Discovering the perfect window treatment solution for San Jose homeowners is probably our favorite part of working in interior design and fashion. And few kinds of windows present the same design challenge as do casement windows. Unlike typical sliding windows, casement windows are hinged on one or multiple sides, and so they swing in and out to operate.
Since they work differently from most other windows, they require a slightly unique approach when pairing with a window treatment. Let’s break down how to find your perfect casement window treatment.
Priorities for Casement Window Treatments
When picking a window covering for your casement window, keep these items in mind.
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Ease of use - No matter if your casement window opens and closes by a lever, cam handle, or crank, you should be able to easily open and close it without the trouble of a window treatment blocking you.
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Ability to fit the depth of your window - Individual casement windows will have varying depths between your wall and the window, meaning some window coverings may not fit the space.
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Coverage - While sliding windows can typically only open halfway, just about all casement windows are able to open all the way. A large range of light control will allow you achieve an ideal amount of light without giving up the effective ventilation that casements give you.
The Best Casement Window Treatments
So what’s the ideal window covering for San Jose casement windows? Because there can be some differences between various casement windows (hinge position, window jamb depth, and beyond), it’s good to schedule an in-home consultation so a window treatment professional can help you find your unique ideal fit.
Knowing that, these are the window treatment options we generally recommend for casement windows.
Plantation Shutters
There is no going wrong with plantation shutters on casement windows. Whether your casement swings from the top (known as an “awning”), the bottom (a “hopper”), or one of the sides, plantation shutters can be custom-built to match the way in which your window operated. That customization also makes certain that the shutter don’t block the opening mechanism, whether it’s by crank or lever, and can fit either directly into your window jamb or off of them so the depth of your window isn’t an issue.
Shutters can be put in around the window opening to ensure full operation of the opening mechanism. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about dangling material blowing in the wind or being left exposed when you need your window open.
Finally, shutters open up a wide world of coverage options for your window. Say you wish to circulate a lot of fresh air into your home, but want to keep the light level low. Simply open your casement window, but set your shutter louvers slightly open so that you can your ideal brightness and circulation. That level 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 blocking the unique opening mechanism. Due to the fact that shades are always installed on top of the frame, there’s no reason to worry about what direction the window is hinged or how deep its jamb is. Shades can easily be pulled up when the window opens, so your view and airflow remain undisturbed.
Roman shades and cellular shades both look stylish on casement windows while providing great coverage.
Other Window Treatments For Casements
As we’ve mentioned, casement windows can differ in multiple ways, so there may be other window treatments that function just as well for your house. To learn more about your window treatment options, call Sunburst Shutters San Jose at
916-542-1305 today to set up a free in-home design consultation.