In the early days, only drapes and curtains were mostly used to cover windows. Back then, they had a more functional role as a way to block sunlight. Today, they are used as a vital part of interior design in addition to its main function. In fact, different types of window treatments are now available on the market some of which can even be customized to match a decorating theme.

In New York, window treatments are a popular decorating tool. However, other than just being decorative, they also serve functional purposes such as providing privacy and security as well as better temperature control and insulation. Window treatments are also effective sun blockers to keep the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays away from people and appliances. While it's good to have natural sunlight in a home or office, the ideal way is to allow only a minimum amount in the interior.

Apart from the draperies and curtains, window treatments in New York also include the famous Venetian blinds, valances, tiebacks and shades. They are generally categorized into the hard and soft types depending on the texture of the material used.

Draperies

Draperies come from the Old French word ?drap? and Late Latin term ?drappus? which mainly refer to cloths or textiles used as decorations notably on windows. In the olden days, draperies were tailor made as evidence by the existence of drapers? shops especially in small British towns. Some departments actually started out as drapers? shops before the advent of ready-made clothes and curtains.

Compared to curtains that are short and lightweight, draperies are usually longer sometimes reaching the floor and are made of thicker material. Whether they have the pinch or French pleats or they are Grommet style with built in rings, they are considered the more formal version of the curtains as they provide a richer look.

The latest to evolve from curtains and draperies is the valance. This is a short drapery known as a curtain or window topping or heading and can be used by itself or matched with a longer drapery or curtain.

Blinds

Blinds are a famous decorating fixture as well. Window blinds in New York are best used in homes and offices as they allow just the right amount of light you need and give you privacy. They are available in numerous types, colors, materials and price levels. Blinds may either be the vertical slats, horizontal slats, mini blinds, shutters, roller shades, Roman or Venetian blinds.

Window blinds are made from different materials such as fabric for the roller, Roman and Austrian blinds, wood for the Venetian blinds, bamboo, reed textures and other man-made materials. In the ancient Egypt, pharaohs were already using blinds made of reeds.