Windows
Types of Windows
By: Kelly Goldthorpe
Windows allow natural light to come into your home, but they are also an important component in the design of your home. When renovating your house you should consider the window style, type of window pane, and window placement. There is a wide variety of window styles, each with different benefits, ranging from increase light and natural air flow to enhanced privacy. Below is a breakdown of the main window types.
Casement Windows:
These windows open outward by turning a lever, instead of moving up and down. This makes them great for areas that are hard to reach, where lifting up may be a problem. They are very energy efficient windows and provide a nice sideways breeze, guiding the wind inward.
Double Hung Windows:
Double hung windows are the most common style found within a home. They slide up and down and can be opened on either the top half or the bottom half. A nice feature of these is that they can be modified for home security purposes by installing a screw that will prevent the window from opening any further than desired. These are classic and can be placed anywhere in your home, more frequently in the living rooms and bedrooms.
Awning Windows:
Allowing for more privacy with moderate ventilation, awning windows open inward and are positioned horizontally. These are less popular within homes, but certainly a welcome addition.
Bay Windows:
Bay windows jut out from the house, providing three window panes which allow light to stream in. If large enough, you may install a window seat in the area that extends from the home, creating a peaceful nook. These add a unique edge to your home and make it appear multi-dimensional.
Arch Windows:
These are semi-circle windows which are most commonly seen above doors or other windows. Their unique shape adds style to a more traditional window setting. There are also full circle windows that are popular in stairwells or in attic spaces.
Picture Windows:
For display only, picture windows do not open but are typically large enough that they add a beautiful amount of light to a room. Picture windows are also excellent for showing off beautiful scenery or landscaping that may surround your house. The large size of the pane may make it vulnerable to breakage though. These look magnificent when draped in curtains or other window treatments.
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Different Styles of Window Valances
By: Danielle McVicar
A window valance is a type of window covering that only covers the top part of the window. They are both simple and elegant, often adding a touch of formality to a room. This type of window treatment is perfect for windows with a beautiful view because instead of covering them completely, they highlight and frame them. If you are considering hanging a window valance, remember that there are many different styles, each with a different appeal. The most common styles of window valances include swag, balloon, ascot, and pleated.
Swag valances are created by draping fabric over a curtain rod, leaving some additional fabric to hang down the sides. These valances can be executed as either short or floor length, depending on what you prefer. Swag valances are seen mostly in formal décor with their tails arranged in neat folds, but can also be used in more informal decorating if the fabric is allowed to hang more casually.
Balloon valances are characterized by their gathered fabric, which balloons or puffs out. These “balloons” create the appearance of fullness and volume and are very ornate and decorative. This type of valance is only used in very formal decorating and has lost popularity since interior decorating has shifted to more contemporary and casual designs.
Ascot valances are created by allowing fabric hang over a curtain rod in triangles or soft, rounded edges. Often times these triangles or edges are decorated with tassels, beads, lace or other ornate features. This style of valance is decorative and formal in nature but casual versions are also available.
A sheer scarf can also be classified as a window valance in some cases. Draping a sheer scarf over a decorative rod above a window can be elegant both by itself and accompanying a bottom drapery. This kind of window treatment is very easy to execute; all that is required is a curtain rod and some sheer fabric of your choice.
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Add Character to Your Window Treatments with Sheer Curtains
By: Danielle McVicar
An easy and effective way to add a touch of sophistication to any décor is to include sheer curtains in your window treatments. Sheer curtains refer to any lightweight or partially see-through fabric that is used for window coverings, including lace, voiles, nets, muslin, etc. A set of sheer curtains can add both beauty and practicality to your room.
Sheer curtains can be paired with a heavier set of drapery or can be used alone. It is recommended to use a heavier curtain along with sheers in rooms that require a certain amount of privacy, such as bedrooms, so that complete privacy is an option. Sheers are a good way to filter light in a room during the day due to their partial transparency; they soften harsh sunlight while still allowing some to enter the room. They also can provide a small amount of privacy during the day without having to sacrifice sunlight.
When used alone, sheer curtains can add a romantic and whimsical touch to a room’s atmosphere. Sheers come in a variety of different sizes and colors and can be blended together easily. More ornamental sheers are also available, decorated with embroidery, creating a soft and elegant look and are perfect to hang unaccompanied by other curtains.
Sheers are perfect for decorating your windows not only because of the elegance and stylishness they exude, but also because of their simplicity and affordability. Sheer window coverings are relatively inexpensive when compared to other kinds of window treatments and are easy to maintain. They are extremely versatile and can be diffused with almost any decorating style. If you fell like your décor needs a change, consider spicing up your window treatments with some sheer curtains!
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The Importance of Color in Window Coverings
By: Danielle McVicar
Color is an extremely important factor when it comes to decorating, but it doesn’t just apply to your walls. Window coverings can make a huge difference in the appearance of your décor and deserve just as much attention in choosing a color scheme as any other part of the room.
Many people stick with traditional, neutral colors for their window coverings, but in today’s world window coverings are a great way to add some excitement and creativity to your room. Don’t be afraid to grab a color wheel and try out some different and unusual color schemes for your windows; you’ll be surprised how much your décor is affected by mixing different colors and shades.
You can select color combinations of two or more colors; three is generally the rule of thumb, but don’t let that hinder your decision. You could also choose one color and use varying shades and tones of that same color to create a softer look. Choosing the perfect color scheme for you windows will have an interesting impact on your room. By using the color as a focal point, you are able to change the overall feel of a room, making it look warm and inviting or open and spacious. Bright colors against a lighter background will make the window appear larger and light colors against and darker background will make the window appear smaller.
Colored patterns are also an option available for your window coverings. Bright, funky patterns can spice up a room with an interesting twist and more traditional patterns can blend into your décor while adding a touch of sophistication. You can mix patterns with solid colors to help them blend into the décor or you can let the pattern stand alone and become an interesting focal point of your room.
Make sure that you observe how your colors appear at different times of the day with different lighting as this will affect the overall look of your room. Your window coverings may match perfectly with your décor in the morning with the sun shining, but without the sun at night they might clash terribly with the rest of the room.
And of course, if choosing colors for your window coverings seems too difficult a task, you can always hire a professional interior designer to help you make your color choices.
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Which Fabric is Best for Window Treatments?
By: Danielle McVicar
Fabric window treatments, such as drapes and curtains, are a good way to decorate a room. Curtain fabrics can add a variety of color and texture to complement any décor. Many people choose their curtains or drapes based on color alone and do not take into consideration what kind of fabric they are made from. Depending on the atmosphere you are trying to create, fabric can play a key role in choosing your window treatments.
Of all the fabric used to make curtains and drapes the most commonly used are cotton, linen, silk, velvet, and polyester. Each fabric offers different benefits and drawbacks which are important to consider when choosing window curtains or drapery.
Cotton is perhaps the most commonly used fabric in window treatments. It is available in an array of colors, textures, designs and weights which makes it a good decorating choice. It is a very durable and versatile fabric and is also extremely easy to clean. However, heavy exposure to sunlight can weaken some types of cotton fabric, and cotton is also easily stretched, shrunk and wrinkled.
Linen is also a natural fabric, created from flax. Linen is also a popular choice for window treatments because it blends well with other types of fabrics. It comes in a large selection of colors and weights, although heavy-weighted linen is the most commonly used. The drawback to linen is that it is prone to crease and wrinkle.
Silk is another natural fabric that is very popular among window coverings. It is a very soft and lavish fabric and adds warmth and splendor to any room. Silk also comes in many rich colors and weights, but heavy-weighted silk is the most practical for curtains or drapes. It holds its shape exceptionally well and doesn’t crease as easily as other fabrics but it is not very durable. Silk is easily marked or stained and will deteriorate over time from heavy sunlight. Also, silk is a much more expensive choice compared to other fabrics.
Velvet is another luxurious-looking fabric used for window coverings. It has a very soft feel and is heavy-weighted and thick, making it a good choice for blocking out sunlight. Although velvet has a rich appearance it is a relatively inexpensive choice for curtains or drapes. The disadvantages of velvet are that it is very hard to clean and that it has such a distinct look it is hard to blend with other fabrics.
Polyester is another option that is commonly used for window treatments. It is very affordable and comes in a large selection of colors. Polyester doesn’t crease or wrinkle easily, is exceptionally strong and durable and is also very easy to clean. The only downside to this type of fabric is that it tends to pill, peel or flake, when rubbed against frequently.
Although these are some of the most common fabrics used for window curtains or drapery there are still many more kinds of fabrics that can be used. Determining your specific needs before you choose your fabric will greatly help you make your decision.
