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By: Daryl plaza
Window coverings have a process on how you should choose
your window curtains and drapes. You have three basic choices
to decide from on what window treatment is best for your homes
decor. You first have to decide whether you want informal
or formal window coverings? Secondly unlined or lined? And
thirdly the style and type of heading desired. After you have
decided on the type of window treatment you are looking for
you can start to finalize the design. Window coverings are
influenced by several elements, which include the function
of the space, the style of the architecture of the home, and
the window treatment preferences of the homeowner. The resulting
factor is the same window design can be treated very differently
depending on the person's taste. Imagine a dining room that
has a bay window. This type of window style is usually a multi
layered floor length window treatment - basically it's a formal
window covering. If your taste is a more casual laid-back
style you may introduce an informal appearance of café
curtains with some sill length and some tied back side panels.
What is a full formal window treatment?
A formal window covering usually will have two or three layers.
The first layer may be the casement curtain and will be installed
within your Windows trim area. Usually you would use a sheer,
solid or maybe a lace panel that will lay straight or either
gathered at the top. Over draperies usually called just draperies
will be your second layer. Generally they will cover the trim
and window and if there is room left stretched further to
each side or even the area that is above your window. Optionally
the third layer of your full formal window treatment will
be a valance this is also known as pelnet that horizontally
runs across the top of your window and will cover the curtain
or drapery heading. Another piece of the formal window treatment
is a hard valance, also known as a lanbre-quin or a cornice.
It is normally made with wood, which is then covered with
upholstery or some fabric. To some people by not using the
third treatment it will appear like the window covering is
unfinished but in all sense this depends on the taste and
style that you are trying to obtain. By using heavy but curious
fabrics which would include brocades, Tapestries, silks, Damasks
and velvet you will enhance the prestige of the formal treatment.
The downside of these fabrics is that they will require cleaning
from professionals every couple of years.
What is an Informal window treatment?
An informal window treatment can consist of one or two basic
layers or you may decide on having nothing at all. If you
have a great window location with privacy a beautiful window
can look great even without a dressing especially if you have
a great view. Sometimes just some basic casement curtains
look great for a casual room. If you need to cover only the
lower half of the window a Café curtain can offer you
privacy and not block the light. Fabrics that are used for
the informal look consist of chitz, ticking, linen, muslin
and gingham. A benefit to the informal window coverings over
the formal window coverings is that most of these are washable
and easy to take care of.
Window drapes and curtain linings
Depending whether you have a formal or informal curtain or
drape covering it will often decide if your window treatment
will be lined. Factors will include the amount of natural
light you want in your room and the length of time you expect
the arrangement will last. Unlined curtains diffuse daylight
but won't exclude it. Being the simplest form for your window
covering it is still very effective by itself as a window
under treatment. The unlined treatment doesn't have the extra
thickness of a lining and will stack lightly back. A good
choice is to use a fabric that looks attractive from both
sides so there will not be a right or wrong side for the inside
or outside of your window covering. Classic choices for unlined
treatments would consist of lace, mobile, Muslim and sheers
that are made out of cotton or silk organza. You may even
have textured fabrics that have open weaves; an unlined curtain
will filter the light beautifully and give you some privacy
in the evening when the lamp is on. Try consolidating sheers
with window blinds and shades. Unlined curtain drawbacks are
the damage from the sunlight on the window treatment because
there is no lining for your window fabric for protection it
will deteriorate rapidly.
Lined curtains and drapes
Lined curtains and drapes have more body, which will give
you softer and deeper folds and improve the window treatment
appearance. The lining will block sunlight and protect the
window fabric from fading. A lining also preserves the color
and increases your privacy and will reduce noise from outside.
Look for linings that are treated to resist sun damage and
rot, once the lining becomes deteriorated you can just realign
it or just hang the window covering without the lining on.
The rule of thumb is that if you line one curtain in the room
do all the rest the same so they will match, Usually the lining
fabric will be off-white or white although you can get colored
linings you should know that this will affect the hue of the
window covering when light passes through it especially in
a lightweight curtain fabric get samples and test them together
for a color change.
About The Author
Daryl Plaza is a regular contributor to http://Windowcoveringresource.com
a website that has window reviews and resources for all your
window covering ideas.
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