©Learning ZoneXpress 1 uncovering common window coverings

©Learning ZoneXpress 2 Introduction  Form and function are both considered when choosing window treatments: –Variety of functions: control light in the room block the sun (UV) control sound insulation (cold and heat) ensure privacy –Strictly decorative purposes: add color and pattern focal point/drama style (formal, informal, country, etc.)

©Learning ZoneXpress 3 Soft Window Treatments  Traditionally windows were treated with: –a sash curtain (to filter light). –a draw curtain (to block out/let in light). –an over-drapery (purely decorative). –a cornice or valance (to hide the hardware).  The modern tendency: –Curtains are unlined and of a variety of fabrics and lengths. –Draperies are lined, made of mid- to heavyweight fabrics, extending to the floor and draw to completely close off the window. –Shades and blinds often serve the purpose of controlling light, sound, cold and heat, and ensure privacy.

©Learning ZoneXpress 4 Soft Window Treatments  Curtain/Drapery Panel –A piece of fabric finished on all sides and hung from a rod to cover a window. –Typically two panels, or a pair, per window. –The heading is the top of the panel and can vary in depth. There are different styles of headings or ways a panel is hung from the rod.  Pinch Pleats –A style of pleat used at the heading, usually triple folded, for a more formal look. –Most often mounted on a traverse rod to draw the panels open or closed.  Rod Casing/Pocket –A pocket or casing that runs the width of the heading in which the rod is inserted. –A header is additional fabric above the rod casing/pocket that forms a ruffle.

©Learning ZoneXpress 5 Soft Window Treatments  Tab or Ring Top –Tabs or rings on the panel heading hold the curtain or drapery on the rod. –Less formal, modern look. –Various styles, including button tabs, ribbon tied tabs, rings, clips, etc.  Sheers –Panels made with sheer fabric or lace that allow daylight in while providing limited privacy. –Often layered under curtains or draperies that are drawn or tied back.

©Learning ZoneXpress 6 Soft Window Treatments  Café Curtain –Single pair of short panels installed on a suspension or café rod halfway down the window, leaving the top half open (installed at the height of a glazing bar). –Often combined with a valance, they are an economical way of screening the lower part of a window for privacy while allow light into the room. –Ideal in kitchens.  Hourglass Curtains –Single panel with a casing and rod at the top and bottom and a tie in the center. –Typically in sheer or lightweight fabrics. –Often used on glass doors where free- flowing panels can get caught in door.

©Learning ZoneXpress 7 Soft Window Treatments  Ruffled or Priscilla Curtains –Panels of sheer and semi-sheer fabric with fuller gathers and ruffles on two or three edges. –Most often have an attached matching valance and tie backs. –Traditionally in kitchens, but also used in bedrooms, bathrooms and living rooms.  Trimmings –Ornamental trimmings can be added to most soft window treatments to enhance the look or add a personal touch. Decorative trimmed edge on panels. Fabric tie backs with bows, rosettes, and braided tie backs with tassels. Decorative hardware and curtain holders.

©Learning ZoneXpress 8 Soft Window Treatments  Balloon & Austrian Shade –Despite the name, these are curtains of shirred or gathered fabric drawn up into billowy folds. –Made longer than the required finished drop, the extra fabric forms scallops at the bottom. –Pulled up from the bottom to the top by means of cords attached at the back. –Typically lightweight fabrics, they block more light if lined. –Balloon Valance is hung on the top of the window and is stationary. –Austrian Shades are shirred between the vertical rows for a blousy, billowy effect.

©Learning ZoneXpress 9 Window Toppers  Valances –The most common window topper. –Mini curtain that covers the top and sides of the window frame or curtain track/rod. –Can stand alone or be mounted over curtain or drapery panels. –Utilized in many curtain heading styles and can be straight box pleats or embellished with lace, fringe, ruffles, etc. –When blinds are used, they can soften the window. –Generally shirred on a rod but can be draped over a rod. valance with drapery panels

©Learning ZoneXpress 10 Window Toppers  Swags –An ornate valance that drapes in billowy folds across the top of a window. –Often, swags serve no function, and are decorative and dramatic. –Can have one swag draped across the width of the window or a number of smaller swags butted or overlapped. –A scarf swag is a length of fabric loosely draped over a rod or held in place with swag holders on the window corners. –Fabric is often pleated and attached to a board with deep folds for a formal style. –Used alone or to top off other window treatments. –Can be finished at each side with pleated or gathered “tails” to cover the window frame or rod end.

©Learning ZoneXpress 11 Window Toppers  Festoon –A decorative valance of draped or folded fabric that hangs in a graceful curve, and frames the top of a window. –Often embellished with trim or beads.  Jabot –A decorative vertical end or “tail” that usually finishes a horizontal festoon. –Is usually pleated or folded and comes in varying lengths.  Cascade –A rippling or showering “tail” of fabric that drapes down vertically from the corners of a swag. –Similar to a jabot but the fabric loosely falls and tapers downward.

©Learning ZoneXpress 12 Window Toppers  Cornice/Pelmet –An ornamental horizontal molding or frame used to conceal curtain tracks/rods at the top of a window. –Constructed of wood or other rigid material that will hold a shape and can be mounted on the wall. –Stained, painted or wallpapered, but more often covered with fabric. –May be very tailored and simple with straight lines or more decorative with a scalloped edge and trim.  Varieties of Cornices/Pelmets –Button hole, Crescent, Scalloped, Sculptured, Tapered, Puff or Padded.

©Learning ZoneXpress 13 Window Toppers  Self-Pelmet/Valance –A piece of fabric stitched to the top of a panel to make it appear to be separate. –It often does not conceal rod or the top of a window casing, as it draws with the curtain.  Lambrequin –A pelmet which extends down the side of the window. –Constructed of wood or other rigid material that will hold a shape and can be mounted on the wall on the top and sides of window casing. –Often used to make a window appear larger by extending beyond the window frame.

©Learning ZoneXpress 14 Blinds, Shades & Shutters  Function: –Light Control - Flexibility from light- softening to room-darkening. –Privacy - very flexible, including the new Top Down feature. –UV Protection - block ultraviolet light to avoid fading of your home furnishings. –Sound Absorption - reduce noise levels in your home. –Energy Efficiency - help control your energy costs.  Visual Appearance: –Many styles, colors and materials to choose from to accent any décor. –Custom sizes and shapes for the perfect fit for any window.

©Learning ZoneXpress 15 Blinds  Offer a great deal of light and privacy control options because the vanes can be tilted or the entire blind can be raised or lowered. –Especially complementary to modern rooms, but their clean lines can go anywhere.  Blind Anatomy: –Slats: The horizontal pieces which tilt open and closed creating variations of light. –Vanes: The slats on a vertical blind. –Ladders: The vertical cords that thread through each slat to hold the blind together. –Fabric Tapes: A form of ladder that hides route holes allowing for more privacy and less light penetration. –Head Rail: The hardware at the top of the window treatment that contains the mechanical operational parts. –Bottom Rail: The heavy horizontal piece at the bottom that anchors or weighs the blind down and keeps it hanging straight.

©Learning ZoneXpress 16 Venetian Blinds  Also called aluminum blinds, mini blinds, macro blinds, or micro blinds. –Aluminum is the sturdiest and often most expensive Venetian blind. –Can be mounted inside or outside window casing. –Wide variety of color selections. –A cord or wand control tilts the slats of a blind to a closed or open position. –Some offer a cordless lift control for child safety. –Top down option offers optimal light and privacy control. Leaving light in the top of the window while keeping the bottom of the window covered.

©Learning ZoneXpress 17 Wood Blinds  Made from natural American hardwoods, they are very good natural insulators. –Faux wood blinds are recommended for bathrooms, kitchens, and other humid areas. –Matching wood head rails often used for a finished look.  Finishes: –Stained –Painted –Sandblasted (textured)

©Learning ZoneXpress 18 Sheer Window Shading  Work like Venetian blinds and cellular shades in one. –Vanes are made of fabric and are suspended between two sheer fabric facings. –They offer a soft-filtered light or can be pulled up for full view. –Like aluminum and wood blinds, some models offer a cordless lift control for child safety. –Top down or bottom up options offer optimal control of light and privacy. –Offer more insulation value than wood or aluminum blinds.

©Learning ZoneXpress 19 Vertical Blinds  Made of fabrics, vinyl, wood, or aluminum and are a popular choice for large windows and sliding doors. –Vanes attached to a head rail and pivot at the top or bottom to let in light. –Drawn to one side or side-to-side split for a full view. –Used alone, with a top treatment, or as a foundation for a more elaborate look. –Vanes provide good insulation. –Variety of colors, fabrics and textures. –Offered in light filtering or room darkening.

©Learning ZoneXpress 20 Roller Shades  One of the most economical, versatile and practical window treatment. –Made of vinyl or fabric attached to a cylindrical roller to roll up and down for light control. –Pulls down from behind the roller to lay flat against the window. –Can be mounted inside the window casing or outside on window trim. –Broad range of fabrics from sheer light filtering to opaque and room darkening. –Coordinating fabrics, embellished with a decorative pull or decorative hems: scalloped, wave, Greek key, fringe, etc.

©Learning ZoneXpress 21 Woven Wood/Grass Shades  The most unique and natural look of all window shades. –Raises and lowers like other shades, but lays flat when lowered and neatly tucked behind when raised. –Offers various degrees of light and insulation control depending on material. –Fitted with a fabric liner for maximum privacy and light control. –Most have an attached valance. –Broad range of colors and materials.

©Learning ZoneXpress 22 Roman Shades  Made of fabric, pulled up into soft horizontal folds using cords attached to the back. –Clean, sophisticated lines are one of the most stylish ways to dress a window. –Standalone fitted outside the window or inside the window recess and combined with curtains or top treatments. –Made from light to medium weight fabrics and are usually lined for optimum light control. –Custom fabrics can be used to coordinate any room décor. –Two styles: flat fold for a streamline look. rounded edge for an elegant look.

©Learning ZoneXpress 23 Pleated Shades  Made of fabric with crisp, evenly spaced horizontal pleats. –Less expensive alternative to honeycomb or cellular shades but provide less insulation with only one layer of fabric. –Stacks compactly for maximum view and tucks away in head or bottom rail. –Unlike honeycomb or cellular, they have a visible cords running through them. –Light filtering or room darkening liner. –Custom fit for specialty windows such as a skylight or paladin-style windows. –Top down/bottom up option, cordless lift, remote control, timers and sensors. –Variety of colors.

©Learning ZoneXpress 24 Cellular/Honeycomb Shades  One of the most energy efficient shades with a honeycomb shape that traps air. –Front and back fabric are pleated and connected to form air pockets (cells) between the pleats. –Because of the air pockets, they have great insulation ratings. –Unlike pleated shades, there are no visible holes or strings. –Single cell, double cell and triple cell, the more cells, the higher the insulation and sound control factor. –Wide range of color selections. –Top down/bottom up option as well as cordless lift, remote, timers and sensors. –Light filtering or room-darkening.

©Learning ZoneXpress 25 Shutters  A traditional window treatment use because of their classic look. –The louvers tilt up or down for light control and shutters open or close for privacy. –Made from hardwoods such as poplar, aspen and ideally basswood. –Poly-wood or vinyl are less expensive and recommended for bathrooms, kitchens, and other humid areas.  Finishes: –Painted –Stained –Sandblasted (texture) –Piano (high gloss)

©Learning ZoneXpress 26 You’re the Expert!  Select new window treatments for your bedroom. –Use photos from a catalog, magazine or the internet to show the type of window treatment you selected, including color swatches and fabrics. –Be prepared to present to the group how you came to your decision, including considering such things as light, sound and privacy control.  Create a sell sheet for a specific window treatment. Include a picture and all its features and benefits.  Show how the same room can look very different with different window treatments. –Sketch and color different window treatments for the same windows. –or use photographs from a catalog, magazine or the internet and paste different window treatments on them.  Write a paper on the importance of sun blockers in window treatments. Include the different ratings for UV protection. Complete one of the following projects:

©Learning ZoneXpress 27 Quiz 1. Name at least three functions of window treatments. 2. Draw a diagram of each of following window treatments: a. Café Curtain b. Hourglass Curtain c. Priscilla Curtain d. Balloon Shade e. Single Swag w/Cascades 3. What is the difference between Venetian and vertical blinds? 4. Name the five main parts of a blind. 5. What is the difference between a pleated and honeycomb or.cellular shade?

©Learning ZoneXpress 28 Web Resources  Window Treatments – – (go to curtain fabrics) – – (go to Home Decor > Window Treatments) –  Blinds, Shades & Shutters – – – – Please note that web sites are constantly changing and being updated. You may need to revise this list. Photography Credits: &