If you caught last week's lesson on window treatments, you learned to not be afraid to experiment with the different types of window coverings, including shades, drapes, and plantation shutters. You also learned how to determine what you want your windows to be able to do for you. This week's lesson teaches us to look for the ways in which we plan on using our window treatments.
The Usage of Your Window Treatments
When choosing window treatments, decide whether they will remain stationary most of the time or if they need to be opened and closed each day. For example, in the family room, you may want an open view during the daytime and privacy at night. Be sure to choose a window treatment that you can easily operate by hand, or choose a motorized option.
I’ll never forget a home we rented temporarily that had a large bank of windows in the family room covered with seven heavy roman shades. Every morning, I had to heft up each shade by hand and secure the cord. Then, every evening I had to release the cords and lower all seven shades. It got to be quite a hassle! Plantation shutters would have been much easier since they can be tilted open or closed with just a touch.
MOTORIZATION
Great strides have been made in window treatment motorization lately. Most blinds and shades can be operated with a simple battery pack in the headrail and a remote control. If you have a very large shade, its weight may require the use of an electrical outlet, but it can still be easily operated with a convenient remote. Speak to your window treatment dealer about exciting new options.
Proper Direction To Open And Close Your Window Treatments
Many people choose window treatments based on how they look standing still. However, window treatments are constantly in motion and this motion should be considered when making your decision.
HORIZONTAL VS. VERTICAL
Let’s consider a sliding glass door. You may love the look of woven wood shades and select the perfect pattern and color. You probably assumed it would need to be mounted from the top and lower down over the glass. What happens when you need to open the door just a crack and step outside? You have to lift the entire shade, which can be quite cumbersome.
Did you know that woven wood shades can also be mounted vertically? That means that they can stack side to side, allowing you to open one side just a crack to allow access to the sliding glass door. Gone are the days of vertical blinds being the only choice for sliding glass doors. Check out the Hunter Douglas Vertiglide for a honeycomb option (the company just introduced a new upscale line of color choices), Skyline gliding panels, The B&W Averte, and of course drapery panels and sheers.
OBSTACLES
Always evaluate your window or door opening for obstacles that may be in the way of opening and closing your window treatments. Plantation shutters generally swing open on hinges, so a cabinet, a bookshelf or a kitchen faucet might be in the way. Certain shutters can be installed as a “pop-in” panel with magnets for easy removal around obstacles. Also be on the look out for crown moulding or sprinkler heads near ceiling height. These might affect the operation of the blinds, shades or shutters, as well as the ability to install them with proper clearance.
Join us for our next lesson later this week, where we will be talking about how to keep your window treatments consistent and safe throughout your entire home.
