Decorating is one of the most fun parts of owning a home. It gives you the chance to make your environment inviting and aesthetically pleasing. It also allows you to add your own personal imprint. Window dressings can be merely decorative, but they can also be functional. During the summer, curtains and blinds can be more than just decorative. They can help keep the house comfortable and save on utility bills, as well. As good curtains and blinds can be quite costly, it is important to figure out what purposes they will serve before you place an order or make a purchase.
Form and Function
When choosing blinds and curtains– or anything for your home, for that matter– it is a good idea to first take into consideration the purpose for which you will be using that item. In the case of curtains and blinds, you should decide how they will fit into your décor. You should also consider if you need them to serve an additional utilitarian function such as blocking out the sun light. You may find curtains that match your bedroom and are lovely, but if they let the sun in when you are trying to sleep, they may not be worth the investment.
Window Decorating
If you are covering windows in a warehouse, the appearance would not matter. In your home, you will have to live with those window coverings day in and day out. You will also be subjecting guests to your curtains and blinds. What ever other purpose your curtains and blinds may serve, they should fit aesthetically into the landscape. They may be used to add a pop of color and accentuate some part of your decorating scheme. Or, they may quietly support the over-arching concept of your home. There are many choices when it comes to window coverings, so choose carefully.
Utility
Curtains and blinds can be more than just decorative. They can also serve a number of purposes. During the summer months, if you need to go to bed early, they can be used to keep the sun at bay. Similarly, during the summer months, solid, light-light blocking shades can prevent the early rising sun to wake you before the alarm does. Even better, heavy curtains, along with heat blocking window film, can create a sort of insulation against the heat of the summer sun.
Types of Blinds to Consider in the Summer
Blinds tend to be minimalist in appearance, which is great for a modern look. One exception to this would be Roman blinds. They have a little more leeway when it comes to decorative options. But here is a closer look at a number of different options for blinds.
- Roller Blinds — Their sleek design makes them perfect for a modern design. They can be made from translucent, screen or opaque material, depending on your tastes and can come in a variety of colors and sturdy fabrics.
- Roman Blinds — These can be made in any fabric the homeowner chooses and in several different sub-styles. The primary characteristic of the Roman blind is a piece of fabric that covers the window. When the string is pulled, the fabric gathers in a tidy collection to the top of the window. Depending on the size of the window, they may be gathered at each end or they may also be gathered in the middle as well. They may be fancy like Austrian Roman blinds or simple and neutral like paneled Roman blinds.
- Cellular Blinds — These are a pleated blind that can be raised or lowered. Depending on the material, they can allow moderate light while allowing homeowners to maintain their privacy or they can block out light completely.
- Venetian Blinds — Venetian blinds are simple and classic. It is no wonder that they are one of the most popular types of blinds around today. A flick of the wrist opens the blinds, allowing light to come in. Another flick, blocks out light completely. Depending on the type you purchase, they can be a cost conscious window covering, as well. Venetian blinds can be made with vinyl, aluminum, and even wood.
Curtains
Will you have a heavy block-out curtain to keep the sun out? Or will you choose something light and gauzy to let the light in but diffuse its intensity a bit? Will they be cute or utilitarian? Your curtains can serve multiple purposes. It is also a good idea to become familiar with what options are available. Once you know how they will fit into your design, what you want them to do for you and, and what your options are, it will be easier to find the right ones to meet your needs.
- Black-Out Curtains — Black-out curtains are lined with a special material to keep light out. They are especially popular for children’s rooms and home entertainment areas. They offer maximum protection from the summer sun and even absorb noise well, too.
- Lined Curtains — The weight of the lining in the curtains helps them to drape well. It also offers more protection from the sun than an unlined curtain. However, it does not offer the same protection as black-out curtains.
- Light Coloured Curtains — Lighter colors will reflect the sunlight as opposed to absorbing it the way that a darker color will. Make no mistake, however, this will still allow quite a bit of light to filter in.
- Layered Window Coverings — Layering types of window coverings will allow you maximum coverage and style. For example, you might have a venetian blind layered beneath a lovely curtain. You have the sun protection of the Venetian blind and the decorative touch of the curtain.
No matter what your goal for your window coverings this summer, they can serve both form and function. Take time to consider not only your design but the purpose you want your curtains and blinds to serve. Taking time to evaluate your needs and finding out what your options are will ensure that you get the curtains and blinds that are best for you.
