Window treatments affect privacy, daylight, glare and the visual scale of a room. The right choice depends on the window, how the room is used, the direction of light, cleaning needs and whether the installation can be fixed securely to the available wall or ceiling.
Decide what the treatment needs to do
For each room, prioritise the need: privacy, daylight control, reduced screen glare, softening a hard interior or a combination. Bedrooms may need better light control than a bright living area. A work area needs attention to screen reflections. In a rental home, ask what can be fixed and what must be reversible.
Measure the opening and fixing point
Record the window width and height, the intended track or pole position, nearby walls, ceiling level, handles and any obstacles. Decide whether the treatment should sit inside the recess or extend beyond it. Confirm fixing points and wall conditions before ordering a custom track or fabric.
Choose fabric and lining for upkeep
Compare texture, opacity, weight, colourfastness and cleaning instructions. Ask the supplier whether the fabric should be washed, dry-cleaned or spot-cleaned. A lining can change the appearance and light control, so request a sample of the complete combination. Keep the care label and product details.
Consider alternatives
Blinds, shutters, sheers and layered treatments can suit different needs. A sheer can soften daylight while a second layer provides privacy; a blind may be useful where a projecting curtain would obstruct furniture. Test the operation and check clearances around handles and furniture.
Coordinate with the room
Relate the fabric to the palette and material scheme, but avoid choosing it in isolation. View samples beside the wall colour, floor and upholstery. Where curtains are intended to look full, get the supplier’s advice on track length and fabric quantity rather than estimating from a photograph.
See our colour palette guide and lighting guide for related decisions. For an overview of the design stages, read the IDAK guide to interior design in Kenya.
