Speaking of function… April 11, 2008

…it is a very important factor to think about when purchasing window coverings.  As previously stated, I only use the window coverings in bedrooms.  In those rooms I need a product that will stand up to daily use, hard abusive daily use.  I am usually going 110 m.p.h. at all times, have way too much to do, not enough time to do it all in, a family with small kids who like to help, and I have never been the dainty type who takes extra special care with things.  For those reasons I have wood blinds in all the bedrooms, they hold up to my daily use.  In addition to wood blinds, I have drapery panels and valances; the panels can be pulled into use to further enhance the room darkening effect. 

My living room only has cornices; I didn’t desire any functional purpose from the window coverings in that room.  That room is often full of friends, family and many children I liked the idea of nothing being in the way.  It is a clean polished look and I happened to locate the “perfect” fabric!  There are many options if you love your view but need to block out the late afternoon sun, many products can tuck up underneath a top treatment to be out of view when not in use.

So, find the window covering product that will match the function needs of your room 1^st, then you can layer on other products to give you the custom decorated look you desire.

 

Start Thinking April 5, 2008

What is your room used for?

The use of your room is a very important factor.  Window coverings in a media room would be fundamentally different than those say on a kitchen window.  I use the privacy feature my wood blinds offer in my bedroom all the time.  I close them each evening as I am getting ready for bed.  This keeps any unfortunate soul from accidentally catching me changing into my PJ’s!  The room darkening feature of the traversing lined draperies keeps the sun from waking me earlier than my alarm actually does.  Other than bedrooms, I rarely ever touch window coverings.  I know others (mainly some family members who will remain unnamed) that close every window covering in their home each and every night, only to walk around and open them all in the morning!  That’s just ludicrous to someone like me, but might sound heavenly to you. 

Every window covering offers beauty and design, but if you also need function then you need to state what you want out of the window coverings in each room.  I personally take into consideration beauty, design and function in the bedrooms.  I want privacy and a certain amount of light control on the weekends.  In other parts of my house I am purely concerned with beauty and added design.  What are your needs in each of the rooms in your home?

Get Over It April 5, 2008

I’ve tried to rationalize my fear, figure it out and conquer it.  In many houses and many rooms I have successfully done just that, and have reaped the rewards.  It takes a bit of time, determination and sometimes outside help.  Yes, even professionals need outside assistance/reassurance at times.  There are some relatively painless ways to discover what window coverings should be in your room.  I will touch on a few, go into detail on others, and I might even wander off point at times too.  So bear with me.

Factors you need to address;

Room-what is the room used for?

Function-what do you need the covering to accomplish?

Size/shape-what size and shape are your windows?

Style-traditional, modern, neo-classical, country, French colonial, etc?

Color-neutral, natural, trendy?

Your past- your choices and the results from previous large purchases.