Casement windows in a bedroom

Choosing Casement Window Treatments in Miami

January 14, 2017

Finding the perfect window treatments for Miami homes is probably our favorite part of working in home design and fashion. And few kinds of windows present the same design obstacle as do casement windows. As opposed to normal sliding windows, casement windows are attached with hinges on one or more sides, and so they swing in and out to open and close.

Because they work differently from most other windows, they require a slightly unique approach when pairing with a window treatment. Let’s break down how to choose your perfect casement window treatment.

Casement Window Treatment Priorities

When choosing a window covering for your swinging window, try to keep these qualities in mind.

  • Ease of operation - Whether your casement window opens and shuts via lever, cam handle, or crank, you should be able to easily open and close it without the trouble of a window treatment getting in the way.

  • Fitting your window depth - Individual casement windows will have varying depths between your wall and the window itself, meaning some window treatments may be too deep for the space.

  • Coverage - While sliding windows can typically only open halfway, nearly all casement windows will be able to open all the way. That range of light control will let you get a perfect amount of light without sacrificing the effective ventilation that casements give you.

The Best Casement Window Treatment Options

So what’s our recommended window treatment for Miami casement windows? Since there can be some variation between individual casement windows (hinge position, window jamb depth, and beyond), it’s good to schedule an in-home consultation so a window treatment professional can help you find your own best fit.

That being said, here are the window treatment options we usually recommend for casement windows.

Plantation Shutters

You absolutely can’t go wrong with plantation shutters on casement windows. Whether your casement swings from the top (known as an “awning”), the bottom (a “hopper”), or one of the sides, plantation shutters can be customized to match the direction your window works. That also makes sure that the shutter don’t block the opening mechanism, whether it’s by lever or handle, and can fit perfectly into your window jamb or attached above them so the depth of your window isn’t a problem.

Plantation shutters on casement windows in a tropical home. 

Shutters can be installed around the window opening to ensure full operation of the opening mechanism. Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about dangling fabric blowing in the wind or being left exposed when you need your window open.

Finally, shutters open up a wide world of coverage options for your window. Say you need to circulate a lot of fresh air into your space, but want to keep the light level low. Simply open your casement window, but set your shutter louvers partially open so that you can get the best of both worlds. That level of control is only possible with plantation shutters.

Shades

A more basic option than shutters, shades offer stylish looks and an effective framing to your window, without getting in the way of the swinging opening mechanism. Because shades are always installed on top of the frame, there’s no need to worry about the direction the window swings or how deep its jamb is. Shades can easily be drawn to the top when the window opens, so your view and airflow remain unobstructed.

Roman shades in Miami game room with green walls.

Both cellular shades and roman shades look stellar on casement windows while giving you great coverage.

Other Window Treatments For Casements

As we’ve said, casement windows can differ in multiple ways, so there can be other window coverings that fit just as well for your space. To find out more about your window treatment options, call Sunburst Shutters Miami at 305-520-7515 today to set up your free window design consultation.