Selecting the right window treatments is a lot like picking the perfect outfit.
Buy the wrong material, size or color and the whole look falls flat.
Select the right style and everything flows from there.
Here's how to approach this important home fashion statement:

• Focus first on style.
  If the room is a formal dining room with fancy furniture, floor length drapes in a rich fabric are a natural.
  Move on to the kitchen and classic wooden window blinds create the perfect style while still allowing light to filter in if needed.
  In essence, it helps to understand the mood of the room--formal, casual or something in between.
  
• Understand the material.
  Window blinds are made of a variety of materials and fabrics, from vinyl or metal to wood that can be stained or painted.
  The decision often hinges on price, with wood typically being the most expensive.
  Don't forget to match the material to the setting, however.
  Natural wood goes well with an older home with stained woodwork, while vinyl window blinds fit a more contemporary setting.
  
• Don't forget the configuration.
  Many people think of window blinds as being horizontal, but that's not always the case.
  Vertical blinds can be ideal for large openings, such as sliding glass doors that overlook a deck.
  Many are made with a fabric covering to add extra style.
  Similar options are available for drapes--they can reach the floor or stop at the window ledge depending on the desired look.
  
• Where's the fashion statement? When shopping for window blinds or drapes, think about focal points.
  Will the window treatments be the main attraction or a subtle backdrop to detailed moldings and rich furnishings? That decision will guide color and fabric selection, as well as any extra detailing that you may decide to include.