Window Coverings
Window coverings are part of any good decorating plan and they add texture, color, drama and interest to any room while also serving a functional purpose. There are a number of factors you will need to take into consideration when selecting window coverings and the most important of these are privacy, function, style and how much light you want to allow in. When it comes to decorating windows, your options for window treatments are extensive and include:
Drapes are a window dressing set up on a pulley cord system where a rod is pulled to open and close the drapes. Drapes are normally more formal than curtains and are usually lined and are often at least the length of the window and sometimes even go all the way to the floor and sometimes spread on the floor (this is called puddling and has a really dramatic look.) There are a number of different drapery style options from pleated to tabbed to smocked styled draperies and often drapes are custom made with select fabrics which can really bring in texture if desired. Curtains: Curtains are a window dressing attached to a rod that are opened and closed by hand. Curtains normally cover all of a window or can be two tiered and can either be casual or formal and may be lined or unlined and can either be bought already made to size or can be custom made with a fabric of your choice. Blinds: Blinds come in a number of different colors and options, including venetian blinds (which are made from wood, metal or plastic and have two-inch slats and hanging horizontally over windows), vertical blinds (which are normally made in three-inch wide slats made from fabric or PVC that hang vertically), matchstick blinds (which are made from split bamboo and hang horizontally). Most blinds often have an informal look about them. Shades: Shades cover the window and close from top to bottom. They can be made from selected fabric or can be purchased pre-made in solid colors in fabrics like linen. Additionally, shades may work on a basic roller system or on a more elaborate cord and drawstring system such as with Roman shades (these have horizontal folds), Festoon shades (these have billowy folds) and pleated shades (these normally have permanent pleats). Sheers: Sheers are translucent and airy looking window coverings made from any sheer fabric. Shutters: Window treatments normally made from solid panels of wood or wooden slats on two separate shutters that are mounted on opposite sides of the inside of a window. These can look quite casual. |