Window Curtains

(and Other Window Treatments)

Window curtains, and other window treatments, can baffle even the experienced home decorator. There is an overwhelming variety of materials, fabric, color, size, and hardware. Where do you start?

Well, let's start with the basics. There are 4 issues: privacy, lighting, function, and style. Paying attention to these four elements can accomplish the functional aspects, while contributing to a room's style.

Privacy

To achieve privacy, you'll need to choose window curtains that offer complete opaque covering when closed. There are a few good choices. Fabric or roller shades can be found in standard sizes and materials, or can be custom made to your exact window measurements and style preferences.

Window curtains and draperies will also allow privacy. Linings will add to the darkness, as well as their durability. Cellular shades in non-sheer fabrics can add privacy and many have insulating benefits as well.

Sheer window curtains and draperies may afford some daytime privacy, but at night most will turn practically transparent with indoor lighting. If you love sheers, but want privacy, then use shades underneath for privacy after dark.

Mini blinds, wood blinds, and shutters are options which will provide a private environment. Be aware, however, that with each of these there is a small possibility of seeing through the slats. Furthermore, they are harder to clean than the fabric alternatives.

Light Control

Window curtains should do 2 things within the realm of light control - keep glare down, and keep UV rays from adversely affecting fabrics and furnishings in you home. Full sunlight can quickly fade expensive upholstery and rugs.

Any of the opaque window treatments mentioned above can also be good for light control. Light-blocking liners will protect any fabric window treatments from the sun, while providing the degree of darkness you want (in a bedroom, for instance).

In areas where you get very strong sunlight, look into window tinting options. This is where a film gets attached directly to the glass. These tints come in various shades and levels of tinting.

Function

There are window treatments that can solve almost any problem. Do you need cord controls, or would a wand be more appropriate? Will you use light blocking shades for a napping toddler? Are your windows small, making you think that you should mount your window curtains outside of the window frame?

Long drapes that reach the floor can be a tempting plaything for pets and a hazard for your small children. Especially if they're just learning to walk and grabbing everything they can reach. In these cases, it might be better to go with blinds or soft shades that stay up off the floor.

I should mention that soft fabrics absorb sound. If you have carpet on the floor, it's probably not going to make a noticeable impact. But in a room with ceramic flooring and painted walls and ceiling, you will notice a big improvement if you hang soft fabric draperies.

Shades that are top down/bottom up increase the possibilities for privacy and function, letting you control the height of your blinds from either direction. Transparent shades offer no privacy but will cut down on UV rays and glare. They would be appropriate in rooms where you entertain, but are not concerned about privacy.

Style

With regard to style, I can only repeat what I already said in my other pages on various decorating topics. You should follow the general look and feel of the room. The color of your window curtains should complement the other colors, especially those on the walls immediately around the windows.

Here are a couple of sites that you should look at if you have any interest in bamboo shades or shutters: The Bamboo Window Shades Site - Helping you choose the perfect bamboo window shades for your home

Blinds - The Shade Store has been hand-crafting window treatments for 60+ years and are proud to deliver the finest window shades, blinds, dressing, and drapery, in the industry.

Related subjects you can find at this website:

decorating walls - how to choose artwork.

decorating tips.

decorating with glass.

Any questions or comments about this page, contact me about window curtains here.

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