Hanging out

Windows are great sources of natural light. They connect the outdoors to the interior spaces. They bring freshness and decompress the sense of closure in your home.

Window treatments can be dressed up or down depending on their functionality and your personal style. There are multiple options to decorate a window.
Use the following guide to help you decide what window ornamentation work best with the overall goal for your home and your decorating preferences.

Window treatments can be divided into two categories:

1. Hard window treatments: Blinds, shutters and cornices are the most commonly used hard window treatments.

Blinds are made of aluminum, stainless steel, plastic or wood and can be mounted on the outside or inside of the window casing. The horizontal or vertical strips can be adjusted for a specific amount of light and privacy. They provide a clean look and are available in different sizes and colors.

Take a look at the different types of blinds:

http://www.ebay.com/gds/Top-5-Types-of-Window-Blinds-/10000000178450493/g.html


Shutters can be expensive but they provide good insulation. They come in standard sizes and can also be custom made.

There are different types of shutters:

http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/shutter-style-10-designs-everyone-should-know-46308#.V30ZfMcSDbA

Cornices are a continuation of an architectural molding around the top of the wall. They can be stained, painted, or covered with fabric.

Check these different types of cornices!

2. Soft window treatments: include draperies, curtains, shades and valances. Draperies are made of heavier fabric than curtains and will allow you to control light, temperature and privacy with efficiency. They are also more expensive. 

Curtains are simpler and light weighted decorative solutions. Shades are fabric window blinds. Valances are shirred, pleated or draped soft treatments across the window top.

Take a look at all these diagrams to help you decide what type of treatment is more appealing to you!

Types of curtains and drapes:

Types of shades and valances:

Now that you know what type of treatments to use, I'd like to talk to you about the right way to hang them. This will make a big impact in the overall look of your window. If you don't hang your curtains correctly, your window will look smaller and narrower.

If you don't want to buy custom curtains, I'd advise you to buy a long standard size and hem it. You don't need to know how to sew to do this. It is very easy! Check this tutorial out!

https://operationhomeblog.com/2014/12/30/how-to-no-sew-hem-curtains-while-theyre-still-on-the-rod/

 There are many affordable places where you can purchase curtains. Here are some of them!

Think outside the box! There are lots of fun possibilities when it comes to window treatments! You also don't need to use any treatments at all if what you are aiming for is creating an airy space. Here are some ideas!

Hope this post helps you choose the right treatments for your home! Have fun hanging out with your curtains!

Until next Thursday! Enjoy your summer! It is beautiful outside!

                          XOXO,

                                           Angelica