Window Coverings: Which Ones Are Right For You
With all the options for window coverings today there is no ending to what you can do with your windows. When deciding what window coverings to use you must first consider your budget. Once you establish how much you have to spend on window coverings you can then look at the windows and the room you are doing the window coverings for. The first thing to consider is how big or small is the window you are trying to cover and what shape it has. The next consideration when deciding on window coverings is the style of the room and what style window coverings you are looking for. You want you window coverings to match the décor of the room you are decorating. You can use blinds and shades alone these days as your primary window coverings. There are so many styles to choose from. You can even go with shutters if you decide. Before you go with the style of your choice decide if you want to mount the window covering inside or outside the window frame. Valances, shades and blinds as well as cornices can be mounted on the outside. Extend the measurement of the shade or blind 2 inches beyond the window sash. Measure the width of the window frame plus the overlap needed for the hardware. For inside mounts you only need to measure the opening from inside the frame across and height. Its good to measure the top middle and bottom of the inside of the frame and consider the type of hardware you are using while you are measuring. If you decide to use curtains, valances or drapes in addition to blinds, shades or shutters then measure from bracket to bracket for the rod installation. Also leave 5 to 8 inches 2 ˝ to 4 inches on each side to allow for decorative ends of the rods. If you go with shutters, blinds or shades you can use a valance or swag to dress it up if you don’t want curtains or drapes. Today’s shutters come in various materials from wood to vinyl. Traditional shutters have ˝ inch movable louvers. Plantain shutters have much larger louvers ranging from 2 to 4 inches. Café louvers cover ˝ the height of the window. These are my favorites. You can use roman shades, which are made of fabric. They can be used alone or with matching drapes. They are available in flat-fold and tear drop versions. Pleated shades stack neatly when raised enabling a totally clear view. Cellular shades are pleated in a honeycomb fashion and are available in 1 to 3 layer cell designs, which are excellent insulation as well. These three shade choices come in various fabric styles, textures and patterns including marble look, paper, antique satin and lace among the choices. For a nice clean look choose a solid or tone on tone pattern to compliment you completed window treatment. You can also choose woven window shades made from natural materials such as grass fibers. Then there are the good old Venetian or horizontal Blinds and mini blinds. Choose from the standard 2-inch Aluminum blind to the ˝ inch mini blinds. They are available in various sizes and colors. Vertical blinds are made from wood, fabric and vinyl. They rotate vertically. The slats are generally larger than horizontal blinds. They stack sideways and look good on patio door and wide picture windows. Both types of blinds look good with valance and swags; horizontal blinds can be used with curtains and drapes. There are so many choices for window coverings today it’s impossible to get stuck. The main thing is you want something that matches your style and easy to maintain once you install it. With that in mind have fun. |
