Choosing the right Window Furnishings

Blinds, Shutters, Curtains or Shades, which way do you go when selecting window furnishings for your home, office, retail outlet, caravan or boat?

Never before have you had such choice when it comes to window furnishings, so let's take a closer look at what it is we really want our window furnishings to do. If you had to sit and think about what it is you are wanting to achieve by putting coverings on your windows, what do you think the answer would be?

Keep eyes out? Keep light out? Provide privacy? Add colour? Filter light? Create ambiance?

There are many different reasons however, let's take a look at some really practical reasons why people choose different types of window furnishings.

The most common reason for putting up window furnishings is to provide privacy, closely followed by keeping the light out. It has only been over the past 20 years that we have started to think about how we can make these coverings more attractive and identify that some coverings work better than others for differing purposes.

For example, you may like the look of sunscreens that filter light and allow you to still see out your window, however if it is privacy you are after then this is not a practical choice.

Plantation Shutters can create a really stylish effect, however if you are wanting to fully open the windows on a regular basis then Venetian Blinds or Shutter Blinds may be better suited to your needs.

For those wanting to have their cake and eat it too, a combination of Sunblock Blinds and Sunscreen Blinds gives you the best of both worlds.

Curtains also have their place when wanting to create that soft flowing appearance to a room. The good news is that you can also create the same effect using some vertical blinds which from a distance have the same billowing effect and similar material choices.

When it comes to shades, you have your Roman blinds, Panel Glides and Roller Blinds that provide colour, style and you can choose total or filtered lighting. They really are unique concept!

The key is to look at the materials and the environment in which you are using them. You need to consider what works best in wet areas such as bathrooms and laundries where dampness can be a problem if you don't have good ventilation. The new Ecowoods are perfect for these areas as they are easily maintained and are not affected by damp conditions.

For those living in high-rise buildings, always check with your body corporate as there may be conditions such as all curtains or window furnishings must have a white backing to keep the outside look of the building uniform.

Be open to different types of blinds for different rooms. There is no rule that states you must have Verticals in every room of the home. Mix and match in style and colour and before you know it you will be amazed at just how great your home is looking yet providing that much needed privacy at affordable prices.

The look and feel of your window furnishings is only limited by your imagination.