Whether they are custom or ready-made, window treatments complete the look of any room. They can be adorned with the fanciest trims money can buy, or can be as simple as a set of elegant sheers furling from a soft breeze. Even streamlined, natural-woven blinds used in a contemporary setting adds a sense of completion.
Two things need to be done correctly with window treatments for the overall look to appear appropriate. One is proportion, and the other is scale. If either one or both of these is wrong, your window treatment will definitely not look right.
Proportion refers to the items that make up the window treatment - a valance and panels for instance. They need to be proportionate to on another. Scale refers to the overall size of the window treatment compared to the wall and window is it being displayed on. For each piece of a window treatment, their individual scales must be considered first to ensure their proportions will work in unison.
Window treatment designers apply basic 'rules of thumb' to window treatments regarding the scale of panels, valances, returns, and hardware. Fullness, length of pleats, depth of returns, finished lengths of valances and the best size for hardware are all configured so the window is dressed correctly and completely.
Style, function, and personal preference questions also need to be addressed well in advance to ensure the window treatment being designed or shopped for meets all of the clients desires.