Choosing the correct window covering is essential for a well turned-out interior composition, and with the wide array of options available, it can be a rather challenging task. Things that should be considered when choosing your window coverings include the style of the room, the interior and architectural design of the space, light requirements, your budget and of course, your lifestyle.
Selecting just the right window dressings can have a great effect on how the room is used and its overall ambience, and choosing correctly will add to the success of your décor ideas. Window coverings can enhance a particular décor style, such as traditional, contemporary, country or a particular theme. They can blend seamlessly with the décor, or they can be designed to stand out and be a feature in their own right – it all depends on what you are after.
Apart from aesthetic value, there are a number of practical issues that you must consider when choosing what kind of window covering you want. Is it necessary to control the sunlight glare in a room, or is there too little light which ought to be enhanced? Do you want your window coverings to aid with insulation – keeping the room cool in summer and warm in winter? Do you want to enhance the privacy of the room or avoid an undesirable view? What kind of mood do you want to create? Understanding the functionality of the window coverings, will steer you in the right direction when it comes time to choose the best option for your particular requirement. Here are a few tips:
1. If your room gets a lot of natural sunlight, choose window treatments that can control the light entering the room. Lined curtains, drapes or blinds in heavy materials are ideal for areas like this. Alternatively shutters are also good, as they can block out the light entirely.
2. If there is a lack of natural light entering a room and it is dark, then the window coverings should be unlined and made from sheer, light weight fabrics in light colours.
3. If your windows are oddly shaped, then you might have to get the window coverings custom-made to fit your particular window
4. Always match the theme of your window dressing to the style of the room.
As with most things in life, you get what you pay for – the more durable, high quality, custom-made window coverings can be an extremely large investment, or alternatively, you can opt to buy relatively inexpensive, ready made window coverings at various home décor outlets across the country – it all depends on what your personal budget is. Window treatments are a fantastic means of adding flair to any interior composition. They come in a variety of different forms, including drapes, curtains, blinds, shutters, or a combination of styles can be installed.
Curtains
Curtains are by far the most popular option as they are very versatile, easy to make, operate, fit and maintain. There are various types of curtains, all of which have various specific features. Some of the more popular styles include:
Shirred curtains are the best bet for simplicity and are best to use in circumstances when the curtains will, for the most part, be left alone. What defines a curtain as a shirred curtain is if it has a large area of fabric at the top that the curtain rod is drawn through and the rest of the fabric is gathered and bunched up to fit the length of the rod.
Austrian curtains, created form multiple layers of lightweight fabrics that are gathered together in rows, are ideal for formal settings when combined with heavy drapes, for an indulgent and romantic flavour.
Pleated curtains are similar to shirred curtains, except they are a little more formal, are usually paired with draperies and are easily opened to allow natural light to come in.
Café curtains originated, as their name implies, when they were first used in European cafés. These curtains have a dual benefit of offering light penetration at the top of the window that is left bare, while simultaneously offering privacy by covering the bottom half of the window. It is best completed with a matching valance.
Priscilla curtains are sheer curtains that are hung on rods and they overlap each other in the middle. They are usually tied back with decorative cloth or cords and are great for a soft, feminine look.
Blinds
Blinds are another popular window covering – they come in a wide variety of styles, including solid and faux wood blinds, cellular shades, vertical, Roman, pleated, roller and sheer horizontal blinds. Blinds offer maximum privacy and protection form light, and they are also very space efficient alternatives. They have varying thermal and insulating qualities – blocking the sun to keep it warm inside or keeping the heat indoors from escaping via large surfaces of glass. They also reduce light and maximise indoor privacy, to varying degrees, depending on the design. All kinds of blinds are easily motorised, and can be effortlessly controlled via a wall switch or keypad, a remote control or a personal computer, which has the added benefit of eliminating the hazards of dangling cords.
Shutters
Shutters add an element of traditional beauty to most homes they grace. Installing shutters usually involves a sizeable investment; however, it is well worth it if you can afford it. They are very versatile window coverings, as not only are they functional with regards to insulation, privacy, light control and décor aesthetics, but they also have the benefit of being able to make any home that much more secure and if well maintained, they can last a lifetime. Window shutters can be made of vinyl, wood, and faux wood. They also come in a variety of styles, including louvre, panel, raised panel, or a combination. - Antonella Desi
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