Window Coverings

Window coverings can completely change the way your house looks and feels and create a special mood or atmosphere with styles ranging from casual and simple to sleek and sophisticated. They can also provide the privacy you need, control lighting and help keep your heating or cooling from escaping through bare windows.

There are many choices to consider when choosing the best window coverings for your home.  They can be ready-made, made-to-measure or custom-made. Let your individual tastes and preferences guide you when deciding on the best window coverings for your home.

Blinds

If you are seeking maximum light control, blinds would be a smart window covering choice. They may be operated to let in as much or as little light as you desire: you can raise them for a full view, or lower them for complete privacy; or you can swivel the slats to adjust the amount of light entering from your windows.

·         Vinyl, Aluminum, Wood or Faux Wood Blinds: Made of slats that are raised and lowered by a cord and can be adjusted to let light in or keep it out. Vinyl blinds are lightweight, relatively inexpensive and available in a variety of colours, finishes and slat sizes. Aluminum blinds are a step-up in price and also come in a variety of colours, finishes, slat sizes and cord control options. Larger-sized slats generally provide better sun control and are less intrusive to the view outside. Wood or Faux Wood Blinds will definitely dress up a room, but if the window is large, they can be heavy to raise. Faux wood blinds are favoured by many interior designers because they are easy to clean, don’t warp, fade or crack - an advantage in a kitchen or a bathroom.

·         Vertical Blinds: A window covering that can be drawn closed like a drapery but is installed on a track across the top of a window.

·         Bamboo and Jute Blinds: Thin horizontal slats of bamboo or jute overlap when rolled up from the bottom adding natural style and subtle light control. Also known as natural blinds, you'll find options for valances, roll or fold-up operation, edge binding and privacy liners.

Shades

The difference between a blind and a shade is that blinds afford sun control and a view while most shades simply block out the sun or not. There are a number of different styles in window shades to choose from:

·         Roller Shades: A panel of fabric or vinyl attached to a dowel with a roller mechanism for lifting. The more durable shade is a simple spring-loaded fabric shade with a side cord and a concealed metal roller at the top.

·         Pleated Shade: similar to the roller shade, but made to last with a mechanism for raising and lowering it. Some manufacturers offer additional backing for added energy efficiency and privacy. It is available in specialty shapes for arches and skylights.

·         Cellular Shades: Also called honeycomb shades, these are pleated shades with honeycomb-shaped cells that provide privacy and serve as a light filter or provide insulation. Available in single, double and triple honeycombs – making these shades highly energy efficient. They come in various opening methods such as motorized or pull from bottom and can be custom fit for any window shape or size.

·         Roman Shade: A tailored fabric shade that is flat or has cascading folds when lowered. When raised, the shade forms folds at the top. It can give a rich look to your window since it can be manufactured with silk, linen or drapery fabric.

·         Natural Woven Shade: Made with bamboo or reeds or exotic grasses as well as woven blends.

·         Solar Shade: Allows you to enjoy your window view with less glare and important UV protection. In sun-facing rooms, solar shades will reduce heat transfer from outdoors. This type of shade makes a clean, modern statement with its sleek lines and new materials.

Shutters

Shutters are prized for their warmth, architectural beauty and the enduring value they add to any home.  They are made from wood or polymer panels or louvers to provide many years of service.

Curtains and Drapes

Curtains and drapes can be designed to suit your decorating style since they come in various colours and patterns. Fabric can add visual warmth and drama to a room. This is why they are often used for showcase settings, such as living rooms, dining rooms or an intimate master bedroom. On the practical side, curtains can add substantial insulation value, especially when lined. Draperies have options in rod styles with tab tops, tie tops, different types of pleats, grommets, small or large rod pockets, flouncy tops or plain rings. When fitting curtains, measure your window and consider how full you want your curtains to be. Double or triple the width of the fabric depending on your individual taste.

Top treatments:

Top treatments offer both decorative and functional advantages and can be used on their own or over another window covering, They can hide imperfections, conceal the head rail or make a window seem larger than it actually is. A cornice over panels or drapery can also help prevent heat loss. Top treatments run the gamut from valances to intricate upholstered and carved wood cornices. Valances can be gathered, pleated, shirred, swagged, bundled, formal, casual, scalloped, lace or flat.

Hardware and accessories:

Give your window a finishing touch with a rod, holdbacks, clip rings or finials. Sometimes viewed as ‘window jewellery’, hardware and accessories draws your eye to even the simplest window treatments.

·         Rods: Rods are usually mounted 4” above the window and generally come in three extendable sizes so that you can choose the size that extends beyond the width of the window frame. Rods are available as single, double, tension, magnetic and cafe styles to hold up any type of drapery.

·          Holdbacks: Holdbacks are great for "holding back" drapery panels to the sides of the window and add a decorative element to your view. They can also be used as scarf holders at the top of the frame.

·         Clip rings: Rods slide through these decorative rings that feature a clip to hold a drapery from the top.

·         Finials: These decorative pieces attach to the ends of the curtain rods and are available in a number of styles. They create a finished look to the rod. Some curtain rods come with the finial, and certain manufacturers offer an assortment to mix and match. 

Style and Design Tips:

·         Dare to be different by using colourful patterns and different textures along with asymmetric cuts and layering.

·         Cascades and swags with a coordinating cornice add a formal touch to your windows.

·         Choose a design that reflects your lifestyle. It may be a current fashion trend or a more traditional or formal approach. Do your own thing!

·         Add a dash of style with contrasting borders, cording or fringe.

·         Consider your window covering requirements – privacy, light control, function, style and safety concerns if you have children.

·         Less can be more. Sometimes the most effective window treatments are the simplest.

Designing your perfect window treatment is not just covering a glass pane; it’s designing a look for your entire home. Enjoy the view!