Do you live in the perfect house where windows are symmetrical, evenly spaced, logically located and aesthetically pleasing? Wait, don't answer that. I will - you don't - none of us really do. The majority of homes have windows that are not placed exactly where or how we might want them. And sometimes it takes a bit of imagination to make the look perfect.
Color is your friend! Think of the walls in your home as your Artist's canvas. Even if you don't care about the beauty of your rooms and windows, you still need window coverings for a variety of other reasons: privacy, light, heat and UV damage control, and even to control noise levels. Just a little information about how colors work can give you added dimension in your rooms as well. Dark colors draw your eye, and seem closer to you. Lighter colors push back away from you and seem to disappear. To give a room some depth, use color to prevent having a "flat " feeling in the room. Think about a room where the walls are painted in light tones. If you have a room where you want window treatments to be noticed as a focal point, you should use darker hues of the colors you like. To leave window coverings unnoticed, go with lighter colors - even matching the wall colors as closely as possible. The reverse will be true if the walls are painted in darker shades. Rooms where "tone on tone" or similar colors are used throughout the room, can feel too monotonous for some tastes, but others love the simplicity. You decide what happens within your own walls.
Use walls to your advantage. Another way to create an illusion with window coverings is by placement of drapery panels and valances. You can take an unevenly centered window and hang the draperies further into the wall area, beyond the edge of an ill-placed window, evening out the wall space. To make a window appear larger, or taller, you can hang draperies to the left and right of the window, and not into the window space at all. Vertical Stripes draw the eye to the ceiling and make draperies appear longer. Horizontal lines will make windows seem shorter and keeps your eye lower on the wall. You can also create the illusion of a curved window by placing a curved shape at the bottom of a cornice or valance. What were once boring, rectangular windows, now take on a much more interesting shape, giving character to the room.
Get in the mood. Dark colors tend to give rooms warmth that causes us to feel safe and cozy. Lighter colors also create a feeling in our minds: airy and open. Think about the mood you want to generate in each area of your home when you select window coverings for the rooms. Some colors stimulate your brain, others can put you to sleep. Shades of red in a bedroom may keep you awake during the day, but in the dark, red absolutely disappears. Lighter colors show up at night and in low light. Light affects colors more than any other single factor. Light also affects you and how you feel, even though you may not consciously pay attention to its influence.
So now that you know little "tricks" to make your windows more interesting - which one will you use?
Copyright (c) 2007 Vita Vygovska
Window awnings are great covers for keeping the harsh elements of sun and rain off the home, but modern day awnings also can help contribute to the architectural value of your home. If you haven't bought your awnings yet, or are looking for replacements, you should make sure you're well versed in the advantages that a well designed awning will bring to your home.
1. Nothing protects your window frames from rain, snow, wind, and sun like awnings. Wood frames can easily be damaged by these harsh elements. The protection offered by an awning can greatly slow down the gradual degradation of these materials caused by exposure to these weather elements.
2. A larger awning that covers a porch or patio can make this space more usable and enjoyable by shielding you from a summer shower or summer sunlight. You can relax on the patio in comfort no matter what the weather - rain or shine. Invite good friends or family over for fun outdoor conversation and a favorite beverage or two - another shrimp off the barbie anyone?
3. In parts of the country where it rains during the summer, having awnings over your windows means you can leave the windows open during a summer rain and still allow the fresh air to circulate, or enjoy the relaxing pitter patter sound of the rain outside.
4. Still another benefit to awnings is the reduced glare on a computer monitor or television screen. Normally, you have to block off the natural sun light in order to reduce glare - not so with window awnings. In fact, the canopy cover provided by an awning means can leave your blinds and curtains wide open allowing full natural light in without suffering glare.
5. Finally, awnings help keep your home cool during hot months of summer. Industry leaders have conducted studies showing that the canopies provided by awnings can reduce the amount of heat entering the home by 77% during summer months.
Must-have features for your next window awning purchase
Be sure to take your time when considering your new awnings and installations. Don't rush the process due to any high pressure sales tactics. Consider the criteria presented here to make sure your awning purchases are right for you. Keep in mind these couple of well thought out tips as you go:
1. The ideal materials: Common materials of choice for awnings are canvas like fabrics or aluminum. Aluminum requires little or no maintenance at all, but lacks the decorative options available with fabrics. Fabric awnings on the other hand require a higher level of maintenance.
2. Bigger isn't always better. Pick the right size to meet your needs - choose wisely. Over sized awnings offer the needed protection, but can look bulky. Smaller ones have plenty of options for an attractive installation, but too small, and it might not protect sufficiently. Choose the right size for your particular need.
3. Architectural appeal - there are so many different shapes and designs available, from domed to quarter barrel, to gable walkway, and beyond. Make sure to see all the different design patterns available for your window or patio, and choose something that can accentuate the local architectural style.
Go forth with confidence in your ability to purchase the correct awnings for your homes different needs. Above all, take your time, and do not be rushed by a retailer urging you to make your decision with haste.
Both Vita Vygovska & Scott Hares 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 D'cor 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.
Scott Hares has sinced written about articles on various topics from Family, Kitchen Remodeling Ideas and Home Management. The authoritative portal of residential windows, security issues, and window treatment options:. Scott Hares's top article generates over 60500 views. to your Favourites.