Choosing the perfect window covering solution for Cincinnati homeowners is one of our favorite parts of working in home design and fashion. And few types of windows come with the same design challenge as do casement windows. Unlike normal sliding windows, casement windows are attached with hinges on one or multiple sides, and so they swing in or out to open and shut.
Since they work in a different way from most other windows, they require a somewhat unique approach when looking for a window treatment. Let’s break down how to choose a great casement window treatment.
Casement Window Treatment Priorities
When selecting a window treatment for your casement window, try to keep these qualities in mind.
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Ease of use - No matter if your casement window opens and closes by a crank or lever, you should be able to easily open and shut your window without the trouble of a window treatment getting in the way.
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Fitting the depth of your window - Individual casement windows may have differing depths between your wall and the window, meaning some window treatments may be too deep for 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 allow you get an ideal amount of light without sacrificing the effective ventilation that casements offer.
The Best Casement Window Treatments
So which is the right window covering for Cincinnati casement windows? Because there can be some variation between individual casement windows (hinge position, window jamb depth, etc), it’s a good idea to set up an in-home consultation so a window treatment professional can help match you with your own best fit.
Knowing that, 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 a casement is hinged at the top (called an “awning”), the bottom (a “hopper”), or from the sides, plantation shutters can be custom-made to match the way in which your window opens. That customization also ensures that the shutter don’t impede the opening mechanism, whether it’s by lever or handle, and can fit either directly into your window jamb or attached above them so your window depth isn’t a problem.
Shutters can be put in around the window opening to ensure full operation of the opening mechanism. What’s more, you won’t have to worry about suspended material blowing in the wind or being left exposed when you need your window open.
Finally, shutters let you into a wide world of coverage options for your window. Say you want to have a good amount of fresh air circulating in your home, but don’t want a lot of light. Just open your casement window, but set your shutter louvers slightly open so that you can get the best of both worlds. That level of control is only possible with plantation shutters.
Shades
A more minimal option relative 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 above the frame, there’s no reason to worry about which direction the window opens or how deep its jamb is. Shades can easily be pulled up when the window opens, so your view and airflow stay undisturbed.
Roman shades and cellular shades both look stellar on casement windows while offering great coverage.
Other Window Treatments For Casements
As we’ve said, casement windows can vary in some ways, so there can be other window coverings that work just as well for your home. To learn more about your window treatment options, call Sunburst Shutters Cincinnati at
513-216-9740 today to set up your free in-home design consultation.