What Are the Design Rules for Choosing Window Treatments in an Open Space?Any type of open floor plan is considered as a single room for the purposes of selecting design choices in its furnishings, including the floor coverings, artwork, furniture, and window treatments. The only exception comes into play when inner walls are included in the design as a means of creating a distinct separation from two or more areas. Otherwise, consult your interior designer for options that are in tune with the following guidelines.

Maintain Style | In order to create a seamless transition as you travel from one space to the next (e.g. the living room to the dining area), maintain your sense of style throughout the entire area. If you select traditional (country, contemporary, or western) window treatments in one section, you should stick with that option in the remainder of the space. It’s possible to carry the theme without duplicating your choices. For example, if you hang pinch-pleated draperies topped by swag valances in one area, you can simply choose a swag valance for the other living space.

Remain True to Your Color Selection | Stay within the boundaries of complementary color options no matter which section of the open floor plan you are designing. While it is perfectly okay to vary the depth of the colors you choose, you’ll want to select a color scheme that blends well when transitioning from one room to the next. It’s important to realize that any linings you combine with your window treatments should also remain within the same color scheme that you have already utilized. Otherwise, the disruption you create could encourage a lack of harmony between the two spaces.

Duplicate the Hardware and Accent Pieces | Whether you select metal or wooden hardware for the window treatments, each area of the open space should rely on the use of similar components. Moreover, the same type of wood or metal should be used throughout the space along with similar designs and/or shapes. The decorative embellishments that you select should be similar throughout the space. While you do not need to duplicate them exactly, you should incorporate similar styles throughout the space for each window.