Have you ever walked into a home where you just instantly felt comfortable and welcomed? I am not talking about the people who live in the house, but the house itself simply gives you a warm feeling inside. It may have been cozy or fun to be in, or it may have just felt comfortable, but you were happy to be there and felt welcomed. Did you ever stop to think that it may have been due to the window coverings or shades that were on the windows? Vertical blinds and window shades can entirely change the look and feel of a room. The windows are often overlooked, but in interior decorating, they are very important as they often dictate the personality and feel of a room. If you are wondering how a flat rectangle of paper or vinyl that rolls up on a tube can enhance and beautify your room, then you have not looked at shades lately. They are available in a wide variety of different materials, styles and colors to enable you to find the right look that will enhance your room, rather than detract from it. From casual to formal to every style in between, you will be able to find a shade that fits your interior decorating style and personality. Your Needs You first need to narrow down the function of your shades, so that you can make the best decision for your needs and wants. What are some issues that you need to consider? 1. Do you need to control light? If so, then this is an issue that you will want to consider in your decision. This may include blocking out light, allowing light in, or diffusing the light. Each of these considerations takes different shades to fulfill this task. That is why you want to determine what you want your window covering to do before visiting the store. 2. Do you need privacy? If you need your window covering to give you privacy at night and light during the day, then you want to consider this in your decision. 3. Do you need sound control? You can find shades that can help to muffle sound from the outside if you need this purpose. This is great for homes that are located close to traffic or in a noisy neighborhood. 4. Do you need your window coverings for insulation? Shades can help to insulate your windows to keep cool air out of your home from the outside and the warm air inside. 5. How do you want your windows to look? Your windows should be an extension of your decorating style. By adding color and texture to your windows you can help to enhance the rest of the dcor of your room and your home. You can choose to use your shades or vertical blinds with other window treatments or alone to get the best look for your room and your dcor. It is entirely up to you and your own personality and imagination to create a room that you will love and enjoy.
Blinds and shades are window coverings common for similar purposes such as giving privacy to the people inside a particular establishment or protecting the interior part from direct sunlight. They vary in colors and sizes and you can always find something that will fit in your windows or personal preferences. You can purchase mini blinds if your room is not big enough. Mini-blinds are made of vinyl, wood, aluminum or faux wood. Vinyl blinds are ideal for locations prone to humidity such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Horizontal vinyl blinds are unbreakable, can be cleaned easily and resistant to sun bleaching. Vinyl blinds that are lightweight are the cheapest of the blinds but it has fragile slats, which break easily. Aluminum blinds are affordable, easier to maintain and durable. However aluminum gauge should be considered when purchasing. Larger gauge are better because of its extended durability. The gauges slats can vary from six to nine. Aluminum and vinyl blinds are perfect for rooms with furniture made of wrought irons.
Wood blinds can go perfectly with wooden furniture. This should be given proper care for long life span and good to be installed in areas with controlled and stable humidity however wood blinds can be very expensive. Faux wood mini blinds are created combining wood and vinyl providing dual advantage of moisture resistance and less costs. These blinds are easier to clean and do not crack or fade.
Drapery is often referred to as curtain used as blinds. Curtains are piece of cloth design to obscure or block sunlight with different styles, colors and fabric types suitable for window treatments according to function, style and formality degree of the room. You can research for various drapery styles, designs and fabric used in decorating magazines so that you can choose the right drapery for your room. Designs can be modified to enhance more attractiveness.
Drapery fabric types include linen, silk rayon, cotton, polyester and acrylic blends, nylon and acetate. Select the fabric type base on its ability to ruffle, pleat, and drape suiting your window treatments and its probable location. Make your own design preference and use your creativity for enhancing beauty on your windows.
-Slat blinds made of vinyl or metal is consisting of many flat horizontal slats connected to a string which have a 170 degrees rotation adjustments for hiding the light or it can be pulled up to clear the window. The blind rotation is dependent on the connector being attached to a pulling cord or string, so the lowering and raising are done by pulling different strings.
-Venetian blinds are slatted blind having either a plastic or metal composition. There are also available slats made of wood pertaining to wood or bamboo blinds. The slat width ranges from 50 to 120mm but the most common width is 50mm.
-Mini-blinds are Venetian blinds having narrower width slats ranging from 19 to 24mm.
-Vertical blinds have slats made of plastic, metal or stiffened fabric hanging from a track on its one end. The horizontal slats has a 90 degrees rotation for allowing light to pass or can be fold up to either side of the window or doors. They also called as track blinds.
-Solid blinds can be fold up or roll up but it cannot be entirely opened so that light can pass through. These types of blinds are populary called window shades. These blinds include:
-Holland blinds also known as roller shades can be pulled down to roll the window blinds.
-Wood blinds that are woven have slats made of decorative bamboo, wood or other woven natural material with a colored yarn, simple string or other materials having decorations almost similar to a solid blind. This blinds are roll up or fold up for light adjustments. Woven wood blinds are affordable shutters alternatives, energy efficient and has a greater control over lights.
-Pleated shades are made of fabric with pleated shades being pulled up so that it could flatly sit on the window's top corner.
-Honeycomb shades resembles a pleated shades, the only difference are the other layers being sewed on the pleats forming a compartment trapping the air for insulation purposes. If you want higher insulation and energy efficiency, look for more cells counts.
-Roman shades are made of woven wood or fabric. It has excellent insulation and easier operation.
Both Eric Slarkowski & Low Jeremy 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.
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