WINDOWS ARE A
HOME'S EYES

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The 33

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Talk to someone in the know about home decor
and sooner or later the phrase will emerge: win-
dow treatment — sounds like there's an illness
that needs to be cured.
As anyone who has grappled with the selec-
tion of blinds and valances, swags and shades
knows, that isn't far from the truth. The wealth
of window-dressing options, let alone the prospect
of installing them, can make a person ill.
There are ways, however, to make window
dressing more of a treat than a treatment.
To begin, take a deep breath and start secure
in the knowledge that window dressing is more
than an exercise in froufrou decor. According to
the U.S. Department of Energy, as much as 30
percent of home's heat is lost through its win-
dows — no small concern during cold-weather
months.
With double glazing two panes of glass in-
stalled back-to-back with an air space between
them — you probably could leave windows un-
covered or use sheer curtains. Otherwise, dol-
lars-and-cents sensibility dictates considering
some sort of insulated covering.
The most effective way to test windows is to
note the temperature in the room and the tem-
perature close to the window.
If you read a lower temperature near the win-
dow, get ready to get covered.
One cold-weather solution is to apply a mix
of fabrics at the window: Combine heavy
draperies over light sheer panels for a very so-
phisticated look that lets sun in during warmer
days while still allowing privacy; then close the
heavier curtains at night to keep heat in.
Another suggestion is to apply window film.
New products on the market are virtually invis-
ible yet are highly efficient at reducing heat trans-
fer through windows and the absorption of
ultraviolet radiation that can fade and damage
furnishings.
Its fair game to mix mediums as well. For a
time, miniblinds were metal only and synony-
mous with a contemporary look. Now, howev-
er, blinds come in wood, fabric and metal, and
there are few rules about blinds.
They work with antiques, with draperies in a
traditional setting, with cheerful prints in a child's
room or with romantic billowing valances in a
bedroom. In short, they're a simple across-the-
board-window solution that, like shades, can
be topped and paired with a variety of more com-
plex decorative treatments.
Whether you opt for the simplicity of a single
shade or an elaborate treatment of sheers and