Windows Privacy

Jude Wright asked:


Bay windows, or window spaces that project outward from the main walls of a building and forming a square or polygonal “bay” in a room, can add great elegance to a home.

They are usually associated with Victorian architecture and can give the illusion that the room they’re in is larger than it actually is. This type of window can also increase the flow of natural light to a room and provide views of the outside that would not normally be available with an ordinary window.

However, while having its advantages, you may have trouble trying to figure out how to dress them up and make them more of an integrated part of the rooms they’re in, being that they essentially “stick” out from the rest of the room. Here are some ideas to help you bring your bay windows “back into the room.”

If you wish to emphasize your bay windows with a clean-lined, contemporary style, drawing attention to each individual window with its own custom-fitted Roman shade will help to accentuate the window’s linear quality. You can choose between a soft Roman shade, one which has soft, overlapping folds when the shade is lowered, and a flat Roman shade, which has no folds when lowered.

At the same time, the shade’s permanent pleats help to add a horizontal element to balance the window’s strong vertical linear nature. You can choose whether you want to mount the Roman shades inside the window frame to emphasize the architecture of the window or if you want to put the Roman shades outside the window frame to present a tailored look to the window.

Another way to utilize your bay windows is to have them complement, but not compete with, other elements in your room, such as your bed or furniture. You could embellish the bay windows by creating a cornice (a decorative box frame that is often made of wood and is attached directly to the wall above a window in order to conceal hardware) and cover or paint it. You could also add some short curtains that cover the lower half of the window if you wish to have more privacy and less light coming into the room.

You could also make the bay windows the focal point of the room by using a valance (a decorative panel of fabric used often at the tops of draperies and curtains to conceal hardware) to help unite the bay windows into one unified group, which makes them the focal point of a room. This is often a great idea if you have many romantic elements in a room, as the presence of the bay windows often adds to the romantic elegance of a room, especially if the valance matches or tastefully blends with the furnishings of the room.

Another way to add romance to a room with bay windows is to use accordion shades (shades that look much like accordions and can be either raised from the bottom, lowered from the headrail, or both,) and have layers of spring-colored fabric over the bay window. This not only adds more color to the room, but their soft form gives the architecture a softer appearance. The accordion shades help to control how much light and privacy the room has at any given time.

As you can see, you have many options to help make the bay windows an integral part of the rooms they are in. You can either incorporate them with the rest of the room’s furnishings or make them stand out and be the focal point of the room. While they can initially be challenging to work with, with just a little ingenuity and imagination, your bay windows can transform the room they’re in into a more elegant and inviting room.



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Lee Stevens asked:


Check this out to get some practical window treatment ideas for your own home. Guides to the do’s and dont’s. They should give you some food for thought before you leap in and get started. (the other option……………..brick your window up and have done with it. What do you think?)

Answers to a Tall and Narrow window?

My window treatment ideas for this kind of window. Set the curtains wider than you would normally. This gives the illusion of a wider window. Make the rod or track around 30cm wider each side of your window. Rather than the usual 20cm. Then when you open your curtains don’t push them back as far as you would normally.

Wide window causing a problem?

Window treatment ideas for this kind of window are to not set the curtains to wide off the window. Probably only 15cm at most. Even though you have a lot of fabric to stack back when they open. You can use tie backs to hold them off the window. Another option is to use a thinner fabric.

Another thing that works well to give the window height is a valance or pelmet. Only rather than the usual 20cm depth make it 30 -35cm deep and fix it higher on the wall. So with the curtains not set to wide and a deeper top treatment this gives the illusion of a squarer window.

The dreaded arched windows!

Best window treatment ideas for arched windows. Most folks find this style of window a real pain.

It can be as simple or as complicated as you want to make it.

The easiest thing to do is so simply fit a curtain rod straight across over the window and hang a pair of curtains. Just simply treat it like any other window.

If you want to work with the shape (talk about making life hard for yourself) and have curved top curtains that drapes back into tie backs, then this what you must do. On the width measure every 15cm across the window put markers on the window sill. Then note the full window width.

Next measure and make a note of both outside straight edges up to where the arch starts. Finally at each of the markers on your window sill measure straight up from the sill to where the tape measure touches the curve. make a note for a these vertical measurements. It’s a good idea to make a quick sketch of the window and jot your sizes next to the places where you measured.

If someone is making the curtains for you just give them the sizes as measured. If your having a go at making yourself then (take a tranquilizer) you need to multiply all your width sizes by 2.5 to allow for gather.

What to do with a door curtain!

Window treatment ideas for doors. Normally you would have a single curtain drawing back to the hinge side of your door. It makes a lot of sense to have the curtain tied back. (otherwise your door curtain will end up flapping like supermans cape every time someone opens the door on a windy day)

Sometimes there is not enough room on the hinge side of the door for the curtain to stack back off the door properly. You can have the curtain draw back the opposite way as long as you have room to draw the curtain completely clear of the door.

If you only have a small space on the hinge side of your door and no room the other side. Then the best option is to have an eyelet curtain on a rod with 1.5 X width of the door. This will stack back into a very small space.

Kitchen window Ideas

Window treatment ideas for kitchens. Your over sink curtains should be a few cm’s short of the work surface even if this means just reaching the window sill. Also generally tied back to avoid splashes. (your kitchen floor will still end up flooded when the kids wash up after dinner, but at least your curtains should stay dry)

Another suggestion is don’t use curtains and if you need privacy then fit a roller blind with moisture resistant fabric.

Another thing to consider if you really do want curtains is having unlined curtains made of a good polycotton fabric. This will enable you to launder your curtains whenever they get cooking smells on them.

Great Ideas for you bathroom

Window treatment Ideas for your bathroom. If you have a window over a bath or shower. Then don’t bother with curtains full stop. It will be a complete waste of time and effort.

Really the only practical thing to do is fit a roller blind with a moisture resistant fabric.

If your window is away from the bath or shower then go for it and have some curtains. Even still keep them short and have them unlined. also pick a fabric that will launder well and dry well if they become damp with steam in the bathroom. Polycotton fabric are very good for this.

One last idea is to have a polyester sheer curtain on a rod drawn right across your window and scooped back into a hold back arm that matches your curtain rod. Dressed properly this can look very soft and feminine. Whilst giving you some privacy.

Patio doors and French doors!

Window treatment ideas for patio and French doors. these are great windows to have allowing lots of light into your room.

One of the drawbacks can be lack of privacy on occasion, or the sun maybe a problem.

An easy way to solve this is to fit a sheer curtain on its own rail fixed in the window recess behind your proper curtains. You can then open and close them to suit.

Panel track blinds a really great idea for large windows like this. They are very modern and contemporary. They can be opened and closed by moving the panels by hand or by pulling a cord. Just like a standard corded curtain rail.

The proper panel tracking system is a fairly pricey piece of kit. There are other ways of getting a similar look. I am sorting out some info on this and will put a new article out very soon

I hope this helps you with your “odd” shaped window.



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daveclark asked:


Contemporary window treatments symbolize a smart new unfussiness in your exterior decoration. Away from the minimalist fashion of simply plain, it professes a crisper, cleaner and advanced decor for your home windows. Contemporary window treatment ensures an unsullied look than ever courtesy an astonishing array of ultra-modern shutters, fabrics, shades, blinds and decorative hardware available in an assortment of ranges of colors and chicks.

These treatments depend on your choice from a wide collection of newly available design possibilities to resolve the function of every window ensuring a better care and treatment for the window. Various factors like privacy, the view, light control, ventilation and energy competence are to be taken care.

A well selected window treatment suits not only the window, but also combine it with the rest of the room and adds to the sagacity of harmony. To have this you can refer to the following suggestions.

The window shutters rarely need a fabric valance or hangings to dress them up. These should be attractive, help normalize light, shield and robust to fit almost any décor fort their simplicity and clean lines. Even if you can avail it in numerous colors and stains, painted shutters look best only when painted same as the rest of the window casing. When you are doing the fitting yourself, go for an outside mount to make installation better. Leave space to swing open or roll back the shutter panels.

Go for following shutter styles:

Traditional shutters with l-l/4 inch variable louvers

Plantation shutters with wider louvers varying from about 2-l/2 to 4-l/2 inches wide

Café shutters make a good option if you want to swathe just the lower half of a window. Double-hung tiered sets can wrap a window completely, giving you more ways to fiddle with light and privacy.

Wood shutters offer a superior selection of louver widths, frame styles, stains or colors, but are typically more posh than vinyl.

Quality vinyl shutters provide a realistic option. They are easier to clean, moisture resistant and won’t crack, peel, fade or deteriorate like wood, although color selection is usually limited to white or ivory.

Trendy high-tech styles and materials flood the market. Because they often carve up materials, it’s difficult to discern between shades and blinds. The more popular types are:

ROMAN SHADES

available in flat-fold or teardrop styles

ready-made in a variety of colors and materials

made of woven fabric that looks and feels like drapery

Features loosely folded, horizontal pleats usually 4 to 6 inches deep

WOVEN-WOOD SHADES

made from bamboo, matchsticks, hemp, jute, woven reeds, grasses and other natural or natural-looking materials

require more stacking space than pleated or honeycomb styles

VENETIAN (HORIZONTAL) BLINDS

wide assortment of colors

sizes from l-inch mini-blinds and l/2-inch micro blinds to 2-inch aluminum macro blinds

stack compactly above window

PLEATED SHADES

stack compactly above window for maximum view

pleats are usually one inch

hide completely under curtains when fully raise

available in various colors, textures and fabric styles, including faux marble, paper, antique satin and lace

for a clean look use a solid color or tone-on-tone patterns

HONEYCOMB (CELLULAR) SHADES

layers of fabric are pleated accordion-style in honeycomb shapes

available in single, double and triple cell designs

air-cushioned fabric layers provide exceptional insulation

new honeycomb shades have no exposed cords

pleats range in size from 3/8 inch to 2 inches

The above are just a few suggestions, play around with ideas and your sure to find the look that best suites you and your home.



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Jayesh Bagde asked:


Window shades give a very unique and distinctive design to your home. They also help the homeowners to lessen their energy cost by keeping and allowing the use of natural sunlight. Window shades provide warm and comfortable ambiance to keep you relaxed as you stay in your room.

Window shades are available in an extensive collection of styles, colors, and designs. They are created from a plethora of textures, materials, and sizes, too. So whether you want to control the sunrays or utterly thwart it out, window shades can grant you with generous options. You can either give your home surroundings a simple, clear-cut look or a sophisticated effect.

Giving you much needed privacy, window shades can aid you lessen your electric costs by allowing the use of natural sunlight. The solar window shade permits sunlight to enter the room and if you desire to have less light, you can easily pull down the chain cord. Those made of bamboo, even entirely closed, let small amounts of sunlight to touch portions of your room. Cloth woven or sheltered window shades that slightly drag up allow ample light to flow through at the underside. Regulating the amount of sunlight escaping into your room all through daytime hours, aids in causing the preferred aura.

Likewise, window shades are wonderful, versatile ornaments of a home. They can go well together with practically all styles of decorations and architecture. They can be solid or patterned, curved or leveled, and opaque or clear. Shades can also be plain and clean lined or can be greatly enhanced and elaborately shaped. There are special types of window shades for different kinds of settings. Shades of assorted types normally express diverse meanings. It may be comfortable and relaxed, sleek and modern, warm and homey, and the like. You can decide what nature of looks you want in your room. They are adornments that enable people to quite discern who you are, too.

Here are some of most popular window shades:

Thermal Roman Shades

These include roman shades, bamboo roman, and fabric roman shades. The sizes alter depending on the height of your window.

• protects your residence from the cold and heat

• 100% cotton duck

• room darkening thermal panes

• Optional 7 inches valance

• Window needs to be 1-3/4 inches deep for flush interior support.

• Auto-locking pull twine

Cordless Cellular Shade

• Complete cordless, insulating and privacy solution

• To lower or lift, hold the bottom rail and arrange the shade right where you want

Saratoga Blackout Roller Shade

• Printed vinyl having a fabric appearance

• Precisely trimmed to the width required (15 inches to 73-1/4 inches wide)

• Tough spring roller device enables for modifying shade to any desired elevation

• Obstructs and controls natural light to allow privacy

• Has fringed or infringed base hem

• Has length suited to windows that are 66 inches long

• Window must be no less that ¾ inches in depth for interior mount and 2-1/4 inches depth for flush interior mount

Closeout Montana Roman shades

• Automatic lock cord allows for lowering or raising the unit to preferred height

• Includes installation hardware and vacuum for trouble-free cleaning

• 7/8 inches deep for inside mount and 1-5/8 inches deep for flush mount

Cordless Pleated Shade

• Can be easily lifted and dropped by means of manually moving the shade and requires no cords. This makes it a perfect alternative for homes with little kids.

• Fitted tension spring allows for easy shift of the shade

• Lets a little amount of light to go through

• Window ought to be no less than 1-3/8 inches deep for interior mount and 2-1/4 inches for flush mount

Best selling Savannah Roman Shade

• Made of lightweight, 100% polyester

• Shades are light-filtering and have a non-woven backing to help provide privacy and light control

• Includes attached 7″ valance

• Window must be at least 3/8 inches D for interior mount and 1-3/8 inches D for flush interior mount

• Pull cord with auto-lock mechanism controls unit height

Kennedy Bamboo Grommet-top Panels

• Made from 100% bamboo

• Bamboo is a renewable natural resource

• Hang on decorative rod or pole

Corsica Sheer

• Sheer voile with a splendid jacquard stripe plus a fastened scroll style

• Washable polyester

• Well-ventilated, soft and accepts natural light

• provides a modern French Provencal touch

Custom Quincy Roman

• With the lavish touch of silk

• Highlighted with beaded fringe trim

• Automatic locking pull twine



Kansieo.com

Melisa Verch asked:


Whether your dream room is formal and filled with fabulous antiques or if it  is cozy and sporting worn leather, you can complete the vision with carefully planned window treatments.

Privacy, protection from the sun and energy efficiency rank high on the list  of consumer needs for their windows. Blinds and shutters will provide this practical layer of window treatments. Purchase the best that your budget will  allow because constant opening and closing will wear on the mechanisms that work these coverings.

Let the (Partial) Sun Shine In

Often we want to enjoy the sun streaming into our home or the view of the trees outside our window but we still want the privacy of a covered window. The solution is installing shades with the top down/bottom up feature.

Simply put, they can be lifted from the bottom to give a view of the outside world but still allowing the lower half of the window to be covered. When  privacy is not a concern, they can be used as traditional horizontal blinds.

Top Down / Bottom Up Shades

I recommend these for your office or media room because they will minimize  the glare on your computer or television while maintaining a well lit room.

Do not underestimate the damage sun can do to your home and furnishings.  Window film can also be used to control the harmful UV rays that will fade your flooring, furniture and artwork.

This coating placed directly on the window panes will block out the heat and  deflect glare while allowing sunlight to safely come through the window. You can  purchase do it yourself kits or have it professional done.

Clothes For Your Windows

Now it is time to think about the fun layer of window dressing. A room looks  complete when you add great treatments. What is the style of your room? What  will it look like from the outside? Do you want them stationary or  functional?

Panels

Panels are as popular now as when your mother was decorating her home. The difference is the variety in headers.

* Grommets create a modern vibe. The panel has metal rings along the top that  threads on to your rod. They look best when used in areas they can remain stationary.

* Pinch pleats are strong in the custom treatment business. The most popular look is to hang them from metal or wooden rings. This look works well if you  want to open and close your curtains often.

* Tab tops are fun for casual rooms. The tabs can be of different colors, have added buttons or be adorned with tassels. They should be used on windows that you do not need to close the curtains.

Valances

Valances are strong in window treatment decor. They add a finished look over your blinds by hiding the mechanical header. Hang them high enough so that they cover the top casing but they do not block the sun streaming into your window.  There are so many styles of valances from box pleats to swags. Let your fabric design and the style of your room guide you on choosing the perfect valance.

Enter The Romans

My young clients seem to be drawn to roman shades. They can be easily lower when privacy is needed. When raised, they create a tailored look that works well in so many homes. They look great in a crisp cotton as well as a raw silk.

Window Treatment Crazy? Seek Professional Help

If you have a hard time visualizing the end results, choosing decorative window treatments can be daunting. A designer specializing in windows will take  you step by step through the process. They will give you access to resources  (fabrics, hardware, specialized blinds) that you would not be able to buy at  your local big box store. They will also help protect you from costly mistakes.

What kind of window treatments do I have in my upstairs office? Well, looking  at my windows I see delicate wispy strands of silk like material. Even though  the design is intricate and somewhat pretty, I think it is time to knock those  spider webs down! Until next time, enjoy more decorating ideas and video at my site below.



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