Making changes to an existing living space is an intricate process that requires a great deal of work from homeowners. It’s carried out in a transformative manner to add value, beauty, and uniqueness.
Windows are some of the focal points that can be transformed to make visible changes to a living space. One of the key processes in window transformation is known as a window treatment, a process that includes the use of blinds, shades, and valances.
However, window transformation isn’t limited to the use of these features. Here are five easy ways to transform windows in your home:
Use Blinds
Window blinds are a great way to add some drama to your home windows. They’re fitted with long slats, which are all connected by a cord or a strip of cloth. The cord is fitted with a simple control mechanism that allows the blinds to be adjusted both horizontally and vertically. They’re available in different types and color options. Some common examples include:
- Venetian Blinds: This type features slats of between 16mm to 120mm connected by cords or cloth strips known as tapes by the sides. They roll up vertically, compressing into each other when rolled up, or expanded when rolled down. They’re most applicable to windows and have a tendency to gather dust particles.
- Vertical Blinds: The tracks in a vertical blind are located at the top of the blind. They can either be constructed to split up in the middle or move wholly from side to side. They’re made of faux wood materials, PVC, and fabric. They’re used for large windows and doors, and are meant to add insulation and reduce noise effects.
- Smart Blinds: These types of blinds aren’t defined by their construction method. Instead, they’re defined by the technology behind them, which leverage on adopting smart home technologies. They can be controlled remotely or by voice.
Use Shades
Shades are often mistaken for blinds. However, they differ from blinds because they’re created as one-piece materials instead of individual slats. They’re also made of materials such as paper and fabrics, and are effective in blocking out the sun’s UV rays. Some examples include:
- Pleated Shades: These look similar to Venetian blinds due to the bends seen through the material. However, because of its single-piece structure, it forms an accordion-like surface when raised and lowered. They’re typically made from fabric or paper.
- Cellular Shades: These have two sections that are fastened in a similitude of two conjoined pleated shades. Both sections are made of different materials and between the joint of these sections, air pockets or cells are formed. These allow cellular shades to produce more insulation than other single-sheet shades.
- Roller Shades: Roller shades are hoisted over a window opening with a rod. This type of shade is fixed and rolled around the rod. Roller shade types include cord-controlled and spring-loaded ones. Some them have weighted edges to stabilize the shade when lowered. They’re made of both natural and synthetic fabrics.
- Roman Shades: These are shade types that are rooted in history. They’re made from fabric and work similar to Venetian shades. However, it forms a bulky fabric pile when raised. Blackout and thermal linings can be added to Roman shades to suit the needs of the homeowners.
- Solar Shades: Solar shades are great window additions that allow you to still view external surroundings while reducing the amount of sunlight, UV rays, and heat entering the room. These don’t make use of extra linings and are typically made of tightly woven vinyl.
Use Decorative Valances
Decorative valances have been in use for a long time that it’s easy to consider them outdated. Yet, they still have an effortless transformative effect on windows. They’re small, decorative pieces that can be hung over your windows, adding décor to a window while allowing maximum light in.
Decorative valances can also complement existing window curtain panels. Ideally, the design choice should be neutral or feature the same design as the window panel. Here are some other tips to guide you when choosing a valance:
- Pick a fabric print that’s modern yet simple enough to last several years.
- Select a valance style that has two focal points for a simplified outlook.
- Choose a valance color that complements existing room features.
- Select fabric print that’s not too busy.
- Ensure uniformity with your mounting style.
Use Interior Shutters
Also called plantation shutters, these feature large louvers and are entirely made of wood. They provide an effective means of solar control and privacy in a room. The color of choice for wood shutters come in neutral shades such as grey, white, and stone.
These dated window features also add an extra layer of beauty to the window, as well as functionality. They’re low cost and are applicable to buildings of all types, including colonial-style ones, Victorian, and farmhouses.
However, interior shutters can still be updated to provide a modern look to the windows in a home. While in use, shutters can either be opened completely by the hinges or its louvers raised so air and light can enter.
Contrast Your Window Color
Color contrasts can add an extra layer of beauty to your windows. Painting your windows in a tone that stands out can be an effective means of transforming them.
Contrasting also works effectively with other window treatment methods such as window panels. Hence, when you roll back your window panels, you can expose a clean, beautifully painted window section.
Painting is specifically for wooden window frames. For metallic and aluminum framed windows, contrasting color choices should be made before installation because they can’t easily be painted like wooden ones.
If you choose to contrast with a metallic frame after installation, this would require machine spray painting, which requires a lot of planning and care and can incur extra costs.
Takeaways
Windows are great for adding some excitement to your living space. They can be transformed with the use of blinds and shades, which provide both beauty and light control.
On the other hand, valances and shutters, which both have a history, can still transform window openings. Meanwhile, painting is the most inconspicuous means of transforming windows and can work alone or in conjunction with other elements in the room.
