Having trouble deciding which window covering to use? With such wide selections of choices ranging from material, fabric, color, size, and hardware, it can get pretty overwhelming and confusing to decide which curtain is best for your room. Notwithstanding, there are four basic elements to consider when choosing window treatments: privacy, light control, function, and style.
PRIVACY
Privacy is probably the main reason why any of us purchase window coverings in the first place. Its purpose is, of course, to cover the window. There are a variety of window treatments that are ideal for privacy. These include shades or blinds and non-sheer curtains and draperies. Each window treatment comes in a variety of styles and fabrics such as fabric, roller, or cellular shades, which generally offer complete window coverage. Blinds such as mini blinds, wood blinds, and shutters also provide a nearly private environment.
LIGHT CONTROL
Light control is also crucial when choosing window treatments. There are two things to consider when thinking about light control. First, is keeping the glare down when someone is sleeping during the day or watching TV near a bright window. Second, is blocking UV rays from bright sunlight, as they will tend to fade fabrics, furnishings, and artwork in your home. Window coverings to help with light control include blackout, thermal, or insulated curtains, metal or wood blinds, natural blinds such as bamboo and matchstick, and cellular shades in non-sheer fabrics.
FUNCTION
Without the element of function, window treatments are useless. When purchasing window treatments, be sure to take into consideration the window hardware, fit, placement, and safety. There are several solutions to any window treatment problem. For instance, some window treatments such as valances, cornices, and non-closing drapery side panels are designed to be stationary. To bring more style and function to these stationary treatments, add under treatments such as sheers, blinds, or shades. When installing blinds in a home with small children, there is a new breakaway and safety window cord option to prevent choking and strangulation. You can also place the cords on hooks called cleats to prevent the cords from being in harm's way.
STYLE
Finally, window treatments can be used to add color, texture, and pattern to your room. Curtains and draperies have options in rod styles with tab tops, tie tops, many types of pleats, grommets, rod pockets (large or small), or plain rings. Valances are hung at the top of the window and are made in many styles and shapes. They can be used alone for a simple look or can be used over a tier, panel, or a hard window treatment. Valances can be gathered, pleated, swaged, formal, casual, lace, or flat. There are also a variety of shades and blinds that can add style to your room. For instance, fabric shades are found in Roman style, pleated, balloon, flat panels, or in sheers of coordinating fabrics. Also, metal mini blinds offer alternatives weight and size, specialty finishes, and hundreds of colors. Wood blinds come in a variety of colors, finishes, and sizes. Cellular shades, also called pleated and honeycomb shades, have a clean look and come in both sheer and non-sheer materials. Natural blinds are also called matchstick or bamboo blinds, but are available now in matchsticks, sewn slats, and other options that have a natural fabric-like appearance.
Whatever your preference for window treatments, you're sure to find many options to meet your home's needs for privacy, light control, function, and style.
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