Today, people have so many options for window treatments that it can be challenging to decide which ones to get for their homes. What’s more, even interior decorators use terms like “drapes,” “curtains,” “shades,” and “blinds” interchangeably, as if they were synonyms. Although these four types of window treatments come in a range of styles, each has distinct features. Here’s how you can tell these furnishings apart.
The Basics of Curtains
This window treatment consists of fabric panels often sold in pairs. Curtains come in a wide range of colours, widths, and lengths. Curtain manufacturers also use a variety of fabrics, which means a rich selection of patterns and textures. Because of the variations available with curtains, they are popular for all room types, from kitchens to bathrooms.
Curtains hang from rods, which could be either plain or decorative. There are several options for hanging curtains; some have metal grommets, others have metal or fabric rings, and others have fabric sleeves, either on the top or at the back of the panels.
Some curtains are made of lightweight, sometimes sheer fabrics, and are suitable for pairing with heavier window treatments or adding softness and femininity to a space. Others are in bold colours or have striking patterns, making them perfect accent pieces.
What to Know About Drapes
Similar to curtains, drapes are fabric panels typically sold in pairs. The difference between them is that drapes are lined, often with heavy fabric that blocks out light. Drapes are also long enough to span the length of a window, sometimes even puddling on the floor beneath it. It is common for drapes to come in luxurious fabrics like silk, damask, and velvet.
Although drapes can also come in different styles and colours, they are often solid rather than patterned. The tops of this window treatment are pleated, and drapes often hang from grommets, rings, or a fabric sleeve, just like curtains.
What to Know About Shades
Shades are soft fabric panels attached at the upper edge to frames or rods. These window treatments are individually sold, and they come in several types of fabric. Unlike drapes or curtains, shades are made to fit within the window frame. You have to raise the shade using a lifting mechanism, roller, or cord to see outside or let in the light.
There are simple roller shades that are inexpensive and functional rather than decorative. Roman shades, which pull up into pleats, are more stylish, as are balloon and tie-up shades. Many people like to use fabric shades with valances or underneath sheer curtains, which adds visual interest to the entire window. Like curtains, shades can be brightly coloured or come in bold patterns and textures.
The Basics of Blinds
Although blinds lift up and down just like shades, they aren’t solid lengths of fabric. Blinds are typically made of wood or vinyl slats called louvres that tilt open or closed. You can also make louvres from aluminum or bamboo, and some places sell custom blinds made to fit perfectly over your windows, no matter the size.
It’s necessary to lift the entire blind if you’re opening the window underneath. Otherwise, you can tilt the louvres closed if you want privacy. Blind slats generally come in three sizes—half-inch or one-inch slats, called mini blinds, or two-inch ones, also known as Venetian blinds.
Usually, blinds come in different colours and wood tones, but they aren’t patterned. Topping them with valances or sheer curtains can soften their look. Finally, although horizontal louvres are the most common, there are also blinds with vertical slats, which homeowners use on sliding glass doors or large sliding windows.
Conclusion
When decorating your home, it’s essential to know the different terms for decorative items like window treatments. You’d want your surroundings to recharge you, especially after a long day at work or school, and having the precise terms for furnishings lets you find the best ones for your purposes.
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