Decorating
a home is not for those who are hard pressed to make decisions. From wall color
and flooring to furniture and window treatments, you must choose and coordinate
every surface and fabric down to the last detail. Below are a few definitions
of window treatment terminology to help you get ahead on something that is
usually last on the list.
Blinds
From wooden and plastic to vertical and
horizontal, blinds come in many sizes and colors. While functional for blocking
the sun or providing privacy, they usually tend not to lend anything aesthetic to your home.
Draperies
These are long fabric curtains that hang
or drape from a rod. They provide softness and sound absorbency in large,
mostly hard-surfaced rooms. However, they also obscure about a third of your
view and might not be the safest for homes with young children.
Valances
These do not typically cover an entire
window and are primarily decorative. They are affixed to the top of a window
and can come in almost any material or shape.
When decorating, many people get carried
away with something they saw in a magazine, but you need to be practical when
choosing window treatments. Consider the room’s purpose and how the outdoors
impact that space. Below is a functionality checklist.
Privacy
Take a walk around your house during the
day and at night. Notice what rooms you can see into clearly or what ones are
obscured by shrubs. Any windows on the first floor should include blinds or
thick floor-length curtains to provide privacy. If the windows are up high or
covered by trees, then you don’t need to be as concerned about neighbors seeing
in.
Consistency
While each room in your home might have
a different look, from the outside you’ll want the window treatments to have
some sort of consistency or symmetry. If you have two windows framing your
front door, then make sure the valances match in shape, even if they are
different fabrics on the inside.
Safety
If you have small children, consider
cordless shades. Blind cords seem to have magnetic draw for tiny tots, and they
can be extremely dangerous.
Maintenance
Know your cleaning habits. Whether
you’re a weekly duster or the quick-clean-before-company type, make sure you
pick the right fabric or blinds to fit your lifestyle.
Interested
in selling your Charleston area home? Visit: www.jeffcookrealestate.com
-Jeff Cook
Jeff Cook Real Estate
Charleston, SC
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