish Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner Recipes & Meal Ideas
    • Ethnic Food
  • Decorating

    Decorating

    See All Decorating
    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    Designers weigh in on the most popular decorating styles, colors, and materials you can look forward to in the coming year.
    • Choosing Color
    • Expert Decorating Advice
    • Fireplace Design Ideas
    • Do It Yourself Magazine
    • Window Treatments
    • Styles & Decor
    • Interior Painting
    • Home Makeovers
    • Small-Space Decorating
    • Traditional Home
  • Home Improvement Ideas

    Home Improvement Ideas

    See All Home Improvement Ideas
    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained

    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained

    With so many types of house styles, narrowing the list down to your favorite can be overwhelming. We'll show you the top 10 most popular house styles, including Cape Cod, country French, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, cottage, Mediterranean, ranch, and contemporary. Here's how to tell the differences between each architectural style.
    • Home Exteriors
    • DIY Home Electrical Tips & Guides
    • Outdoor Structures
    • Home Remodeling
    • Plumbing Installations & Repairs
    • Remodeling Advice & Planning
    • Flooring
    • Lighting
    • Decks
    • Porches
  • Cleaning and Organizing

    Cleaning and Organizing

    See All Cleaning and Organizing
    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule.
    • House Cleaning
    • Laundry & Linens
    • Cleaning Tips
    • Closet Organization
    • Organization Tips
    • Kitchen Storage Organization
  • Shop
  • Rooms

    Rooms

    See All Rooms
    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space.
    • Bedroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Bathroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Kitchen Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Living Room Decorating and Design
    • Dining Room
    • Home Office
    • Kid's Rooms
    • Baby Nursery
  • News
  • Beauty & Style

    Beauty & Style

    See All Beauty & Style
    Here's Exactly How to Find Your Perfect Nude Nail Color

    Here's Exactly How to Find Your Perfect Nude Nail Color

    Truth be told, there's no such thing as a universal nude.
    • Anti-Aging
    • Hair
    • Skin Care
    • Makeup
    • Style
    • Nails
  • Health & Family

    Health & Family

    See All Health & Family
    7 Small But Impactful Ways to Fit Self-Care Into Your Day Right Now

    7 Small But Impactful Ways to Fit Self-Care Into Your Day Right Now

    Staying atop of your wellbeing is a must, especially during uncertain, stressful times. These tips will help you make time for self-care for a mental health boost every day.
    • Family Activities
    • Reunions
    • Conditions
    • Parenting Skills
  • Pets

    Pets

    See All Pets
    50 Perfect Calico Cat Names for Your Beautiful Kitty

    50 Perfect Calico Cat Names for Your Beautiful Kitty

    Use your pet's unique coat as inspiration on what to call them.
    • Dogs and Puppies
    • Cats
    • Caring for Your Pet
  • Local Services

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Insider
  • BH&G Magazine Archive
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Insider
  • BH&G Magazine Archive
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

LIVE
  1. BHG.com
  2. Decorating
  3. Window Treatments
  4. Window Treatment Basics
  5. The Ultimate Guide to Window Treatments

The Ultimate Guide to Window Treatments

June 08, 2015
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin FB
cornices and shades
Have trouble choosing the right window treatments? Let us help you find the perfect styles for your home.
Start Slideshow

1 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Window Banks: Panels & Valance

panels and valance

Just as you showcase a beautiful painting with an equally attractive frame, preserve nature's artwork by flanking a window bank with softly gathered curtain panels united by a wide tailored valance that spans the window's top. If exposure from outside elements is a concern, sheers can hide behind the fabric panels and be drawn across the opening when needed.

1 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Window Banks: Tent-Flap Panels

tent-flap panels

If sweltering sunlight or howling winter winds come calling, mount treatments snug within the frame of each window to help insulate your room. Tent- flap-style curtain panels offer clean lines that look nice both open and closed depending on weather conditions and privacy needs.

2 of 19

3 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Window Banks: Shades

shades

With today's worldly selection of woven materials and plethora of pretty-to-playful fabric patterns, Roman shades are far from a simply practical covering. Embellish shades with decorative contrast binding or trim and you've treated your window grouping with style and function.

3 of 19

Advertisement

4 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Window Banks: Panels on a Rod

panels on a rod

Curtain panels trailing from a decorative rod are the most classic of treatments for any window configuration. Accentuate the architecture of multiple windows by suspending a narrow panel between each pane. For a bay window that projects beyond the room's footprint, simply mount the rod on the foreground wall.

4 of 19

5 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Double Hung: Pleated Panels

double hung panels

As tried and true as the window itself, pleated drapery panels deliver elegance in the most straightforward of treatments. For a more formal, decorative statement add an angular valance pleated to mimic sophisticated jabots. Or for a more laid-back effect, top panels with a flouncy scalloped valance.

5 of 19

6 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Double Hung: Swags

swags

Unify a pair of side-by-side double-hung windows with asymmetric swags draped across the top of each and cascading down the outer window edges. For spaces requiring a touch of privacy, layer sheers beneath the decorative swags.

6 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Double Hung: Cascading Panels

cascading panels

The beauty of the versatile double-hung is its ability to wear the most casual curtain panels or the most formal bellowing draperies. For fine-dining sophistication or great-room grandeur, pour rich, full panels over a grand curtain rod and bustle one or both slightly aside on matching tiebacks.

7 of 19

8 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Double Hung: Panels on Rings

panels on rings

To open a double-hung window on a warm summer day is to treasure the refreshing breeze floating into the room. Capture the sensation visually by framing the window with flowing panels clipped to rings that draw easily across a decorative rod.

8 of 19

9 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Casement: Pleated Shade

roman shade

Complement the casement's contemporary appeal with a tailored, pleated shade. Mounted neatly within the window frame, these fabric treatments enhance clean-line design with a soft touch.

9 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Casement: Roller Shade

roller shade

Winning a resurgence in design with its retro style, the roller shade enjoys many decorative options in patterned facades, embellished hems, and charming pulls.

10 of 19

11 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Casement: Panels on Swing-Arm Rods

panels on a swing arm

Echo the booklike function of the casement window with panels hung on swing-arm rods (airy sheers work particularly well).

11 of 19

12 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Casement: Tab-Top Panels

tab top

A proven fit on nearly any window, drapery panels can be formal or laid-back. Tab-top panels lend casual comfort to any space.

12 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Transoms: Shutters

shutters on transoms

Simple, clean lines complement shapely arched windows. Shutters mounted on double-hung or casement windows below an arched top provide classic design with light and privacy control. For additional privacy, fan-shape shutters fit many standard arched shapes

13 of 19

14 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Transoms: Duel-Fabric Panels

duel fabric panels

Transoms add natural light plus visual height to a room. A curtain rod mounted at the ceiling enhances the height trick, while dual-fabric panels - sheer on top attached to opaque tails - let the extra light shine through.

14 of 19

15 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Transoms: Full Dressing

full dressing

Homes of elegant, traditional decor often feature transoms. When style directs a full, robust window dressing, treat the main collection of windows with drapery panels connected by a valance (adding blinds beneath for privacy, if necessary), but mount the rod as you would without the transoms so the architectural addition is still enjoyed.

15 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Patio Doors: Door-Mounted Panels

door mounted panels

For a soft touch applied directly to French doors, hang curtain panels cinched halfway down to let in the light. Don't forget the view from the outdoor living area - use a coordinating fabric for the curtain backs.

16 of 19

17 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Patio Doors: Cornice & Draperies

cornice & drapes

With careful placement, even the most sophisticated window treatments can apply to French doors. Crown the door frame with a shapely cornice that disguises a rod from which curtain panels flow. Be sure the panels can move aside to allow the doors to open.

17 of 19

18 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Patio Doors: Stacking Panels

stacking panels

Follow the natural flow of the sliding door with flat fabric panels mounted above on a gliding track. The visual parallel is striking while the stack-aside function keeps the decorative treatment practical.

18 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 19

Save Pin FB
Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Patio Doors: Cornice & Shades

cornices and shades

Use horizontal shades or blinds mounted on the wall above the door frame to give sliding doors privacy and light control. To disguise their less-aesthetic headers, top the shades with a decorative valance. Be certain the valance and raised blinds are mounted high enough to easily allow passage through the door below.

19 of 19

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 19 Window Banks: Panels & Valance
    2 of 19 Window Banks: Tent-Flap Panels
    3 of 19 Window Banks: Shades
    4 of 19 Window Banks: Panels on a Rod
    5 of 19 Double Hung: Pleated Panels
    6 of 19 Double Hung: Swags
    7 of 19 Double Hung: Cascading Panels
    8 of 19 Double Hung: Panels on Rings
    9 of 19 Casement: Pleated Shade
    10 of 19 Casement: Roller Shade
    11 of 19 Casement: Panels on Swing-Arm Rods
    12 of 19 Casement: Tab-Top Panels
    13 of 19 Transoms: Shutters
    14 of 19 Transoms: Duel-Fabric Panels
    15 of 19 Transoms: Full Dressing
    16 of 19 Patio Doors: Door-Mounted Panels
    17 of 19 Patio Doors: Cornice & Draperies
    18 of 19 Patio Doors: Stacking Panels
    19 of 19 Patio Doors: Cornice & Shades

    Share options

    Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

    Login

    Shop | Better Homes & Gardens

    • Living Room Furniture
    • Duvet Covers
    • Bathroom Fixtures
    • Dinnerware
    • Round Area Rugs
    • Bedding Sets
    • Patio Furniture
    • Window Treatments
    • Landscape Lighting
    • Comforters
    • Shop More

    Better Homes & Gardens may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on this website.

    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Logo Products at Walmart
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Real Estate Real Estate Services
    Better Homes & Gardens

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Better Homes & Gardens
    • Help
    • Media Kit
    • Content Licensing
    • Sitemap

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Other Meredith Sites

    Other Meredith Sites

    • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
    • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
    • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
    • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
    • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
    • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
    • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
    • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
    • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
    • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
    • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
    • Health this link opens in a new tab
    • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
    • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
    • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
    • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
    • More this link opens in a new tab
    • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
    • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
    • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
    • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
    • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
    • Parents this link opens in a new tab
    • People this link opens in a new tab
    • People en EspaƱol this link opens in a new tab
    • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
    • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
    • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
    • Shape this link opens in a new tab
    • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
    • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
    • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
    • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
    MeredithBH&G is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.bhg.com

    View image

    The Ultimate Guide to Window Treatments
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.