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Rustic window treatments"Why do you need rustic window treatments?Why not leave your windows bare?"  If your windows look out into the forest or over the lake, you may not need window coverings for privacy - but you will want window coverings for
Rustic window treatments should ooze "natural." You may choose drapes or curtains, or you may consider other window coverings such as blinds, shutters, or shades. You can choose from a variety of rustic curtain rods to hang your curtains or drapes. Choose basic fabrics and simple styles. Energy conservation In colder climates, consider a thermal lining which can be hung behind your country curtains in the winter and taken down for the summer. Choosing the right fabric 
"People often choose a fabric that is inappropriate for the style, like a loosely woven fabric for a tailored style, or a stiff fabric for draperies which should hang softly." Merle Ball, Drapery MakerSelect heavy fabrics in warm colors with texture and/or patterns, or pick light cottons or lace, depending on the room, the window, and your decor. You can combine prints - stripes, plaids, checks, paisley etc., but keep the color scheme the same to make it work.
Have a view you don't want to obscure? A valance or topper will define your window and add color and texture. Then add a blind or shade that can be pulled or rolled up to reveal the entire window while still giving you the option of privacy or light control. Vertical blinds also offer a great combination of open glass versus complete privacy. Window topper ideas
A rustic window treatment for the gardenerWhy have curtains when you can decorate your window with plants? Potted plants on shelves across the window will add life to your room - and the plants will love it. How much fullness should curtains have? Curtains that aren't full enough look cheap. To ensure your curtains have a rich, full feel to them here's a guide:
We recommend:
Measuring your windowsBefore you order curtains, shutters, or shades, or before you buy materials to make your own, you need to measure your window to determine exactly what you will need. Note: measure each window individually - even if they look like they are the same size. There can be small variations.Using a quality tape measure, first measure the window width: For inside mounted shades and shutters measure the width inside the window frame. For outside mounted shades and shutters measure the width from the outside of each side of the molding. If you want the shade or shutter to extend beyond the width of the molding, make sure you measure to include the desired width. For curtains you will want to have the curtain rod extend past the outside molding to allow room for the curtains to stack back when open. This will allow full view and light from the window and will create an illusion that the window is larger than it is. The extra space required for stack back will depend on the the size and thickness of the curtains but a rule of thumb is
Then measure the window length: For inside mounted shades and shutters measure the length inside the window frame. For outside mounted shades measure the length allowing 2 - 4" above the outside molding - to allow more glass to show when the shade is open - to the outside of the bottom molding. For outside mounted shutters measure the length from the outside of the top molding to the outside of the bottom molding. For curtains first determine if you are going to hang your curtains from ceiling height, halfway between the window and ceiling, or just above the window frame (allow 1" above the molding). Then determine your length.
Window Shades ShiftShade is a simple, but effective, way to darken a room during daylight hours. Whether you work shifts or need a very dark room to sleep later on bright summer mornings, this is a viable solution!  Return from rustic window treatments to Home Page
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This book has beautiful photographs and recommends when to use a particular window treatment or fabric with regard to view, light, and style. Linda Durbano, Marni Kissel, Mechelle Christian
