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Which Window Covering Is for You?

Carrie

5 June 2009

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Blinds

One of the most subtle ways to add a bit of flair to a given room is to choose window treatments that suit the style of the space. Is your room contemporary, old-world, country-like, etc.? Whether you are starting from scratch in a new home or you want to change your existing home’s decor, you have plenty of options. From blinds to curtains to shades, there are so many styles. How do you choose? Buy Owner is here to help.

Blinds

When considering blinds, you must choose between vertical and horizontal. Both types are moved by manual mechanisms. The slats of verticals and horizontals can either be turned in place to allow for minimal sunlight, or they can be completely opened to reveal the blank window pane. Verticals tend to be placed over French doors and floor-to-ceiling windows as they move from side to side. Horizontals are generally placed over small kitchen, bedroom and bathroom windows, as they move up and down.

Vinyl/aluminum blinds are lightweight and easier to clean. While they are inexpensive, they actually look cheap.
Faux wood blinds are also light, yet they boast a more elegant look. They are also more durable than vinyl and aluminum blinds.
Plantation blinds typically boast thicker slats than any other type of window covering. These blinds cannot be raised and lowered. Only the slats may turn to permit sunlight into the space.

Curtains

There are two main types of curtains: opaque and sheer. Opaque curtains block out the sun completely when they are closed, while sheer curtains permit a small amount of sunlight to flow into the room.

Both opaque and sheer curtains are typically adorned with a second decorative window covering.

Ceiling-mounted curtains are usually made from a light material, this accent will continue to let some sunlight shine into the room, but the curtains will block out a little bit more light if placed over your original sheer curtains.
Swags over rods are used purely for decoration. Curtains are draped over rods to create an elegant Romanesque look.
Tab-top curtains look almost like shower curtains. One-inch tabs hang from a rod above the windows with a sheet of fabric hanging down over the windows.

Shades

Remember that shades are not solely used for filtering the perfect amount of sunlight. They may also be used to insulate your windows, as well. Honeycomb shades are great insulators and will save you money on the electric bill.

If you want to go the eco-friendly route, choose woven shades. Made of materials like jute, grass and bamboo, these shades also add texture to the windows, making them the focal point of the room. Old-style roll-up shades may also be constructed of environmentally safe raw materials.

Most pleated shades give you the option of lowering the shade from the top rather than the bottom. This allows even more light to shine through the window during the day when the sun is at its highest point.

Similar to blinds, Roman shades are raised and lowered by a cord system, with panels being evenly stacked together as the shades are raised. When they are lowered, the shades form a flat surface that may allow for a small amount of light to trickle into the space or may block out the sun entirely. The shades can me custom-made to your specifications.