Your windows play a big part in the indoor and outdoor design of your home. They might not seem as important, but how they’re furnished can make a big difference. Nowadays, you have plenty of options for your window treatment. Different designs, styles, materials and colours that sometimes it can be overwhelming to choose from. However, if you know the pros and cons of every option, your choice will be much simpler.
Curtains
Curtains are a wonderful way to express yourself and your personal style. They’re also a fun way to add colour and bring a breath of fresh air into the space. Every room will require different curtains. Some of them should be cosy, some fun, and some functional based on your priority. If you live in the Brisbane area, you have plenty of choices. You can find high-quality curtains and blinds in Brisbane stores, no matter what your priorities are.
Your living room is a high-traffic area and the curtains here need to be functional, decorative and practical. Think about the space you want them to cover, how you want them to operate, and what colours and patterns will match the space. Your bedroom should be your personal sanctuary and the curtains should reflect this. Go for thick materials that can block light as well as noise.
If you have an open floor plan, you’ll need curtains that can match multiple interior designs and styles. In this case, it would be nice if they complement the scheme of the space and if they’re practical and easy to clean and maintain. Every curtain material has its pros and cons. Cotton for example is a versatile choice that will bring a crisp look into the room.
As a natural fibre, linen can be difficult to manage. But if you buy a blend of linen and another material your curtains will have a longer life. Polyester is an easy-to-care-for material that’s affordable and durable. It’s also wrinkle-resistant and it won’t shrink or stretch. However, avoid placing it in the kitchen because it’s easily flammable.
If you want something to bring glamour and richness into the space, go for velvet. This luxurious material is thick and heavy. You’ll have more control over the light and noise that comes into the room. And last but not least, acrylic. This material has a texture similar to wool. It’s lightweight and has a wonderful drip. Plus, it’s a great insulator and is hypoallergenic.
Always get fabric samples if you have the chance. This way, you can place them against the wall and see if they work inside the room. Will they match the light, the colour palette and the vibe? If you have a big window, you can go for a bigger and bolder pattern. For more visual interest, leave the curtains longer so they create a “puddle” on the floor.
Blinds
A lot of homeowners prefer blinds over other window treatments because they come in many designs and sizes. There are several types of blinds you can find. Venetian blinds are very common. They have horizontal slats and you can control the light and air that comes inside the room with a cord. Venetians are often made of either plastic or wood.
Roman blinds are a bit more elegant choice and are made of softer materials. They roll up and pile up in pleats at the top. You won’t be able to control them as easily as Venetians because light can go through them even though they’re down. Roller blinds are another choice you have. They’re thick and sturdy, and roll into a tube. They’re affordable and easy to install. You can probably do it on your own.
When you go shopping for curtains and blinds in Brisbane shops, you’ll also find Roman blinds. To make them better, they have a coating that stops light from piercing through. If you need complete darkness, they should be your choice of blinds. Last but not least, you have flittering blinds. They won’t give you complete light control but you’ll get a lot of privacy.
This type of window treatment has its own advantages. One of them is the affordability. They come at reasonable prices and everyone can afford to install them in the house. They will block out light, give you privacy and you can even control the room temperature to some extent by leaving them up or down. They’re also easy to install, easy to clean and maintain, and available in many colours and designs.
Plantation Shutters
When it comes to window furnishings, plantation shutters are among the favourites. They’re essentially big wooden slats in a frame. The slats, or louvres, are the movable part that lets you control light and airflow. Plantation shutters are permanently installed and have their pros and cons.
They can be customised to your needs and exact measurements of your windows. This will give the space a smooth look and cohesiveness. Once installed, they bring a warm, welcoming vibe that no other window treatment has. They will also upgrade your house’s curb appeal because their flexible design can match any aesthetics, modern, contemporary, Victorian, traditional, rustic and much more.
Plantation shutters are a very durable, long-term investment worth every dollar. They’ll last for at least 10 years. Plus, they don’t need a lot of upkeep. All you need is a damp cloth and an occasional swipe. They can be made of plastic, wood and insulite. Wood is most popular because of its durability and aesthetics. But plastic and insulite can also work.
Awnings
Awnings have the power to add character and personality to the space. First, think about the size of the area you want to cover and what you will use it for. These things will determine the material of the awning. Will you need UV-resistant or weather-resistant ones? They can be made of fabrics such as polyester, canvas, cotton and mesh. Their structure can be acrylic, aluminium or resin.
Different material combinations will give you different awning features and properties. It all comes down to personal preference. The climate and weather conditions will influence your choice. Also, the surrounding colour palette will dictate the colour choice of the awning. You can go for a bring shade to pop over a neutral palette or use the awning to tone down the already bright space. Whichever window treatment you choose, make sure it matches your lifestyle and the interior design.