Tag Archives: Window Treatments

Window coverings

Designing Your Corona Window Coverings

Interested in new  Window Coverings for your Corona home?

Let’s start the conversation at square one.  Did you just buy this beautiful new house and have no window coverings at all?  That is pretty common, since Realtors generally remove blinds and shades because they are old or have broken parts.  You haven’t moved in yet and are painting and putting in new flooring, right?

So first problem is you are not sure where the morning sun is coming in?  Sure it is from the East, but how disturbing could it be the bedrooms?  And how are the West facing family room windows when the Corona Summer is kicking in.  A lot of heat will be on those windows.  And finally, your new floor color is still undecided ….. how can you choose a color for the blinds.

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These are the issues to start with.  And now what products are going to make my house beautiful?  You had blinds before, but they are not what you want this time.  Are you considering shutters.  How will they best be installed, and what shutter issues might come up.

 

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Is there a formal living room you want to make spectacular?  Maybe a full window treatment with Drapery Side panels, Roman Shades and a Top Treatment.

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What should you do for the Bedrooms?  Want to make it a Room Darkening Shade?  And that Patio Door?  Is there a shade for a vertical application?

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Villa Blind and Shutter’s Designers have had this conversation with homeowners just like you for almost twenty years.  Let us help you to design the perfect Window Treatments.

Window Treatments

COLOR, PATTERN, TEXTURE & SHAPE

Window Treatments are professionally designed by utilizing color and  patterns. See photo gallery

THE COLOR WHEEL:

Primary ColorsPrimary ColorsRed, yellow, & blue.

Secondary ColorsSecondary ColorsGreen, orange, & purple. These are created from the primary.

Analogous ColorsAnalogous ColorsColors that are adjacent on the color wheel.

Complimentary ColorsComplimentary ColorsColors that are opposite on the color wheel.

BASIC COLOR THEORY:

There are three vital parts to color: the subject, the light source, and the viewer.

  • The Subject – Different materials will absorb light in a different way. A flat, smooth surface will often times reflect an even color because the light is reflected very directly; however a rough, rounded object will reflect the light in various directions. Think fabric, textures, and sheen. For instance with sheers, when the fabric is gathered the color is more intense compared to a flat sample.
  • The Light Source – This is why exact matching fabrics is next to impossible.  It’s more practical to expect an acceptable match, one that is pleasing to the eye and depends on the end use. Two items may appear to match exactly under an incandescent lamp, but not under a fluorescent lamp. This is referred to as metamerism or a metameric pair.
  • The Viewer – You know the saying “in the eye of the beholder”? Well, color may truly be in the brain of the beholder. Color perception is determined by how we process the images we see and let’s face it, no two of us are alike.

HUE, VALUE, & SATURATION

Hue – Hue = color. From red to yellow to blue and everything in between, it’s the basic color families.

Hue

Value – from light to dark.

Value

Saturation – also known as Chroma. When a color is referred to as “clean” it means brighter or clearer. Dirty colors tend to be more grayed out or even “muddy” looking.

Saturation

TINTS, TONES, & SHADES

Tints, Tones, and ShadesTints = Hue + white.

Tones  = Hue+ gray.

Shades = Hue + black.

More importantly than the understanding of basic color theory, is to remember that color is personal. It’s how it makes you feel. The inspiration can come from anywhere – nature or a beloved piece of artwork.

High impact hues will amp up the energy of a room. Inky, dark tones will bring it all in close, making the space feel cozy and intimate. Think about wrapping up in a blanket with a good book, on a rainy day.

What about Neutrals, right? They are often the basis for most designs, think timeless, classic, perhaps minimalist. This also makes it easy to accessorize with pops of color through pillows, top treatments or drapery panels.

PATTERN & TEXTURE

Window treatment designs need to use patterns.  Patterns can really help a room from falling flat or hitting one note. If a neutral palette is your thing, great, but now try mixing more patterns in varying scales and styles. Adding in textures brings yet another layer of visual interest. When picking patterns it never hurts to pick the obvious coordinate, but mix it up by trying out unexpected combinations you may not normally think of. You might be pleasantly surprised.

SHAPE

Window treatment designs need shape.  Shapes are transformative. There is no better way to make a room seem as though it’s something it’s not. For instance, shaped cornices can disguise or compliment the architecture. If the room seems small, think vertical lines, as in long drapes mounted near the ceiling. This creates an elegant grander ambiance which in turn heightens the look of the room.

If you have the opposite design dilemma & the ceiling s are very tall, think horizontal lines to visually bring the ceiling down.

For more Window Treatment  Design Ideas see Draperies and Window Treatment

Types of window treatments, by Angie’s List

Types of window treatments

Curtains and drapes: Curtains and drapes are window coverings for the home that are created from cloth materials. Homeowners can select solid color curtains or draperies for a room or choose from a printed pattern that will complement the decor or theme that is desired for the room. These window treatments can be closed to block light from entering a room or left open. Most commonly, curtains and draperies are pulled to the sides of the window and secured with a tie.

While curtains and draperies are very similar in their purposes and looks, they do have their differences. Curtains are often measured to fit the height and length of the window for a clean and trimmed appeal. Draperies are often created to hang from the top of the window to the length of the floor for a look of grandeur within the room. There are also differences in how to clean draperies and curtains.

 

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Wood shutters, like these, can be painted to match any room in your house. (Photo courtesy of Angie’s List member Melissa B.)

Blinds: Blinds are window coverings which allow an individual to adjust the amount of light in which they can filter into a room. These window treatments are comprised of slats, which are positioned in a horizontal or vertical manner and can be adjusted with the use of a cord or blind stick. Most blinds are capable of having all slats pulled to the top of the window so it allows homeowners to have a full view of the outside. Originally manufactured from plastic, today window blinds are created with materials such as wood, faux wood, metal and more. This provides home decorators with styles that will truly complement the room in which they are decorating.

Shutters: Interior window shutters are window coverings that are secured to the interior of the window frame in front of the window. Shutters feature slats of wood, fabric and other materials which are secured to a wooden box frame and can be adjusted to allow light in or out out of a room. Window shutters come in many different color options, and depending on the materials in which they are constructed of, they can be painted to match the color scheme of any room.

Shades: Window shades are window coverings constructed of solid plastic, fabric and other materials that are wrapped around a roller that fits into the top of the window frame. Shades can be adjusted by mechanisms within the roller that allow an individual to control the length in which the shade will hang down. These window options provide the individual with the ability to control the amount of light that is allowed within a room and provides protection from glares that can occur in different areas within the room as well. Shades are available in a variety of colors that enhance the feel of the room.

Valances and other decorative accents: There are many different types of window treatment enhancements that can be purchased to create a more decorative look. Some of these enhancements include a valance, which covers the uppermost part of the window, and lace sheers, which typically hang down the sides of a window.

What window treatment to use in each room

The process of selecting window treatments should begin with the homeowner’s tastes, preferences, likes and dislikes; however, there are some types of window treatments that do work better in one room than in others. Here are some tips to keep in mind the next time you shop for window treatments.

Master bedrooms: Privacy is a big concern for individuals when selecting window treatments for master bedrooms. Many people want to have large amounts of light shine in during the day, but want their privacy at night. Windows in the bedroom should also be easy to access so that extra ventilation can be achieved when necessary or the ability to utilize the window for escape practices in emergencies is available.

 

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Professional window treatment companies can often match bedding to draperies. (Photo courtesy of Angie’s List member Kimberly H.)

Children’s rooms: Safety should always be the number one consideration when choosing window treatments for a child’s bedroom or nursery. Cords can present a choking hazard. Longer drapery or blinds can easily fall down on the child should they pull or grab them when playing or for stability purposes. Window treatments should not create a problem should the child need to make an emergency exit. In these situations, some window treatments can act as a barrier and prevent the child from getting out of the home safely.

The second consideration should be the lighting factor. While allowing adequate lighting into the room can provide the child with an easier viewing ability, it is also important to have the ability to block out light during daytime hours for napping or relaxation.

Living room: Many homeowners want their living rooms to have a luxurious and elegant look, and opt for drapes. However, in order to make sure the room doesn’t appear cramped, the drapes should be proportional in size. A living room window treatment should have the ability to block out glare on TVs or when reading in the room.

Kitchen: For many people, the kitchen is the heart of their home. Homeowners that are purchasing window treatments for their kitchen should decide on a selection that will not hold in grease, food odors and moisture that is often prevalent in a kitchen. Privacy is not often a concern within the kitchen, but having the ability to gain access to open and close windows for ventilation should be considered.

Bathroom: Bathroom window treatments should be resistant to moisture. It is best to have a fast drying, easy-to-disinfect window treatment selection for preventing mold formation. Having access to open windows for ventilation is another requirement that should be addressed.

Den or office space: Window treatments for a den or office space should provide adequate lighting. Individuals should have the ability to adjust the lighting to prevent glare on computer screens or while reading.

Factors to consider

Purchasing window treatments for the home is not as simple as selecting a style and color that complement each other. There are many factors that will contribute to making a selection. Individuals should consider these following factors before purchasing new window treatments for the home.

Window’s exposure: Windows that are facing towards the east or south can produce large amounts of heat and sunlight. This can cause furniture, carpeting and other areas of the home to fade if some level of sun blockage is not used.

What’s outside?: Every house sits relative to its neighbors, and this can affect window treatment choices.  For example, if the side of your house is only a few feet from the neighbor’s you may opt for window treatments that let in light while blocking the view.

Energy efficiency: Homeowners trying to maintain an energy efficient home will want to choose a window treatment that provides some shade. Sunlight can increase temperatures during summer and decrease the efficiency of cooling systems.

Window access: Individuals that want access to their windows will want to consider an option that provides easy access. Shutters which are fastened to the window frame can complicate the process.

Children and pets: Homes that have small children or pets should look at the safety factors first before purchasing window treatments. Options that require cords or tie backs can pose serious hazards.

Creative enhancements

There are many different types of accents that can be purchased to dress up window treatments for the home. From expensive curtain rods with lavish end caps, to accents that clip onto the window treatments, these items are everywhere. Individuals can get the same effect for a fraction of the costs of the retail stores by using a little creative thinking. Here are some ideas that you can use in your home.

 

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Customized window treatments can add style to a room’s existing decor. (Photo courtesy of Angie’s List member Theresa C.)

Valances: Dress up plain blinds and sheers by adding a valance over the top of the window. You can stuff the valance with tissue paper or cotton batting to give it a fuller, more ballooned effect. You can also create your own valance by visiting your local fabric store and purchasing a piece of complementary fabric that is larger than your window. Using a dropped draping method, drape the fabric over a curtain rod. Various pieces of different colored and textured fabrics can be utilized for a more dramatic and customized look.

Mural shades: These shades can customize the look of a child’s bedroom or toy room as you can paint a mural onto a white roller shade that matches the theme of the room.

Embellishments: There are many different types of embellishments that can be purchased from a craft store. They include seashells, drilled crystals, clip-on accents and more. You can dress up almost any window treatment by attaching these embellishments with a hot glue gun or heavy sewing thread.

O’Hair Shutters; when you want the very best!

Ohair Shutters are made in Texas and for the first time, they are now available in the Southern California market from  Villa Blind and Shutter

Ohair Shutters

Our lumber is harvested on family-owned land, where the landowner’s livelihood is directly dependent on sustainable forestry and responsible conservation. Our advanced milling process generates a minimum of waste and our finishes have a low environmental footprint.

Not only do our shutters and venetians transform your surroundings with the beauty, elegance and richness of genuine wood, but they combine the qualities of energy savings and environmental responsibility.   In 2012 we reduced energy consumption to only 43% of the previous year.  See O’Hair Shutter’s Site

Ohair Shutters

Crafted from genuine American hardwood, O’Hair shutters and venetians are built in America by highly trained American craftsmen. These are not off-the shelf commodity products from some overseas mass production outlet. They do not spend weeks on a boat or stacked in a series of warehouses. They are individually custom designed and built to the highest standards of quality and precision to last for generations.  Learn more about O’Hair Quality

O'Hair Shutters09ShuttersPainted07Ohair shutters