A Home Decorator's Guide to Window Coverings

There are a variety of window coverings to choose from. With all these choices, many homeowners find it a daunting task to choose which are best for their homes. When considering the following options, homeowners should keep in mind the follwing things:

• Privacy
• Light Control
• Function
• Style

Here are the major categories of window coverings:

Blinds

If plastic blinds are your only visual of blinds, you may want to conjure up some imagination. Nowadays, there are many materials used to make blinds, such as metal, wood, and faux wood. You can also choose between horizontal and vertical blinds.

Blinds are extremely functional. With a simple tug or a twist, you can reveal the entire window or you can allow just slivers of light to enter the room. Blinds are also an affordable window treatment. It can be a great alternative for those who enjoy the look of wood shutters, but are on a budget.

It's also easy to remove blinds if you decide to change the window covering. However, keep in mind that if you decide to get horizontal blinds, the drawstring used to open and close the blinds may pose a danger to small children and pets who, if unattended, may become entangled in it.

Curtains and Drapes

Curtains and drapes can be found in traditional homes as well as contemporary homes. These window treatments are often made of fabric. Curtains are usually the height of the window, while drapes can extend past the base of the window, even down to the floor.

With drapes and curtains, you can control the amount of light that enters the rooms, but you may not have as much control as you would with blinds or shutters. This is because part of your room will be exposed when you open your curtains or drapes.

Some popular curtain styles include lambrequin and café. You could also use fabric over the top of the rod, which is known as a valance. There are four different styles of valances:

• Blouson ('puff')
• Waterfall
• Roman, Box
• Pinch Pleat

When considering styles and fabrics, keep your privacy in mind. Some fabrics may apper to be opaque but become translucent when indoor lights are on.

Shutters

Shutters can provide a contemporary elegance to any home. Like the other types of window treatments, shutters come in different materials and different colors. They can be made either out of wood or PVC. Like blinds, you have great control over the amount of light you would like in your home. However, shutters block even more light because there is a frame around the shutters.

Many shutter companies have several styles to choose from, such as California, plantation and traditional. Some companies may design shutters specifically for square or rectangular windows.