What single feature does almost every house have in common? Unless you're living in an industrial loft space, your home's interior most certainly includes a window with a view. Windows of all sizes allow your rooms to be bathed in natural daylight. The larger the window opening, the more light you'll enjoy, as well as the illusion of bringing the outdoors inside to visually expand your living space.

The question becomes, should you cover your windows? There are many practical reasons to obscure your window openings. Privacy in a bedroom or bathroom is usually desired, so naturally, covering the window is required. Options abound to treat your windows such as draperies, blinds, or shades. Which is your best option is determined by the look you desire.

If you have a terrific view and would rather not hide it, opt for blinds or a shade that can be closed only when needed. When opened, either option will virtually disappear and not detract from your view. Choose a color that blends with your wall or window frames. For an accent, coordinate a short valance at the top of the window in another color used in the room. This also hides the hardware of the blinds or shade.

If your view is less than lovely, or if you prefer the softness that fabric brings to a room, consider covering your windows with draperies. In order to open the draperies to let in the daylight it requires some planning when selecting the sizes. If your window is forty eight inches wide, and your draperies are the same size, they will barely cover the window space. Additionally, when pushed open, the gathered drapery fabric on each side will obscure a large part of the window.

The solution is to attach a drapery rod that extends beyond the window on both sides. The draperies must be selected to fit the rod length, not the window size. Allow extra fabric to wrap around the edges of the rod as well as to overlap in the center when closed. This technique will stack the drapery fabric beyond the window when the draperies are open to preserve your view. An added bonus, your window will look larger than its actual size.

Draperies contribute warmth to the room by acting as a layer of insulation in front of the glass. They also create psychological warmth by concealing the cold blackness an uncovered window presents at night.

Fabric choices for draperies are limitless. But don't be overwhelmed. Consider what you want to accomplish. First, select a fabric that coordinates with the colors you have chosen for the room. Have you already used a patterned fabric on the furniture? A solid color choice for the draperies will blend but not visually compete with the other fabrics. A color that is used in the area rug will marry the floor and window surfaces together. Of course, you may use the identical fabric on furniture and draperies, but be aware of the potential busyness that may create.

Next, determine if you like the simplicity of draperies hanging on either side of the window, as compared to the more formal look of draperies that are fastened back from the window into a swag effect. To create a focal point with your window treatment, add a swag valance above the draperies.

If covering your windows is unimportant, try some unusual decorative options. Create an arrangement of plants on assorted heights of stands in front of the window. Add some hanging planters above for variety. The plants will enjoy the daylight as you transition your outdoor view inside. Or, position a freestanding decorative screen to partially cover a window. The opaque screen draws attention to the window but doesn't overpower the window and the view.

Windows, simple or elaborate, are your opportunity to see your outside world in a new way by decoratively framing your interior view.