So that you are protected from prying eyes, it is nice and dark to sleep and of course, windows need curtains, roller blinds, shutters, pleated blinds or Venetian blinds for decoration. What suits which requirements?
Below are the suggestions for your windows
1. Venetian blinds: slats perfect for the study
The blind has adjustable slats so that the incidence of light from outside can be perfectly regulated. In addition, it offers protection from the sun and prying eyes and can be raised or lowered with the help of a drawstring.
There is a so-called turning rod to bring the slats into the right position. A blind can be attached directly to the window frame – either with screws or with a clamp bracket for hanging. Alternatively, it is also directly in the window reveal.
The slats are available in different widths, made of different materials, for example, aluminum, plastic or wood, and in countless colors.
Since most blinds still allow light into the room despite the closed slats, they are less suitable for a bedroom that is to be completely darkened.
They score points in the study because, depending on the angle of inclination of the slats, they ensure glare-free daylight in the workplace without darkening the room too much.
2. Curtains: Not so “grandma-like” at all
The curtain is the classic among window decorations. It consists of two parts – the store and the decorative scarf.
The blind is a semi-transparent, mostly white or at least very light-colored lower curtain that can be drawn shut and blocks views from outside. The decorative scarf, attached to the side of the window, primarily serves a decorative purpose. However, it can also be assembled so that the two lengths of fabric can be pulled toward the middle.
A curtain rod or a thin steel cable is used for hanging. Both are attached to the wall or ceiling with a bracket.
For a long time, curtains were wrongly considered stuffy and “grandma-like.” But with fine cotton fabrics or natural linen, they give modern rooms, in particular, a soft nonchalance.
Pro Tip: If you switch on a small table lamp between the blind and the window when it’s dark, you keep unwanted looks out, even without pulling your scarves.
3. Roller blinds: sun protection and privacy protection
A roller blind is sun and privacy protection and can be operated easily and conveniently. It is either tensioned at the side by a rope guide or at the bottom by a weight on the hem. So it doesn’t swing back and forth in front of the window – for example, in a light (draft) wind.
It is mounted on the wall, on the ceiling or directly on the window frame. Caution: The denser and heavier the fabric, the thicker the blind will be when rolled up.
The choice of fabric is huge. It is advisable to match the color of the roller blind to the room design. A neutral white is a good alternative if you want it to stay in the background. Depending on the place of use, the fabric can be coated. In the bathroom, make it water-repellent. In the bedroom so that it is opaque.
Pro Tip: You can buy roller shades in Canada also for your windows.
4. Shutter: Suitable for almost any window shape
American shutters have been in vogue for a few years and create a holiday feeling in your four walls. These are internal shutters with or without a vertical push rod. They are available in different slat widths and regulate the incidence of light and originally also the air supply indoors.
Depending on the type of wood and color, you can give the room a completely different atmosphere: dark wood perfectly underlines the exotic colonial style. Light woods create a Mediterranean look. Painted white, they are reminiscent of the stylish vacation homes on Long Island.
Shutters are suitable for almost any window shape. Even round, sloping or triangular windows can be very elegantly clad with them. Moreover, if they are made of plastic, they offer an attractive solution for window cladding in damp rooms.
5. Pleated blinds: accordion in front of the window
The pleated blind is a real all-rounder – it offers privacy and sun protection and, thanks to its rail system, can also cover individual areas of the window if required. It is installed on the window frame or directly on the window glass with millimeter precision.
It can be operated from both sides, i.e., from above and below, if tightly clamped. You can pull the folds as far apart as you want, like an accordion.
This technique allows multiple fabrics to be combined. For example, you can stretch a translucent and blackout fabric together. Depending on requirements and the time of day, daylight enters the room more or less. Two colors can be combined to match the color scheme.
Pro tip: With the so-called honeycomb blind, the folds consist of air chambers that keep the room heat and can save on heating costs.
6. Panel curtains: Potential room dividers
With panel curtains, wafer-thin vertical panels of fabric protect from the sun and unwanted views. Particularly wide window fronts benefit from their purist look because a different form of decoration can quickly appear bulky and overloaded there.
Panel curtains are attached to a rail system with Velcro. The floor-length panels of fabric, available in different widths, are weighted down at the bottom hem so that they hang down smoothly. Since several strips can be mounted behind or next to each other, various possible combinations of fabrics and colors exist.
Depending on the coating, they are dirt-repellent or washable. Varied color and material combinations or eye-catching patterns offset the strictness of this system. Punched motifs ensure great light and shadow play.
In conclusion, the choice of window covering ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your space. Venetian blinds are perfect for the study, while curtains are versatile and can be styled to fit modern rooms. Roller blinds offer sun and privacy protection and are suitable for most window shapes, while shutters can create a holiday feel and work well for damp rooms. Pleated blinds are a real all-rounder and allow different fabrics to be combined, while panel curtains are ideal for wide window fronts and potential room dividers. With so many options available, you can find the perfect window treatment to suit your needs and style.
