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Upgrades and Accessories for Window Treatments

Everyone thinks about those big components of getting new window shades, like what style do I want, what color am I going to get, what patterns would go with my interior, etc. But not everyone thinks about the many different upgrades and accessories for window treatments; small additions that can have a much bigger impact than many of the obvious variables. So, the team at South Kendall Interiors put together some information on some of the most worthwhile upgrades and smartest accessories for new window treatments to ensure homeowners can find the exact shades they want and need.

Hunter Douglas Duette® Cellular Shades accented with various accessories near Miami, FL

Window Toppers

Window toppers are agile accessories for window treatments offering several enhanced attributes for customized window fashions. Window toppers can hide hardware to create a more streamlined look. They’re also style elements in their own right, with the ability to add color, texture, and personal style to the window that further accents your window treatment.

  • Custom Cornices: Usually made of wood or formed fabrics, cornices offer a sophisticated option for window toppers with clean lines for a structured finishing touch.
  • Custom Valances: Valances are highly customizable with both extensive fabric options and different pleat and draping styles.

Hardware

Depending on what type of window fashion you’re installing, hardware might include brackets (i.e., mounting, support, hold down, or ceiling), lift cord mechanisms, rods, finials, traverse rails, or pullbacks. However, no matter what interior design style you choose, the hardware you choose will be important in creating a coordinated final look. After all, polished silver has far different aesthetics than finished wooden detailing or wrought iron styles, so be sure to talk with your design team about the hardware you want to use, along with all of the other details.

Surrounding Décor

Furthermore, for a truly unified look throughout the entire space, assess how to use accessories for window treatments that aren’t necessarily attached to the shade. For example, mirrors hung adjacent to or across from windows can contribute to the lighting effects in the room. Or homeowners can also often purchase extra yardage of the fabrics used for their new window shades to create custom accessories like bedding, throw pillows, or table runners to further harmonize the latest treatments with the style found in the rest of the room.

Operating Systems

You might not initially think of the operating system when designing new window fashions for your home. But the operating system does play a crucial part in daily operations, so it will greatly affect how much a homeowner likes or dislikes the window covering. Hunter Douglas has several advanced operating systems for their shades, including our three favorites:

  • PowerView® Automation: PowerView turns basic shades into motorized treatments and is available on select styles of roller shades, Roman shades, sheer shades, cellular shades, drapery, woven wood shades, blinds, and shutters.
  • Duolite®: An innovative system that uses two shades, one light filtering and one light blocking, controlled through a single unit. The shades can be used independently or in unison to respond to various lighting needs, from soft filtration to blackout darkness. The Duolite system is available on Vignette® Roman Shades, Duette® Cellular Shades, Designer Roller Shades, or Silhouette® Sheer Shades.
  • LightLock® Blackout System: For the ultimate light-blocking capabilities, invest in the LightLock system for Duette® Cellular Shades. The system uses u-shaped channel tracks along the window frame that deflect or absorb light leaks for substantially darker home interiors.
Create one-of-a-kind window fashions with the smart use of accessories for window treatments and upgrades applicable to your home. Talk with the team at South Kendall Interiors about all the options from the Hunter Douglas collection for your Miami home. South Kendall Interiors is located near Miami, Florida, serving residents in the greater Miami area. Request a consultation today!