Choosing Window Treatments for Kid’s Rooms
Window treatments are often thrown in as a bit of an afterthought when it comes to bedrooms. Either that, or the owners decide to just leave what was already there. This makes my designer heart sad because it is such a missed opportunity! Because of their size, window treatments have a large visual impact and can help set the tone and feel of any space. What makes a kid’s bedroom so fun is that it’s an area where it’s acceptable to have more fun and be a little more daring with color and pattern.
Photo Credit: realhomes.com, elizabethhaydesign.com, hausmatter.com, mindygayer.com
Of course functionality is key and because we’re talking children, safety is paramount. But there are other considerations you’ll want to weigh into the balance while you work to create a magical space. This is not a comprehensive list but it will definitely get you headed the right way.
GO CORDLESS:
It’s a little more expensive but brings so much peace of mind to know there’s no chance of children getting entangled with those cords. If I’m designing for older kids, you may be able to convince me not to go that direction. However, if there are toddlers or young children in the home, cordless is the only option. Not to mention, it’s just a cleaner and sleeker look all around to have no cords dangling.
BLACKOUT OR ROOM DARKENING:
This depends on the specific child of course, but generally parents are big fans of keeping rooms dark to encourage sleeping children. Blackout curtains or shades can be especially helpful during nap time and for kids with earlier bedtimes. The other bonus is that because they’re a thicker heavier fabric, they can also act to drown out noise and add a layer of insulation. With slightly older kids, treatments such as blinds that allow you to control the level of light may be enough to meet their needs.
CHILD FRIENDLY FABRICS:
Durability and ease of cleaning are pretty much non negotiable here. LIfe happens and odds are, that at some point, grimy hands will get a hold of the curtains. So choose something that can withstand cleaning and doesn't require dry cleaning or other special care. Grimy hands are another reason I often like to use roman shades in a room for small children. They are high up so hands can’t get to them and since parents are the ones closing them, it’s not a problem that they’re out of reach of the kids.
GO BOLD:
Go bold and dramatic because you can! It’s one of the few places where you can fully embrace your child’s interests, hobbies, and favorite colors. Two caveats here… you should have fun in this space BUT if it’s a large investment piece that you plan on having grow with your child, stay more conservative in color. SECOND, if we’re talking main colors such as paint, choose a color that’s not so vibrant and energetic, that the child or children won’t be able to sleep. That being said, for everything else, including window treatments, get creative.
LAYER PATTERNS AND FABRICS:
Contrast is king in design and window fabrics are a fun way to incorporate it. If you’re doing a woven wooden blind, layer it with curtain panels that are softer and flowy. If you have a small scale wallpaper, choose a treatment that uses a large scale pattern. If you have a roman shade, add some piping to the shade that is a complementary hue. It will make the whole room feel more playful, fun and intentional.
INCLUDE THE CHILD:
This can get carried away but I love to have children share their ideas, preferred colors and themes. I especially love to get a couple options I feel good about and then let the child make the final call. It will not only instill confidence in them but also give them some ownership and pride in the end result.
Photo Credit: hunterdouglas.com, dihinhome.com, theshadestore.com, simaytuncer.com
INSTALLATION RULES
INSIDE OR OUTSIDE MOUNT:
Before ordering any treatment for your window, check whether it’s a deep enough window casing to allow for an inside mount or whether you’ll need to hang it mounted on the outside of the window.
CURTAIN RODS:
Always use a rod that’s 1-2” thickness. Anything smaller feels insignificant and will distort in shape over time from the weight of the panels.
Hang the rod so it is 3-8” higher than the window frame and 3-8” above the window frame. This will make the window seem larger and more substantial.
Never drill the rod hardware your window trim. You want to hang your hardware outside the trim, as not to damage it.
HANGING LENGTH:
When hanging your curtains they should just brush floor or have no more than 1” of pooling on the floor. Anything more will feel very over the top and out of place in anything less than a French château. Anything shorter will look ill fitting and a little silly.
FINIALS:
I generally avoid any finials on drapery panels that are highly decorative. Simple and classic all the way. I want the panels to be the element that gets noticed, not the hardware. HOWEVER, in a kid’s room I don’t feel strongly about this at all. If you happen to find the perfect acorn or animal head finial that adds that perfect whimsical element, go for it.
Too much or helpful? I promise it’s easier than you think. Just check those quick do’s and don’ts and talk it through with a friend. If you’re still feeling confused, reach out to learn more about our design services. Happy designing!
