The family room tends to be an informal space. Sometimes your living room becomes the de facto gathering spot, while other times your house features two separate rooms. On the other side of the spectrum, modern houses often have open floor rooms with a great room. Regardless of the exact configuration of your family room, bare windows probably aren't the optimal choice. Instead, let your window treatments reflect the unique character of your family room.

Stately Great Room

Great rooms are often designed to show off a view. In that case, the window treatments should serve as the platform, not take center stage themselves. The exact construction depends on the windows themselves, but gauzy curtains, neutral-colored panels and chic valances are a few stylish options. If showcasing the view is a priority, avoid heavy or elaborate window treatments with multiple layers. Instead, follow the old adage to keep it simple.

Nature's Spot

Perhaps your goal is to bring elements of the outdoors inside. In that case, consider window treatments made out of natural materials. One option is to hang simple panels made of natural linen fibers. Such panels are often colored very neutral. Another option is to install bamboo shades. These natural shades are typically woven so they let only diffused light into the room. Even when you roll them up, they offer a natural profile reminiscent of a jungle.

Creative Space

The family room is often a space where you can get more creative than with the formal spaces. Let this creativity come through in the window treatments. Better Homes and Gardens suggests utilizing patterns in your window treatments. For example, look for panel curtains with bold, colorful patterns to complement a casual room. Use the color palette in the curtains to drive the rest of your design by adding accent pieces in those colors. The rest of the room should be relatively neutral, such as beige or white.

Chill Retreat

Is your family room the getaway spot from a tough day? If so, shades that completely block out the light might be a good option. Blackout shades come in different colors to match any décor, and they let you literally block out the outside world. Another option are Roman shades. These also block out a lot of the sun. However, they come in more colors and even patterns. Likewise, Roman shades fold up into an attractive profile when you want to let the outside indoors again.

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