Window treatments can be quite complex and confusing. Between measuring properly, selecting the style, picking just the right fabric, fabricating, finding the right hardware, and installing well - they can be quite a challenge. And what about returns, clearances, projections, deductions, etc - I'm sure I'm losing you just about now. Even though the individual styles and designs can be complicated, at their basic the window treatments can be broken down and explained simply.
There are two basic categories of window treatments: hard (usually made out of hard materials) and soft (made out of fabric). Within each category, there are several styles of products. So here we go, without commentary or application - just facts.
Category-hard: style-blind. We are all familiar with this product - aren't we? Many actually mistakenly use this term for many other types of window treatments. In essence, a blind is comprised of horizontal or vertical slats that can be moved on the window (up, down, or across) and tilted for privacy and light control. They come in different sizes, with variety of lift systems, in several materials, and in multitude of colors.
Category-hard: style-shade. A shade is a type of treatment that can only be raised and lowered. It cannot be tilted. The most well-known example of this style is a honeycomb shade (also referred to as cellular or cell shade). Another well-known (but not very popular nowadays) example is a roller shade. On the other hand, a very popular covering, roman shade is similar to their "cousins" in the way it operates, but has a completely different look. It is also a bridge between hard and soft categories, as many roman shades are actually constructed in fabric. Just like the blinds, shades can further be distinguished by the lift system, material, size, and of course, color.
Category-hard: style-shutters. Shutters are blind-like treatments which are enhanced with a frame on all sides and are installed onto the entire window (versus just the top, as in the case of a blind or a shade). The main differentiators among shutters are the size of the slat, material, and color.
Category-soft: style-drapery and curtain. These terms are also erroneously used interchangeably, but they are actually quite different. Both are long streams of fabric. Drapery is always pleated and is usually meant to open and close (traverse). Curtain is gathered (shirred) and is meant to be stationary. There is a concept of fullness associated with both styles - standard for drapery is 2.5 times full and for curtain is 3 times full. The numbers stand for the multiplier of finished width. For example, if the finished (gathered and dressed) width of the curtain is 18", then the flat width of the fabric must be 54".
Category-soft: style-valance. Valance is the treatment that's meant to add color and texture at the top of the window. There is a huge variety of looks in this style that is probably deserving of a separate article (hhmm, brainstorm!).
Category-soft: style-cornice. Cornice is an upholstered box-like structure. Batting is applied to pad the wood before the decorative fabric is stretched over it. In addition to the fabric, the variety and interest is achieved through different shapes carved along the bottom edge.
So here you have it. These are your very basic facts - Window Treatments 101. You've just passed!
How do you know which window treatment is right in your bedroom?
There are 3 basic types of window treatments that can be used alone or in combinations. Here's some tips on these basic types and what style of room you might choose them for.
Curtains and Drapes
Curtains and drapes are a style of window treatment that most of us can recognize but there's many variations on this old standby. If your bedroom design is simple, you might choose just plain sheers as these will go well with many themes including a romantic theme, a modern theme and anything in between.
Valances can be used to soften the top of the window. They are great if you don't want to cover up a great view but also don't want the window to look too bare. Typically valances are made from fabric but you can build them form wood and decorate them with an aged or stencilled paint to go with your Tuscan or French country design. Fabric valances can go with almost any bedroom decorating theme depending on the fabric you choose and can be used in conjunction with sheers to give you a bit of privacy.
Drapes are an elegant bedroom window treatment. If you have a romantic, French or Victorian theme some heavy drapes in rich fabrics can transform your bedroom into one fit for a queen. Heavy drapes look best on tall windows, but if you short squatty windows like most homes built in the 60's - 80's don't let that deter you from using great drapes. You can always just keep them closed to hide the window behind and no one will ever know the difference!
Wooden Shutters and Blinds
Indoor wooden window blinds are a great way to add privacy to your bedroom and can be used alone or with curtains, drapes or valances.
There are 2 styles of shutters - plantation shutters and caf? shutters.
Plantation shutters cover the whole window and have louvers which can be opened and closed to let light in or provide privacy. These shutters go great with a plantation style look, a country look or a coastal cottage look.
The caf? shutters are the kind that cover only the bottom half of the window and swing open to let light in. These also look nice in a country or beach style bedroom and are perfect for a Paris apartment style as well.
Fabric Blinds
Fabric blinds add a nice touch to any bedroom and can be decorated and embellished with whatever you want. Fringe, pom-poms and ribbon are just a few of the great ways to make these bedroom window treatments stand out.
Roman blinds work well for childrens rooms and informal styles such as cottage or beach style decor. These shades fold up to expose the window during the day and roll down at night.
Festoon blinds are puffy with lots of fabric. They are quite ornate and work best in a romantic style bedroom such as a Victorian, French or Italian motif. Festoon blinds look best on wide windows and might not be good for small rooms as they can tend to be a bit overwhelming.
Both Vita Vygovska & Lee Dobbins are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Vita Vygovska has sinced written about articles on various topics from Family, Health and Motorola Cell Phone. Vita Vygovska, Owner of V2K Window Décor and More, a full-service custom window treatment company, will transform your ordinary window to extraordinary with professionalism from beginning to end. To set an appointment or receive your free Special Report:. Vita Vygovska's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.
Lee Dobbins has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Diamonds and Install Flooring. Lee Dobbins writes for www.bedroom-designs-and-decorations.com where you can learn more about .. Lee Dobbins's top article generates over 246000 views. to your Favourites.