Oriental Window Treatment

June 27, 2008

If you’re trying to attain that Oriental feel in your window treatments, it is important that you know the feelings that have to be projected. There are a few guidelines to remember to successfully convey the tranquil and mystic effect of the East. You don’t even have to travel to the opposite side of the world to get the ambiance you’ve always wanted. Here’s how.

What’s in the Orient?

Oriental styles try to create a sense of tranquility and peace by using a certain materials, patterns, symbols and colors. Most colors you need to use in your window treatments are the ones that can be found in nature like green, dark blue, gray and gold. These tones are also usually symbolic depicting elements like water, the earth, the sun and many others so feel free to create your own story or recreate a sentimental theme. Most of the styles you are aiming for usually come from countries like China, Japan, Thailand or Malaysia.

Some of the items you can use in your window treatments may be authentic or not. You will save more by looking for similar-looking pieces in furniture and home décor stores. You may also order online or directly from sources in Asia at relatively higher prices. It is also accepted to combine Western elements with hints of Oriental influence if you’re trying to save more. Some commonly used pieces for windows would be bamboo, paper and Oriental cloths. These things are used for light control, protection against external elements and aesthetic purposes.

Even if you’re using a variety of materials and items, it is important to stick to a main color scheme, preferably one that coincides with the rest of the room. You can use different techniques to achieve the right color combination such as staining, polishing or sanding. Some materials and treatments are more versatile in controlling light thus giving you wider contrast options. Glass and shiny metals help reflect more light to draw more attention to the details.

The Treatments

Examples of common Japanese-influenced window treatments would be Bamboo or Tatami blinds or paper sliding screens. Bamboo blinds have a rolling design that come in either sticks or slats. Sticks or slats provide different degrees of light control. Tatami blinds are also more versatile than bamboo in controlling light although both almost appear identical but can be stained into the color you want. Japanese paper sliding screens provide a very dramatic effect. These are usually framed with bamboo or wood in a loosely spaced crisscross pattern. Paper is very thin and not very reliable during sunnier days but gives a dramatic effect at night.

Chinese-influenced window treatments invest more in fabrics and curtains. Red, green, gold, black and white are favorite colors since traditional users of old believe that these tones draw in good luck and spirits. There are many patterns available although you may also use simpler designs with plain reds bordered by gold or white.

Some designs also include characters that are believed to convey good fortune and added blessings to the home. Chinese letters are called Conji and appear very artistic and dramatic. If you intend to tie curtains, try to look for gold-colored cords or silk. Large square or rectangular windows are more common but you can also invest in arches depending on the main Oriental theme.

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