It's ok to go bare—for the right reasons. To hear most designers say it, window treatments are the jewelry of the home, the finishing touch without which no good room is complete. But, as with every rule—design and elsewhere—there are exceptions.

When it comes to material, linen, silk, faux silk and velvet are the best choices to use for window treatments since they tend to hang the best, says Guercio. "Faux silk tends to be the most durable," she says.

Generally, most window treatments are expected to last between seven and eight years, if they are cared for and cleaned properly.