Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Choosing Window Dressings: It's Curtains for the Badly Dressed Window

They are of various shapes and sizes. There's at least one and usually several in most homes. They are, of course, windows. They let outside light into our homes and allow us to see the world beyond our doors. That said, nobody likes a naked window. You have to cover them. Dressing them isn't always easy, however, a few solid guidelines can help you make good, solid windows fashion choices.

"How do You Make a Venetian Blind?" Joke Not Included

One of the easiest and most elegant choices is blinds or shades. Both choices are good ones when a changing management of light and privacy are essential. Blinds are hard window treatments with a series of descending slats controlled by a rod and pulling cord. They can be horizontal or vertical. One popular type of blinds is the narrow slat blinds or mini-blinds. Other types of blinds include Roman blinds, which collect evenly and extend smoothly, and Venetian blinds, with slats that overlap once closed. Of whatever type, blinds come in a variety of colors and materials to suit any decor. Non-child safe blinds with cords should never be used around children as they present a severe choking hazard.

Shades Aren't Blinds, Except When They Are

The word shade has been applied to many types of window coverings, including Roman shades, a term that means the same as Roman blinds. However, for this purpose, we'll use the word shades in its classic sense, as roller blinds, soft window treatments that may be pulled down in a single extension, to be raised and lowered as desired. They also come in a great array of colors and materials. Valances are often added at the top of both blinds and shades to give them an extra flair, but the lean and sleek look of blinds or shades alone has grown more popular.

Curtains and Drapery

The words curtains and drapes are actually interchangeable. The style and type you will choose depends a lot upon the current decor of the room and the effect you're seeking. If you lean toward soft and romantic styles, you'll want something soft and fluid. Conversely, a more industrial look will probably fit more cleanly with a functional and minimal type of treatment. The important aspect of the drapery is that it addresses the immediate needs of the room for light and privacy.

Timber, Wood, Plantation, Hard or Similar Shutters

Either inside or outside, the term shutters connotes hinged blinds for a window. Again, the word has taken on its own meaning. Modern shutters are heavier things that are often used where weather is a concern along with light and privacy. They cover the window, blocking out more than traditional blinds or shades.

As a greater variety of styles, materials and colors enter the marketplace, the choice of shutters versus drapes versus blinds or shades is becoming a moot one. With greater choice, comes greater mystery, but it places the most important decisions in the hands of the only designer who matters, you.

If you are looking for the perfect window treatment for your home or office, visit CurtainWorld for Perth's largest range of blinds and curtains WA. Visit their showroom or call and they can come to you.


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