Window Coverings – An Introduction

Window coverings have been used for thousands of years to block the sun and add privacy.  Today, curtains, drapes, shades and blinds still provide these practical benefits while also adding personality and color to any room.

Choosing the right window coverings can be a daunting task, especially if you have little experience choosing window treatments.

Here are the basic things you need to know when talking the talk of window treatments.

Curtains and Drapes

What’s the difference between curtains and draperies — and does it even matter? That’s a great question and today the two words are often used interchangeably by many people.

Going back in time tradition held that windows were given three types of curtains: a sash curtain (to filter light), a draw curtain (to block out light), and an over-drapery – a purely decorative piece that today would simply be called a drapery. Building further, in formal rooms with high ceilings these three “window treatments” were treated to a decorative top cover called a valance to hide all the hardware and provide a finished look.

Today we tend to think of curtains as sash curtains and draperies (drapes) as those that draw, completely closing off the window.

Window Shades

Sometimes the curtains you have do not cut out the amount of light you would like. In these situations shades can be really handy.  Shades also come in a variety of styles and colors depending on your personality and the room in which they will be placed.  Balloon shades create a billowy fold, while roman shades create a bunched, stacked or pleated effect as they are raised.  Other common types of shades that are often paired with curtains and draperies are honeycomb shades, pleated shades, or roller shades. These shades can be raised up when not in use.

Window Blinds

If you are looking to go a bit less formal, and not have so many layers over a window, you can always go with blinds.  Blinds come in a wide variety of styles, can be paired with other treatments and provide a widely adjustable range of light transmittance. The vinyl and aluminum blinds are the most popular.  However, you can choose fancier, more elegant wood, faux wood, or bamboo blinds to add additional warmth and style.

Plantation Shutters – Interior Shutters

Plantation shutters are interior shutters traditionally made from broad slats of wood mounted in a solid frame. The design of plantation shutters promotes the free flow of air through a structure in a warm climate, while also creating shade and privacy.  Many standard sizes are available and custom shutters can be made to fit even the most unusual spaces.

Simple plantation shutters fill an entire window, and have a tilt bar in the middle of the shutter to move all the louvers simultaneously.  A hidden rear tilt bar is available as an option for a cleaner, more contemporary, look.  Café-style plantation shutters only cover the lower portion of a window, creating privacy without obscuring the entire window. Often, plantation shutters are hinged; so that they can be pulled all the way open for additional ventilation.

Interior shutters come in a wide variety of natural wood tones and grains as well as many colors including whites, grays, and black, even red.

Incredible Selection and Professional Designers

The beauty of using window treatments to bring your home’s interior design together is that there are hundreds of different combinations to choose from.  Of course, all of these options can be a little overwhelming and that is why working with the friendly, experienced design team at Beyond Blinds is so nice.  Our designers have the expertise to quickly guide you to the selections that make the most sense for your taste and budget.  Call us today at 630-232-9901 and let us show you what we can do together.