Window Treatments and Decorating Tips

FESTOONS

The number of festoons depends on the width of the window. In Williamsburg, where most windows are only 3 1/2 feet wide, there are two festoons, each of two feet or less (festoons may overlap).

The number of folds in the festoon determines the degree of formality; many folds convey depth and richness while few folds give a sense of lightness.

CURTAINS

Floor-length curtains are always elegant and formal, while hangings to the window sill are informal and at the same time functional, for they keep the curtains away from the floor in an area much used, or difficult to clean.

The most pleasing curtain effects are given by 100% fullness, which means that curtain width should be double that of the window. Most fabrics measure approximately 54 inches; a pair of curtains for a window four feet wide, therefore, requires two widths, one for each curtain.

VALANCES

Valances are subject to many variations. An elaborately shaped and deep valance like the one illustrated, which is in the dining room of the Governor's Palace, represents one extreme and conveys a sense of grandeur with ornateness. Valances used in less formal settings in Williamsburg are illustrated here in a series of designs. The shape of the valance is also subtly related to the pattern and type of fabric used. A simple valance calls for cottons and small patterns, an intricate design for damasks, a bold design for large fabric patterns. 

The proper length of a valance is determined partly by the fabric—longer if it is to accom-modate a large and bold pattern, for example. Color plays an essential role because a dark color makes a valance seem smaller, a light color larger, in size. A designer rule of thumb is to allow overall 1 1/2” to 1 3/4” for each foot of window height, modified by the above considerations.

TRIMMINGS

Effects, either formal or informal, can be obtained by trimming in the form of fringe, binding, braid or fabric borders. When used, the trimming should relate to an important color in the fabric. The more ornate hangings are usually trimmed both in valance and festoon as well as the curtains themselves. Ruffles, of course, usually suggest lightness and a touch of informality.

OTHER FEATURES

When maximum light is needed from the window, valances should be kept high up and shallow, and curtains, when drawn back, should not encroach too much on the window panes. Valances should cover everything at the top, including Venetian blind boxes, and should also extend close to the ceiling or molding. Window molding should be left exposed as much as possible.

WILLIAMSBURG WINDOW TREATMENTS

In the illustrations to follow, we see examples of window treatment at Colonial Williamsburg. These offer to the homemaker and decorator multiple suggestions of desirable effects to be used in one's own residence.

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Are You in Need of Window Blinds?

Window blinds can improve the appearance of the room and they can come in different styles, types and colors. Just make sure you choose the right size for your window Otherwise you will be wasting your time and money.

Accessories and furniture help to complete the look of any home. Without them, the house looks completely naked and lifeless. There are many things that may help you to add character and give the room a stunning look. Curtains are a great way to complete the look, but the thing that might fit a lot of people is the window blinds. They are becoming more and more popular, and this is why more and more people are choosing them over curtains.

Why you should use the window curtains?

Everybody has their own ideas about what helps to make the house look complete. Trends come and go all the time, but the thing that helps to keep the room looking fresh is the use of window blinds. There are many different types of window blinds, and they all come with their advantages. The great thing about window blinds is that they look elegant, as well as being able to control the amount of light that leave in and they also keep things private.

What kind of curtains should you go for?

There are quite a few different types of blinds out there that will meet everyone’s tastes and needs. A popular type of blind is a roller blind that looks classy, stylish and it comes in many different colors too.

There is a kind of blind people may prefer other types of blind is the path to the plate. They are easy to use and it is an affordable way to improve the appearance of the room. The great thing is that you can control the light that comes in through the use of these curtains, and that means if it is too bright, you can darken the room a little bit or basically whatever you want in it.

Some other curtains that may be interested in bamboo blinds and vertical blinds. As you can see, there is a good selection of different curtains, so have a look at it and then weigh up the ones that you think it would be best for your home.

What you should look for when choosing curtains for the rooms in your house?

There is more to get blind to just buy it and then hope for a better future. You need to make sure that you get the right one that will suit your needs and tastes better.

Try to consider these indicators when you get a new blind:

- What is the size of the windows and blinds what size do you need

- Is it curtains will be the best option for the Windows operating system and what your one will suit them more than others?

It is important that the plan, which one you think will look better and then make sure that you get the right measurements. It can be frustrating to get curtains home only to find out that they are either too large or too small. Blinds can generally be useful and it can really help you to maintain your privacy, but you need to make sure that you choose the right style and size to suit your needs window.

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Great Debate about Windows with Blinds or Windows with Curtains

How one can really make a good selection with so many options in the blinds and curtains in these days, which is good for their home? Options in the blinds and curtains are endless. There are many questions to ask yourself before you begin the arduous task of searching for curtains or blinds. If you can figure out if you want blinds or curtains before you head out to the store it will make the purchase a little less intimidating. This way you can focus on stores to choose one or the other. Picking out the curtains blinds flour or is all up to. The following tips can help determine whether curtains or blinds are best for your home.

There are five things you should consider when choosing curtains or blinds:

Location: There are many things to consider in regards to the location of your window treatment. Are the windows in a high traffic area where you can get grubby? Is the window treatments in the room that has a lot of moisture, such as a bathroom or kitchen? Is a window in the area with kids and pets play? Site may just be the most important consideration when deciding whether to choose curtains or blinds. You certainly do not want to get dramatic floor length curtains in a room occupied by a busy kitten.

- Kitchens have natural light and sometimes messes. Most of the time it is useful to have curtains that will not be easy to remove and clean of dirt, grease and production kitchens. Also, the kitchen is not necessarily a need to prevent the spot of light curtains that tend to do.

- In the bedroom, however, block the natural light is out and one of the most important things to consider. Choose shades seem like a natural choice because they block out most of the light and will provide a more favorable environment for sleep.

Purpose: Are Coverings serve a purpose? They do not need to block or control the lighting? Are you installed for the sole purpose of privacy? Is there a breeze or some type of moisture that need to be blocked? Are Coverings for decoration only? Identify the purpose for which your shish will serve is going to make a big difference in the final decision on what to buy.

- If you're looking for fresh air curtains are a better option. You can drag them back to allow air and light in it.

- If you are deliberately trying to prevent moisture we have, and are looking for curtains maximum privacy seems to be the best option for your window treatments.

Aesthetics / Decor: This is the fun part of picking out window treatments. What is the look and feel you are hoping to benefit from the application window treatments to your home?

- Are you looking for something modern? Do you want sleek lines and solid colors?

- Perhaps the country or classical is more your style? Do you think wood blinds or curtains rooster is the look you are trying to get? This is the part that only your eyes matter. Of course, we must remember that compliment the room already landed.

Health: This is something I'm sure you did not consider when choosing between the blinds and curtains but incredibly important.

- Curtains tend to be attractive to flick even if someone in your home has a severe allergy to it is probably best to stay away from curtains.

- Curtains are much easier to keep dust free. Dry Cleaning and Laundry regular care is all most curtains need to keep them free of excess dander and allergens.

Price: Although you can find window treatments in all price ranges it is still something to consider.

- Curtains can be found from $ 2.99 and up. You need to consider the wear and tear when the curtains pricing. More cheap curtains of plastic that have a tendency to break easily. Blinds that are made of hard plastic or wood are considerably more durable and still relatively inexpensive. In a nice part about blinds is that they usually come with all the hardware that is needed to be installed making curtains relatively cheaper than curtains.

- Curtains are a bit more expensive due to the expense of hardware. So if you find affordable blinds you're still looking at how you are going to hang them. Devices for the installation of blinds is another account into account when choosing curtains.

It is a hard decision between blinds and curtains. What will you decide?

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