Breaking Down Casement Window Treatments | Sunburst Shutters Austin
Choosing the perfect window treatment solution for Austin homes is one of the best parts of working in interior design and fashion. And few kinds of windows present the same design challenge as do casement windows. As opposed to normal sliding windows, casement windows are hinged on one or multiple sides, and thus swing in and out to open and shut.
Since they open differently from most other windows, they require a somewhat unique approach when choosing the perfect window treatment. Let’s take a look at how to find your perfect casement window treatment.
When selecting a window treatment for your swinging window, keep these items in mind.
Ease of use - No matter if your casement window operates by a lever, cam handle, or crank, you need to be able to easily open and close it without the trouble of a window treatment getting in the way.
Fitting your window depth - Various casement windows will have varying depths between the wall and the window, meaning some window treatments may be too deep for the space.
Coverage - While sliding windows can typically only open partway, nearly all casement windows are able to open all the way. That range of light control will allow you achieve an ideal level of light without sacrificing the great ventilation that casements add.
So which is the ideal window covering for Austin casement windows? Because there can be some differences between different casement windows (hinge position, window jamb depth, and beyond), it’s good 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 usually recommend for casement windows.
You absolutely can’t go 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 customized to match the direction your window works. That ability also ensures that your shutters won’t block the opening mechanism, whether it’s by crank or lever, and can fit perfectly into your window jamb or attached above them so the depth of your window isn’t a problem.
Shutters can be installed around the window opening to ensure full operation of the opening mechanism. Moreover, you never have to worry about hanging material blowing in the wind or being left exposed when you need your window open.
Finally, shutters open up a huge world of coverage options for your window. Say you need to have a good amount of fresh air circulating in your space, 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 possible with plantation shutters.
A less sophisticated option compared to shutters, shades offer chic looks and an attractive framing to your window, without getting in the way of the casement opening mechanism. Since shades are always installed on top of the frame, there’s no reason to worry about which direction the window opens or how deep its jamb is. Shades can simply be drawn up when the window opens, so your view and airflow remain clear.
Both cellular shades and roman shades look stellar on casement windows while offering great coverage.
As we’ve said, casement windows can vary in multiple ways, so there can be other window treatments that function just as well for your house. To find out more about your window treatment options, call Sunburst Shutters Austin at 512-549-6077 today to set up a free window design consultation.