Window Treatments – Adding Value to Your Home

By Mary M. Bajor, CWTC

While we may not give it the attention it deserves, our window treatments can make an overall statement in our home décor as well as add value to our largest investment. There are numerous options today that mix function and comfort with great style while enhancing our interiors. Choices in window covering products allow us to completely personalize our spaces. Today, as we focus on the home as our haven, a peaceful and enjoyable sanctuary, we can understand the benefit window treatments bring to our interiors, both in aesthetics and increased home value.

Wood shutters and wood blinds are not only functional by diffusing sunlight and providing privacy, they are a handsome furniture addition to the room. As well as painted and distressed options, shutters and wood blinds are available in various slat widths and wood stains to complement our decor. Shutters can be fabricated to cover arched and uniquely shaped windows. Shutters add exceptional beauty to the home when juxtaposed with drapes or fabric valances.

Cornices bring an impressive architectural element to the home. Upholstered fabric, wood or metal cornices can add decorative detail to an otherwise ordinary room. Curved or tailored cornice design can reflect the decorating style of the room from elaborate and heavy to sleek and simplified. Cornices can bring height to the window and can be constructed to visually widen the window when combined with a drapery under-treatment. Metal cornices or inlays can be customized from an array of intricate designs and may be selected from several metal finishes including copper and forged iron. Upholstered cornices may be trimmed in crown molding, adding charm and character to the space.

Nothing surpasses custom drapery treatments in terms of aesthetic satisfaction and added value to our interiors. Beautiful, one of a kind, drapery treatments add instant luxury to the home. A high ceiling or long window can be enhanced with extra long panels which may puddle on the floor for added emphasis. Window treatment design can accentuate an architectural feature or disguise an unattractive one. A classic Palladian window fitted with arched swags and cascades repeats the form and shape of the window style. Gorgeous trims and tassels can be selected to coordinate with the fabric. Whether it is sewn from an exquisite silk or a more affordable polyester blend, fabric window treatments can make a room completely captivating.

Adding value and function to window treatments is possible with the addition of motorization. Remote control technology allows one to conveniently regulate the raising and lowering of difficult to reach window blinds, shades and shutters. Motorization can be customized to open and close window treatments with the use of a timer for added security to the home.


With our mindfulness in preserving our natural resources and protecting our environment, we now have window treatment options that will benefit this interest. Solar panel track and roller shades offer beauty as well as provide added UV protection, further reducing heat loss and gain in our home. As a result, we can lower our energy consumption and protect our environment.

Decorative hardware should not be overlooked when assessing home value. Custom quality wrought iron and metal decorative rods, rings and finials add beauty and distinction to any home. Unique forged iron designs can complement the home décor and embellish the window treatment. As the “jewelry” of the room, crystal and colorful glass finials can provide ornamentation to a modest space.

With numerous options available today, dressing our windows for added home value is another reason to rethink our design decision. From decorative spring roller shades to custom arched shutters and luxurious antique silks, it is possible to choose a window treatment which will give us a return on our investment. Treatments that protect our home from winter cold and summer heat can be practical and beautiful, while conserving our natural resources and resulting in reduced utility costs. Unique and custom crafted windows can be dressed to preserve their architectural beauty and integrity. Technology today allows us to operate our window fashions with the press of a button, making our treatments functional and convenient.

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Mary M Bajor, CWTC
A Beautiful Room
(845) 216-5928
www.abeautifulroom.net
mary@abeautifulroom.net

Mary M Bajor is a WCAA Certified Window Treatment Consultant and owner of A Beautiful Room, an Interior Redesign & Decorating Company in Brewster, New York. Mary is also an affiliate member of the Interior Design Society. A Beautiful Room provides residential decorating services in all design styles and budgets, from one-day interior redesigns to full service decorating, paint color consultations and custom window treatments. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.abeautifulroom.net, or by phone at (845) 216-5928, or e-mail at mary@abeautifulroom.net.