A common element of Spanish window treatments is wrought iron exterior railings.
Spanish design celebrates Mediterranean influences that dictate every choice from building materials to accent colors. Traditional Spanish window treatments incorporate both elaborate design and color elements as well as functional coverings and treatments that protect windows from the hazards of weathering and provide security. Choose Spanish style treatments to complement the other Mediterranean elements of your home's interior or exterior. Does this Spark an idea?
Wrought Iron
Traditional Spanish homes feature simple, neutral-colored stucco exteriors with limited architectural embellishments, not counting the distinct exterior treatments of the windows. In an effort to protect windows from extreme wind or rain, owners of Spanish homes secure wrought iron bars to the exterior of their home's windows. The decorative and functional iron treatments also offer protection against potential intruders. To maintain the pleasing aesthetic of the home, choose bars that feature decorative elements like curves, spirals or elaborately carved accents. Traditional wrought iron window treatments feature a horizontal and vertical bar welded in the center of the cross, though larger windows are better served with multiple vertical bars dressed with decorative flourishes to avoid the look of prison bars.
Interior Shutters
Add authenticity to your Spanish window treatments with interior shutters. Unlike decorative exterior shutters, interior shutters protect the interior of Spanish homes in the event of a broken window from severe weather. The sturdy shutters also provide significant sun and heat blocking for optimum window treatment efficiency. Choose natural wood rather than painted shutters. Most Spanish shutters are folding shutters that feature four decorative panels that open and close over the window, though larger siding shutters are also suitable. Shutters that feature lattice work, wood screens or wood inlays add classic Spanish elegance to interior shutter treatments.
Fabric Curtains
Fabric curtains are less common than shutters in traditional Spanish homes, but modern Spanish designs blend elements of classic Spanish style to incorporate the versatile and inexpensive treatment option into homes. Choose textured, natural fabrics like linen, cotton or wool in bold, solid colors. Spanish fabrics feature more masculine colors like green, red, black and gold rather than softer, more feminine colors like pink or yellow. Spanish fabrics are often faded by the sun, so reclaimed or repurposed fabrics are suitable choices for custom treatments. If you are adding curtains to a window with additional treatments like shutters or shades, opt for sheer white curtains to evoke the breeziness of the Mediterranean coast.
Shades
Traditional Spanish windows rarely feature shades, but modern homeowners prefer the simplicity, low cost and variety of shades for their windows. Avoid shades made from synthetic materials or metals. Instead, choose wide slats and natural rope pulls. Wood or bamboo shutters provide light and heat blocking without disrupting the natural aesthetic of most Spanish homes. Choose shutters that match the trim or other wood features of the roof, but dark stains are typically the most authentic options.
Tags: Spanish homes, window treatments, Spanish window, Spanish window treatments, that feature, wrought iron
