Choosing the perfect window covering solution for Boston homes is one of the most enjoyable parts of working in interior design and fashion. And few styles of windows offer the same design obstacle as do casement windows. As opposed to typical sliding windows, casement windows are hinged on one or more sides, and thus swing in and out to open and close.
Since they operate in a different way from most other windows, they require a somewhat unique approach when looking for a window treatment. Let’s break down how to find a great casement window treatment.
Casement Window Treatment Priorities
When selecting a window treatment for your swinging window, be sure to keep these priorities in mind.
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Ease of operation - Whether your casement window opens and shuts via crank or lever, you should be able to easily open and shut it without the trouble of a window treatment blocking you.
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Fitting the depth of your window - Various casement windows will have varying depths between your wall and the window itself, so some window treatments may not fit the space.
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Coverage - While sliding windows can typically only open halfway, almost all casement windows are able to open all the way. Having a good range of light control will allow you get a perfect amount of light without sacrificing the effective ventilation that casements offer.
The Best Casement Window Treatments
So which is the right window treatment for Boston casement windows? Because there can be some variation between different casement windows (hinge position, window jamb depth, and so on), it’s a good idea to have an in-home consultation so a window treatment professional can help match you with your own best fit.
Knowing that, here are the window treatment options we typically recommend for casement windows.
Plantation Shutters
There is no going wrong with plantation shutters on casement windows. Whether your casement is connected to the top (known as an “awning”), the bottom (a “hopper”), or one of the sides, plantation shutters can be customized to match how your window works. That customization also makes certain that the shutter won’t block the opening mechanism, whether it’s by crank or lever, and can fit perfectly into your window jamb or off of them so your window depth isn’t a problem.
Shutters can be put in around the window opening to ensure full operation of the opening mechanism. Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about suspended fabric blowing in the wind or being left exposed when you need your window open.
Lastly, shutters open up a whole new world of coverage options for your window. Say you need to circulate a lot of fresh air into your house, but want to keep the light level low. Simply open your casement window, but set your shutter louvers partially open so that you can your perfect level of fresh air and light. That level of control is only offered by plantation shutters.
Shades
A less sophisticated option relative to shutters, shades offer fashionable looks and an effective framing to your window, without blocking the unique opening mechanism. Since shades are always installed over the frame, there’s no reason to fret about which direction the window opens or how deep its jamb is. Shades can simply be pulled to the top when the window opens, so your view and airflow stay free.
Cellular shades as well as roman shades look stylish on casement windows while offering great light control.
Other Window Treatments For Casements
As we’ve mentioned, casement windows can vary in a couple ways, so there can be other window treatments that work just as well for your space. To learn more about your window treatment options, call Sunburst Shutters Boston at
781-352-2205 today to schedule up your free window design consultation.