Nursery window treatments
Kerri Stalton

Window treatments in a child's room deserve special attention. Of course, safety is the first consideration. But aesthetics, style, and function are a close second. A well-fitted nursery has to take the color, style and pattern of window fittings seriously if it is to look beautiful.
There are a number of window coverings that are suitable for any room in the home, except for the nursery. The first priority in a room where a child moves about is baby proofing. So, floor-length curtains or drapes of any style are strictly taboo. Once your baby begins to crawl or is trying to stand up, he will pull on anything that aids him. He is likely to pull the curtain and land the hardware on himself. Injury and suffocation cannot be ruled out in the process. This applies to blinds with long pull-cords also. It is particularly easy for a baby to wrap looped cords around his or her neck. Major improvements have been made in the area of cord hardware on blinds. When purchasing blinds, ask for the newer breakaway and safety cord options.
A baby's crib should never be placed too close to the window. When windows are in close proximity to beds, shelves, cribs or other furniture, a parent should be especially careful about the installation of the hardware. The key here is to think ahead and prevent all those little slip-ups that may lead to injury. For instance, if a changing table is placed near a window the child may pull at cords or curtains and land himself in trouble.
While selecting the drapes, you may first want to check out mini-blinds or wood blinds. These will help control the amount of light filtering in, while giving the room a contemporary and stylish look. They are also easier to clean. But if fabric is what you have in mind, choose soft fabric shades with blackout linings that are custom-made to fit the window. Old-fashioned roller shades are also good for a nursery, for they can be raised during the daytime to allow sunlight into the room. A fabric valance adds color and style to the room while offering a way to repeat the fabric in the room. Choose box pleats or plain ones for boys; ruffled ones are nice for a girl's room. Once you have selected the fabric; use paint, wallpaper, fabric panels or molding to customize the window to suit your room décor. Use cornice boxes in matching colors to hide shade or blind hardware. They can also double up as a display shelf.
If you are using fabric on your window, repeating the fabric in the room gives it a stunning effect. You can repeat the fabric on chair seats, quilts, pillows, lampshades or bed skirts. If the window is high above and you have a broad sill, you may want to place some plastic plants or a vase to add a splash of color. Look for ways to use shapes and colors in interesting ways. Simple details like welted edges and contrasting borders make the fabric look elegant. Ribbon ties also add to the magnificence of the room, making it look opulent and stately. Choose ribbons that go with the theme of the room.
The bottom line is to use window treatments as accessories to enhance the theme and comfort of your room. The baby cares little about the looks of the window or the room. So long as he is snug and safe, you can decorate to your heart's content. Safety should never be compromised for taste or looks. That is the only thing to keep in mind.