Selecting Window Coverings
Many factors play a role in selecting the right Window Coverings. The main reasons you should install Window Coverings are light control and privacy. Other factors include durability, life expectancy, cleaning, formality, versatility, safety, and the price.
Light control:
The most difficult factor to control is light, with most window coverings falling into one of five categories:
1. Transparent – Clear, without obstruction
2. Translucent – Diffused light, which prevents the perception of distinct images
3. Filtered – Muted light in bright conditions
4. Semi-Opaque – Surfaces impenetrable by light, yet it also allows some light through the gaps
5. Opaque – This is where all light is blocked
Privacy:
Privacy can be achieved with almost any type of window covering. The window treatment simply needs to be translucent or better to diffuse images. Frosted glass or glass block can even help to give adequate levels of privacy.
Durability:
A window opening, by nature is a harsh environment that is subject to direct sunlight, humidity, and extreme temperatures. Add these factors to frequent opening and closing and its simple to understand why windows need to be constructed well. The life expectancy is normally less for fabric window treatment because it can fade with time. Solid coverings, such as shutters, have a long life span.
Cleaning:
Each and every window covering will collect dust and dirt. Fabric coverings are the most difficult to clean, and are subject to stains. The furniture quality window coverings will normally wipe clean with a light solution if they have been treated with anti-stain solution.
Versatility:
Some coverings will work well in formal settings, while others will work best in casual living settings. Alternate styles are versatile and blend in well with almost any style of room.
Safety:
If you have small children in the home, they will usually come in contact with windows and their coverings. Some coverings will have cords to raise or lower for better visibility. Although they are handy to have, they can be dangerous if they are within a child’s reach.
Price:
Window coverings come in all price ranges, from $10.00 to many $1000.00, so it’s very important to weigh the overall value involved. The term “value” is often miss used, although when purchasing long term household items it is necessary to consider the return on the investment.
Window coverings on the low end of the price spectrum will normally have a short life expectancy and low durability. The higher priced coverings, such as shutters, are designed to last the life of the home – all while retaining the original character.
Shutters offer a hard window covering that is semi opaque when closed, although they provide great visibility when opened. The furniture quality wooden shutters can be either painted or stained in order to meet the needs of most decors. All shutters are extremely durable and offer a long life span.
