Buying Guide

The right window treatment in a room can add drama, create a privacy screen from the outside world, make a room quieter, or simply add a bit of color and fun. But how do you know what to choose? There are 4 basic factors to start with; privacy, light control, function and style.

Privacy

Because windows allow others to look inside your home, coverings and treatments can help in adding privacy to your room. Here a few suggestions:

•  Roman / Roller blinds – generally offer complete window coverage.

•  Curtains – when closed, will completely block the view. Adding lining will add to the opacity and durability.

•  Sheer voiles/nets – good for day time privacy, but on their own at night will mean passers can see through with indoor lighting on. A good way around this is to also have roller blinds underneath the sheers for privacy after dark of a pair of curtains on top.

•  Wood blind – will provide a degree of privacy. There is a possibility that at certain angles you can see through the slats.

Light Control

The primary function of windows is to provide natural light. However, the control of this natural light falls upon window treatments. Keeping glare down is necessary when someone is sleeping during the day, watching TV, or working at a desk on a sunny day.

Sun rays can also fade fabrics, furniture and artwork; eventually causing fibres to breakdown and rot. Window coverings can be used to successfully control light. Here are a few suggestions:

•  Blackout roman / roller blinds – these will fully darken and block out any light to your room.

•  Metal / Wood Venetian blinds – can be tilted to keep sun light from entering your room whilst keeping the view and light from being completely blocked.

•  Natural blinds – such as our bamboo and wicker blinds will filter the light and cut down on much of the glare.

Function

Consider your needs for window hardware, placement and safety considerations, both when deciding what you want and when you purchase.

Do you need cord controls on the left side to be able to reach them on a blind? Will you require light blocking blinds for a child during the day? Are your windows so small that you'll want to mount window treatments outside of the window frame?

Long curtains can be a tempting plaything for pets and a hazard in for young children as they learn to walk and grab anything in sight. It might be better to go with blinds or curtains that stay up off the floor.

There are many considerations that need to be taken prior to your decision. If in doublt, please do contact us for some advise.

Style

This is the fun part of window treatments. Here is where you can choose colours, fabrics and styles that will add to the beauty of your room.

You'll want to first decide on the mood you want for the room. Do you want it to be casual? romantic? formal? The mood you choose will influence the type of fabric and style for your window treatments. Add interest to windows by repeating fabrics and colors used in other parts of your room. Or, add a dash of style with contrasting borders. The unique touches you add to your window treatments are a reflection of your personal style.

•  Curtains have options in heading styles with tab tops, tie tops, eyelets and many types of pleats.

•  Fabric Blinds, i.e roman and rollers, are available in co-ordinating fabrics to suit your needs.

•  Metal Blinds offer alternatives in slat size and are available in hundreds of colours.

•  Wood Blinds come in a variety of colours, finishes, slat sizes.

•  Natural Blinds have a natural fabric-like appearance.

Curtains provide a room with a finished look as well as keeping out sunshine, preventing upholstered furniture from fading and keeping in warmth during winter. Our range of ready made curtains are available in a variety of widths, weights and designs ensuring the right look to co-ordinate with your style of room.

Window blinds can be as eye catching as curtains, especially in modern homes. They are practical, durable and cost-effective. The style and material you choose depends on a number of factors; you may want to block out light or keep heat in, or you may be looking for a specific kind of blind to provide a backdrop to curtains.

Whatever your preference for window treatments, you're sure to find many options to meet your home's requirements for privacy, light control, function, and style.