Discovering the perfect window coverings for Chicago homes is probably the most enjoyable part of working in home design and fashion. And few types of windows offer the same design challenge as do casement windows. As opposed to typical sliding windows, casement windows are hinged on one or multiple sides, and so they swing in and out to operate.
Because they operate in such a unique way compared to most other windows, they need a somewhat unique approach when pairing with a window treatment. Let’s take a look at how to find a great casement window treatment.
Casement Window Treatment Priorities
When choosing a window treatment for your swinging window, keep these thoughts in mind.
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Ease of operation - No matter if your casement window opens by a lever, cam handle, or crank, you should be able to easily open and shut it without the hassle of a window treatment blocking you.
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Ability to fit the depth of your window - Individual casement windows will have differing depths between the wall and the window itself, which means some window treatments may not fit the space.
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Coverage - While sliding windows can typically only open partway, almost all casement windows will be able to open all the way. A large range of light control will let you get an ideal amount of light without sacrificing the effective ventilation that casements offer.
Recommended Casement Window Treatments
So which is the right window treatment for Chicago casement windows? Because there can be some differences between different casement windows (hinge position, window jamb depth, and so forth), it’s good to set up an in-home consultation so a window treatment professional can help match you with your own best 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 your casement is hinged at the top (known as an “awning”), the bottom (a “hopper”), or from the sides, plantation shutters can be customized to match the direction your window operated. That customization also ensures that the shutter won’t interfere with the opening mechanism, whether it’s by handle or crank, and can fit either directly into your window jamb or attached above them so your window depth isn’t a factor.
Shutters can be put in around the opening of the window to ensure full operation of the opening mechanism. As a bonus, you don’t have to worry about dangling fabric 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 wish to circulate a lot of fresh air into your space, but want to keep the light level low. Just open your casement window, but set your shutter louvers partially open so that you can your perfect level of fresh air and light. That amount of control is only possible with plantation shutters.
Shades
A more minimal option compared to shutters, shades offer chic looks and an attractive framing to your window, without getting in the way of the swinging opening mechanism. Because shades are always installed over the frame, there’s no reason to consider which direction the window opens or the window depth. Shades can simply be pulled to the top when the window opens, so your view and airflow remain unobstructed.
Cellular shades as well as roman shades look stylish on casement windows while offering great coverage.
Other Window Treatments For Casements
As we’ve mentioned, casement windows can vary in a few ways, so there may be other window coverings that function just as well for your space. To find out more about your window treatment options, call Sunburst Shutters Chicago at
847-250-6544 today to schedule up your free in-home design consultation.