Choosing the perfect window covering solution for Clearwater homeowners is probably the best part of working in interior design and fashion. And few kinds of windows present the same design obstacle as do casement windows. Unlike normal sliding windows, casement windows are hinged on one or multiple sides, and thus swing in or out to open and shut.
Because they open in a different way from most other windows, they require a slightly different approach when choosing the perfect window treatment. Let’s break down how to choose an ideal casement window treatment.
Casement Window Treatment Priorities
When selecting a window covering for your swinging window, try to keep these items in mind.
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Ease of use - No matter if your casement window opens and shuts by a crank or lever, you should be able to easily open and close your window without the annoyance of a window treatment getting in the way.
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Fitting the depth of your window - Various casement windows will have differing depths between the wall and the window, which means some window treatments may not fit the space.
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Coverage - Unlike sliding windows which usually can only open partially, just about all casement windows will be able to open all the way. A large range of light control will allow you achieve an ideal amount of light without sacrificing the effective ventilation that casements offer.
Recommended Casement Window Treatment Options
So what’s our recommended window covering for Clearwater casement windows? Because there can be some variation between individual casement windows (hinge position, window jamb depth, etc), it’s a good idea to schedule an in-home consultation so a window treatment professional can help match you with your unique ideal fit.
That being said, 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 a casement is connected to the top (called an “awning”), the bottom (a “hopper”), or from the sides, plantation shutters can be custom-made to match the direction your window opens. That ability also makes certain that the shutter don’t interfere with the opening mechanism, whether it’s by handle or crank, and can fit perfectly into your window jamb or on top of them so your window depth isn’t an issue.
Shutters can be put in around the opening of the window to ensure full use of the opening mechanism. Moreover, you never have to worry about hanging fabric blowing in the wind or being left exposed when you want your window open.
Finally, shutters open up a wide world of coverage options for your window. Say you need to circulate a lot of fresh air into your room, but want to keep the light level low. Just open your casement window, but set your shutter louvers nearly shut so that you can your perfect level of fresh air and light. That amount of control is only achievable with plantation shutters.
Shades
A more minimal option compared to shutters, shades offer chic looks and an attractive framing to your window, without obstructing the casement opening mechanism. Since shades are always installed over the frame, there’s no reason to worry about which direction the window is hinged or how deep its jamb is. Shades can simply be pulled up when the window opens, so your view and airflow stay free.
Roman shades and cellular shades both look stylish on casement windows while providing great light control.
Other Casement Window Treatments
As we’ve said, casement windows can differ in some ways, so there can be other window treatments that work just as well for your house. To learn more about your window treatment options, call Sunburst Shutters Clearwater at
813-580-7288 today to schedule up a free window design consultation.