You don’t have to sacrifice window treatments in a room with wainscoting

Particularly if you've moved into an old house, which may have acquired a number of special architectural details over the years, you might have wainscoting in some of the rooms of your home. This paneling is typically attached to the lower half of the wall in a given space and can make any space feel finer.

Adventurous decorators will paint this trim in an accent color, though it is often just as effective to leave it bright white. One challenge that many homeowners face, however, is the question of window treatments. Though it's undeniable that wainscoting looks beautiful in say a dining room, many people worry that adding drapes will compete and clash with the look of this accent.

This is certainly a valid concern, but choosing the right window treatment can add to the beauty of a wainscoted room and won't overwhelm the space at all. It's best to stick with something simple in this situation, and you're likely to have good luck with a sheer.

Sheer drapes look particularly nice when they are hung around the window, rather than over it. This will soften the look of your room and give your wainscoting a beautiful complement. If you're looking for something a little more substantial, linen drapes are also an excellent option.

In terms of color, pick a neutral, though white is likely best for a room that has wainscoting. The last thing you want to do is add a bright or attention-grabbing hue that will further complicate the look of your room.

Don't think that this accent means that you can't also enjoy beautiful window treatments in your room. Simply make the right decision in terms of the curtains that you select, and you can have the best of both worlds.