Windows are the transition between the indoors and outdoors, ushering light and air inside. They are a means of extending our views beyond the parameters of our walls while providing privacy and security. And now, more than ever, well-dressed windows are the focal points that create a certain design statement throughout the home.

According to Bruce Heyman, president of the Window Covering Association of America (WCAA)and owner of Fabricland of North Plainfield and Nassaus Window Fashions of Paramus, the world of window treatments has undergone dramatic change and diversification in recent years.

"Technological advances and an abundance of beautiful styles have elevated the treatment of windows to an art", cites Heyman, " and now, more than ever, the key to creating a great look is versatility." Today, it's not unusual to combine a "soft" treatment such as a drapery, swag valance or window scarf with a "hard" shade, blind or shutter. In some cases, each can stand alone, but in most designs, the combinations of "soft" and "hard" treatments enrich the look and create more interest throughout the room.

At Fabricland and Nassaus Window Fashions -- which boasts the state's largest selection of ready-made window treatments, decorative hardware, and fabrics and trims by the yard -- shoppers can achieve almost any look -- from custom-made to ready-made to "do-it-yourself" projects. "We work carefully with our customers and offer creative and energy-saving solutions," said Heyman. In the Custom Decorating department, both stores house the Hunter Douglas Window Fashions Gallery which displays the full range of products including the motorized Silhouette and Duette pleated shadings, Luminette Privacy Sheers, Vignette Roman Shades, Palm Beach shutters and more. All of these designs can be successfully teamed with soft fabric treatments to provide dramatic window dressing in any room of the home.

"We try to demystify and showcase various styles of "soft" and "hard" treatments together throughout our stores" , continues Heyman. Displayed are more than 800 styles of draperies, curtains, valances, balloon shades, roman shades, window scarves, swag and jabot treatments -- often coordinated and shown with a "hard" shade or blind underneath. "The ready-made market in window treatments has exploded in the last three years -- and the variety of styles, fabrics, textures, colors and trimmings is huge. Now, the customer can be "instantly gratified" by purchasing a design from our stockroom, installing it in the afternoon and enjoying it that evening!"

The store's Shop at Home decorators are seeing a return to more "formal" attire in the home . There appears to be a genuine desire to decorate one area of the home -- perhaps the living room or dining room -- in a very special and beautiful way. "We are seeing a return to the 'layered look' at the window -- formal swag and cascade top treatments teamed with sheer shadings or draperies embellished with rich fringe and trims in a range of exquisite silk, damask and brocade fabrics, " said Heyman.