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Dec 06 2017

Window treatments Part 2: Blinds and shutters

When it comes to interiors, blinds and shutters really add a beautiful design element. In fact, they are so good looking that we tend to forget about their essential qualities. Blinds are also highly technical and perform very specific functions. They block excessive heat and cold, filter the sun rays, and provide privacy when needed.

With all the choices out there, how does one go about choosing the perfect blind that is adapted to the window, your specific need and the design style of the room? What essential questions should be answered before making a final choice?

window treatment

Which roll is your blind playing?

rolling shades

To begin with, you must establish the function. What are you expecting from your blinds? Do you need protection from the elements? Do you need to dim the light at certain times of the day? Would you like more privacy during daylight hours and/or privacy at night? Or do you simply want a decorative feature on the window?

Rolling shades principally block out bright sun rays. Much more flexible, horizontal or vertical blinds filter the sun but also preserve the view, and allow light and ventilation through.

Sliding panels

These panels have nothing to do with the vertical blinds of our youth. They are now available in an array of textures, patterns and colours. Depending on the degree and tightness of the weave, they filter more or less of the light, all while preserving the view outside.

They protect from the extreme hot or cold and provide different levels of privacy. The panels glide over one another, exposing a large window or door.

Sliding panels

Optical illusion, the Pirouette blind

Optical illusion, the Pirouette blind

These are not wood slats but rather a softly folded sheer textile that, when open, imitates the look of horizontal blinds. As one approaches the window, the transparent fabric backing behind each fold appears. These are an elegant alternative to traditional blinds.

With the Hunter Douglas Pirouette blind you can choose amongst several neutral colours, various textures (satin, linen and crepe) as well as different pulley systems.

Horizontal blinds

When they are fully open, they allow a maximum of light through the window as well as full exposure to the outside view. Lowered, the slats can be adjusted to increase or reduce the lighting as well as creating privacy from outside traffic. Fortunately, their style has been revamped: wider slats, a good selection of colours as well as diverse materials.

Choose imitation wood for high humidity areas because wood slats do not tolerate humidity very well in the bathroom. And be careful when choosing aluminum blinds; they tend to rattle loudly with the wind.

Horizontal blinds

Cellular shades

Cellular shades

Easily recognizable because of its honeycomb shape, these shades fuse function with style. Unique fabrics are layered together in the construction to create a distinctive look with superb energy efficiency bringing stunning practicality to each room in your home. The cellular shades come in multiple cell sizes, a horizontal or vertical orientation, and a range of light-control options from sheer to opaque.

Don’t hesitate in combining this shade with a good looking curtain or opting for a colour that coordinates with your decor rather than settling for a drab neutral.

The roman blind

Roman blinds are supple and elegant. At times they can be a little tricky to adjust if they are made from lighter fabrics, so these ones can be limited to areas where they don’t need to be handled too often. If you need to adjust them frequently, choose a sturdier fabric and double it with a fabric backing.

For bay windows, have the blinds made with clean edges and perfectly adjusted to the inside of each window frame. If a casual look is what you are going for, then opt for a lightweight fabric with softer folds.

The roman blind

Curtains with roman blinds

Curtains with roman blinds

Create a darker and more intimate room by layering different fabrics of varying tones or patterns. Another alternative is topping off the blind with a structured valance to complete the look.

If you plan on opening and closing the curtains often, choose metal tie-backs over fabric ones. If you prefer a contemporary style, stay away from tiebacks and valances, such as this bedroom.

Up and down

You would like to see outside while privately taking a bath? Lower the blind to expose only the upper part. Open the slats and they still filter some of the sun. These are also great for unusually shaped windows, as well as offering privacy for street-level rooms.

This one from Silhouette, Hunter Douglas is available in a multitude of fabrics and colours. You can also choose between 2 inch, 3 inch and 4 inch slats.

Up and down blinds

Solid shutters

Solid shutters

Add a touch of classic European elegance with solid wood shutters. Solid shutters can swing on a hinge, swivel, slide or fold. Indoor window shutters are highly functional, practical, stylish and timeless. These folding saloon style shutters can be adjusted in different ways, allowing more or less air into the room. In this bedroom we see how beautifully they can be painted to match any decor.

Shutters with slats

Slats are fabulous for controlling the amount of light you want as well as ventilation and privacy needs. With these Venetian slats, you can open one or both sides, partially or completely.

Fabricated out of wood or PVC, they are available in an array of colours, or natural wood if you prefer to paint them a unique colour. The slats are also available in various widths.

Shutters with slats

You would like to adopt some of these ideas in your own space but you don’t know where to start?

Contact us to transform your home or office according to your style, your budget and your specific needs. By discussing your project we can provide you with relevant information concerning our services, the process and our design fee.

Click here to contact us.

Written by Lucie Pitt · Categorized: Window Treatments · Tagged: blinds, curtains, shutters

Nov 13 2017

Window treatments Part 1 : Curtains and sheers

Curtains and sheers

Window treatment isn’t only stylish, but it is also beneficial for greater privacy as well as insulating from the cold in the winter and the excessive heat of summer. There is a vast array of options to help you update your space with elegance and add that final design touch.
Whether billowing sheers, decorative panels, heavy curtains, classic or daring styles, here are a few ideas to inspire you…

Sheers on a track

Soften up the hard edges of the room with ceiling-mounted sheers. Sheers have the advantage of dimming the natural light without over-encumbering the window with excessive fabric, colours or patterns. I often recommend sheers when privacy is not an issue during evening hours. They are also a great solution for hiding an ugly view such as a wall or alleyway. Naturally, you always have the option of opening them partially or 100%.

Sheers on a track
Sheers on a track

Because sheers are very pared back and minimalist in style, it may well be possible that you find there is a design element missing. In this case, go ahead and add a decorative panel at each end to add the final touch. By adding these panels as an extension over the wall, you can give the illusion of a wider window and you are not blocking any of the natural light. If you feel a need for greater privacy or light blockage, add a second pole with an opaque fabric curtain. With a sheer and a curtain, each on their own pole, you are certain to have the perfect dose of light or privacy throughout the day and night.

Heavy curtains

Even though most window treatments provide a measure of insulation, heavy curtain fabric offers the thickest barrier against the frigid cold of winter and the hot summer sun. The thicker the fabric, higher will the degree of insulation be. Heavier window fabric also has an acoustic factor that reduces noise from outside, ensures complete privacy and blocks 100% of the light coming in, especially when doubled with another backing layer.

Heavy curtains

For arched windows

For arched windows

Treat your irregular windows (arches, circles, diamonds etc) as though they were angled like regular windows. For higher ceilings, suspend the curtain rods as high as possible, so that when they are open, they really enhance the appearance of the architecture. For curtains suspended from a higher than normal height, make sure the sliding system is easy and fluid. And for ultra high curtain poles, the best way to go is with a motorized system.

For modern bay windows

Contrary to small windows, bay windows can quickly create a lack-of-privacy problem if they are not covered with opaque fabric during the evening hours. Choose curtains that are doubled with a backing of fabric so that you are guaranteed 100% privacy with people walking and driving by. This type of fabric is very warm and inviting and very practical for blocking out some of the winter chill. For a sleek, discreet and modern look, use ceiling tracks.

For modern bay windows

For traditional bay windows

For traditional bay windows

Install custom poles that follow the shape of the windows, or several poles and attach them with elbows at the joints. Position the fabric so it hangs in the corners : these columns of beautiful fabric will truly highlight the architecture as well as the height of the ceiling, making it seem higher. Make sure the hanging system slides easily and fluidly.

This ends my article on curtains and sheers. My next blog will address blinds and shutters for every room.

You would like to adopt some of these ideas in your own space but you don’t know where to start?

Contact us to transform your home or office according to your style, your budget and your specific needs. By discussing your project we can provide you with relevant information concerning our services, the process and our design fee.

Click here to contact us.

Written by Lucie Pitt · Categorized: Window Treatments · Tagged: blinds, sheers, window treatment

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