Drapery 101
It is very simple to look at your window and know that something is missing. It is not so simple to determine what it is that your window requires. Most people would agree that you can completely decorate your home, but until you have window treatments, the look just isn't finished.
Window treatments have a number of functions, and this is where you can start to determine what it is that you need specifically. But, let's start from the very beginning.
Why add window treatments?
1. Privacy
Most homeowners appreciate some privacy, especially at night time, and soft or hard window treatments can provide privacy. When thinking about blinds, ensure that you choose a blind with a high opacity or a blackout option for full privacy. Also, the darker the blind materials, the more view through that there is. For more privacy, you might choose a white. Lastly, when designing soft treatments, you want them to be fully functional so that you can close them the full width of your window.
2. Aesthetics
Besides all of the practical and functional reasons for window treatments, aesthetics does play a role. Adding soft or hard treatments can completely transform the look of a room and finishes off a space.
3. Sun/Temperature
Depending on the treatment you choose, you can help absorb sun and insulate your home, or block sun and keep it cooler inside. This also helps you to save on energy costs.
4. Sound Absorption
Any fabric on a wall can absorb sound and the fuller the drapery treatment, the more sound that will be absorbed. This is a great thought for an apartment, town home or theatre room where you don't want sound to transfer through the rooms.
5. Light Control
Light control is one of the main reasons that people want window treatments, especially in a bedroom. Black out lining can be used on custom treatments to ensure that the least amount of light enters the room while sleeping.
6. Trick the Eye
If you have an awkwardly shaped window, a very small or large window, or oddly sized trim, window treatments can trick the eye into thinking it is more appropriately scaled. For example, if you have a fairly low ceiling height, mount your rod and treatment right at the ceiling to trick the eye into thinking your ceilings are higher.
7. Colour and Texture
Hard and soft treatments as well as hardware can add a lot of colour and texture to a space. In turn, this can add warmth and comfort to a home.
8. Create a Focal Point
Many homeowners are faced with odd-shaped rooms with a lack of focus. Placing an elegant window treatment on a window in the space can add emphasis and draw the eye to a certain area of the room. A room without some focus can be chaotic and confusing.
Why go custom? (vs. ready-made)
1. Custom treatments are made to fit your window specifically.
2. Fabrics and styles are chosen specifically for you, and therefore your overall look will be more cohesive.
3. Window Wraps spends more time on your treatment and therefore a lot of care is taken in ensuring a perfect finish. We work within 1/4 "accuracy in measurements while ready-made draperies can be closer to 1-2", meaning that the measurement you think you are ordering can be off by 1-2" or more with ready-made.
4. Custom linings are available to suit your need. For example, black lining can be used for complete light control, and inter lining is used for silk treatments. Lining also helps with the wear of the treatment and gives it more body and weight. Lastly, white linings ensure that you can use these treatments in condos where they have to be "white to the road"
5. Custom heading options are available, offering a specific look and determining desired fullness of the treatment.
6. Custom hardware accompanies your treatment, giving you ultimate flexibility in terms of colours, textures and function. Hardware can be either functional or decorative.
