Choosing the perfect window coverings for Philadelphia homeowners is one of the most enjoyable parts of working in home design and fashion. And few kinds of windows come with the same design obstacle as do casement windows. Unlike typical sliding windows, casement windows are attached with hinges on one or multiple sides, and thus swing in or out to open and shut.
Because they open differently from most other windows, they need a slightly unique approach when looking for a window treatment. Let’s take a look at how to choose a great casement window treatment.
Priorities for Casement Window Treatments
When selecting 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 and closes by a crank or lever, you need to be able to easily open and close your window without the hassle of a window treatment getting in the way.
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Fitting your window depth - Individual casement windows will have differing depths between the wall and the window, which means some window coverings may be too deep for the space.
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Coverage - Unlike sliding windows which usually can only open partway, just about all casement windows are able to open all the way. A large range of light control will let you achieve a perfect amount of light without forfeiting the great ventilation that casements give you.
Recommended Casement Window Coverings
So what’s our recommended window treatment for Philadelphia casement windows? Because there can be some variation 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 unique ideal fit.
That being said, here are the window treatment options we typically recommend for casement windows.
Plantation Shutters
You absolutely can’t go wrong with plantation shutters on casement windows. Whether your casement is hinged at the top (called an “awning”), the bottom (a “hopper”), or one of the sides, plantation shutters can be fit to match the direction your window operated. That also makes certain that the shutter 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 your window depth isn’t a problem.
Shutters can be installed around the opening of the window to ensure full use of the opening mechanism. As a bonus, you never have to worry about suspended fabric blowing in the wind or being left exposed when you have your window open.
Finally, shutters let you into a huge world of coverage options for your window. Say you wish to have a good amount of fresh air circulating in your room, but don’t want a lot of light. Just open your casement window, but set your shutter louvers nearly shut so that you can get the best of both worlds. That level of control is only offered by plantation shutters.
Shades
A more minimal option compared to shutters, shades offer stylish looks and an attractive framing to your window, without blocking the unique opening mechanism. Due to the fact that shades are always installed above the frame, there’s no need to consider what direction the window swings or how deep its jamb is. Shades can easily be drawn up when the window opens, so your view and airflow remain unobstructed.
Cellular shades as well as roman shades look stellar on casement windows while offering great light control.
Other Window Treatments For Casements
As we’ve said, casement windows can differ in some ways, so there might be other window coverings that function just as well for your space. To learn more about your window treatment options, call Sunburst Shutters Philadelphia at
215-874-4897 today to set up a free in-home design consultation.