Guide to Window Fashions

1. Things to consider – before you order 2. How to measure 3. Glossary of window fashions 4. Help with your new window fashions

Things to consider – before you order

Window fashions can really make the room! Use them to add color and texture…and set the tone for your decorating style. Control light and temperature, provide privacy and frame a beautiful view.

Here’s all you need to know for the perfect windows in this handy guide.

The Best Choice for your Room.

Bathroom: Privacy is usually the largest issue when planning for window treatments in the bathroom. Shades or blinds provide adequate privacy and can be used with a fabric treatment that coordinates with the shower curtain and other bathroom accessories. If the window is close to a water source or humidity is a problem in your bathroom, washable items are best. Wood blinds are usually not a good choice for use in bathrooms.

Bedroom: Many of our Blair Home bedroom ensembles have coordinating window fashions offered with them for beautiful style made easy. For additional privacy, use blinds along with the coordinating window treatments to keep that soft decorator look.

Dining Room: Many dining rooms can be seen from, or are part of, the living room or another room, so you’ll want to coordinate your window fashions in all these adjoining rooms. Blair Home offers several options with many of our large window fashion programs so you can use the same fabric to create a cohesive look throughout the rooms while still being able to fit the different size windows in those rooms. Separate formal dining rooms can use similar window fashions to a formal living room.

Family Room: If a cozier look is the goal, a fabric treatment will add the softness and warmth you desire. A more contemporary atmosphere may look best with blinds, or a combination of blinds and a fabric treatment.

Kitchen: The kitchen is the heart of the home and should reflect your style and personality. Choose from a wide range of fun patterns and looks… or more understated neutral colors and designs. Keep in mind that fabrics used in kitchens should be washable. Blinds are also a good choice because they allow natural light in when desired and provide privacy when needed.

Living Room: Before you choose these window fashions, you must consider how casual or formal your living room will be. Draperies and accessories in elegant fabrics, such as antique satin or rich jacquards, can make the room inviting but formal. Our textured fabrics in tab tops, panels or pinch-pleated styles will have a comfortable, yet fashionable, flair when combined with great decorative rods and accessories. Sheers help filter some light and still keep your room bright and airy.

 

Location. Location. Location: What direction does your window face: north, south, east or west?? Southern exposure may require some protection from sun. Mini-blinds are a good choice for blocking out sun, but allowing light in when desired. Northern exposures in cold climates might need some additional insulation against cold. Layering your window fashions can help. Our thermal lined draperies are also an excellent choice for windows with northern exposure.

Space and size matter: Window fashions can help solve some design problems in your home. Look at your room without window treatments first to identify any problem areas.

If the window appears too small for the wall size, hang the rod so that it will extend on either side of the window. Hang wide panels and draw them to the inside edge of the window casement. The window will appear much wider.

If the window looks like it is too low on the wall, place the rod closer to the ceiling, above the top casement of the window. Measure before determining the rod placement on the wall, to ensure that the hem of the valance treatment will cover the top moulding of the window. With the drapery and valance in place, the window will appear to be hung at the correct height.

If your ceiling seems very low, use vertical blinds to give the illusion of height.

If your room has high ceilings, use horizontal blinds to “break up” the height in the room.

 

Just your style: The window fashions you choose should complement the architectural features of your home and reflect your personal style. If you don’t think your current window fashions are achieving the look you desire, additions to what you currently own could be the answer.

Tradition with a Twist: Give a traditional drapery a new contemporary feel by adding faux wood horizontal blinds or a Roman shade underneath.

Ahhh…Romance: Make your floral bedroom look even more romantic. Add some embroidered sheers under your floral curtains or draperies. Tie your draperies back to one side with a luxurious tassel. Add the matching embroidered sheer scarf over your current floral draperies and let it flow onto the floor. Very dramatic!

You Like to Keep it Simple: Add some great new decorative hardware to your easygoing window fashions to make a style statement without looking complicated.

Big Impact: Add a secondary color to your current windows fashions. If you have neutral sheers, purchase a scarf in an accent color chosen from your room décor. This will bring out the color in your room and add instant punch to your window.

 

1. Things to consider – before you order
2. How to measure
3. Glossary of window fashions
4. Help with your new window fashions