Curtains Can Change the Look of Your Home

How Curtains Can Change the Look of Your Home

The roles of curtains have changed. At one time they were used to retain heat, block cold air, control sunlight and provide privacy. They still perform these roles, but with the many advancements in window glass and window design technology, they are often much more decorative than functional. Decorators can be much more creative in their window treatments with this shift to the decorative usage.

For many people, there is a distinction between the terms curtains and drapes. Drapes are usually floor length, lined and suspended from a traverse rod with hooks that will allow them to be opened and closed by pulling a cord. Draperies are usually very formal looking. Curtains are less formal. They are usually those fabric window treatments that are suspended by hooks or rings from a rod and opened and closed by grasping the edge and pulling the fabric panel into position. Often they are tied back to the window casing and are not opened or closed at all. In these situations, they are frequently used in conjunction with shades, or blinds which can be closed to block sunlight or provide privacy.

Types of curtains

There are three basic types of curtains. These are the panel, the cafe and tiered. Panel are simply plain panels of fabric that are hemmed at the top and at the bottom. They are suspended from the top of the window by rings or hooks and hang in natural folds, giving the window a less formal appearance. These are often used in bedrooms and dining rooms and maybe used in combination with shades, blinds or sheers. Cafe curtains are generally hung from the center of the window, leaving the upper part of the window bare or exposed. Sometimes the cafe styles will be hung one fourth or one third of the way down from the top of the window, giving the window a much different look. Either way, they are tied back. Cafe curtains are often used in kitchens and in informal dining areas. The third kind is the tiered. These are multiple panels with one or two panels hanging over the top of the two base panels. The base panels usually cover the bottom half of the window and the outer panels cover the top half of the window and hang down to overlap the base panels.

There are three basic lengths as well. The sill length is either suspended from either the halfway point or the top of the window. The bottom hem is not quite touching the windowsill. The below the sill style is cut so the bottom hem hangs just below the apron or trim board running across the bottom of the window. The floor length style is cut so the bottom hem is just above the floor.

There are also be lined or unlined styles, depending upon the amount of natural light that is to be admitted to the room. Similarly, there are interlined styles, with a third layer sandwiched between the panel and the lining. They are designed to provide protection from cold air that is conducted from the outside to the inside through the glass, or air seeping through cracks in the windowsill or between the sash and the window frame.

Tie back styles

The appearance of a window can be dramatically altered by the colour and fabric used. It can also be altered in the manner the curtains are hung. One popular and attractive arrangement is the tie back. Tie back options offer decorators tremendous choices in creating unique and very attractive windows.

The most popular tie back positions are the high tie, the middle tie, the low tie, the centre tie, the crisscrossed tie and the angled double tie.

1. The high tie is when one or two panels are hung in the window. The tie pulls the panel back above the centreline of the window.

2. The middle tie pulls the panel back at a point near the middle of the curtain. It looks best if it is not done at the exact centre, but either slightly above or slightly below the centre.

3. The low tie pulls the curtain back about three-fourths of the distance from the top to the floor.

4. The centre tie gathers one or two curtains and pulls them together in the vertical centre of the window, about two thirds or three fourths of the distance from the top to the bottom.

5. The crisscrossed tie starts with two overlapping panels hanging the full width of the window. The outer panel is pulled back to one side and the inner curtain is pulled back to the opposite side.

6. The angled tie uses either one or two curtains. The panel is pulled partially back in the high tie position and pulled back more closely to the window casing in the bottom tie position. The panel is tied back twice in such a way that it is hung in a pleasing, billowing angle from one top corner of the window to a point below the opposite side of the window.

Formal and informal styles

Curtains can be as varied as the individuals in whose homes they hang. Even with all of the variety in fabrics, colours, lengths and methods of hanging, all curtain styles can be classified as either formal or informal.

Formal window treatments are usually called draperies and hang in layers. They are most often found in formal parlors or sitting rooms, living rooms and formal dining rooms. The window treatment is usually done in two or three layers. The first layer is the sheer, which is often a single panel of sheer linen or lace that admits diffused light into the room. Sheers also tend to obscure visibility from the outside, especially if the lighting in the room is subdued. The second layer is usually the pleated floor length drapes. The drapes are suspended from traverse if they are intended to be opened and closed. Drapes are hung from above the window and cover the side casing and trim of the window as they fall toward the floor. The third layer is the curtain running across the window top and covers the top of the window casing, trim and the heading of the draperies. Draperies and valances are often lined. Draperies may be below sill length although they are often floor length.

Everything else is informal curtains, usually hung in one or two layers. They are seldom lined, and are used to diffuse light, not to block it out.

Curtains are decorative, but have other uses as well, aside from providing privacy. They are useful in room darkening to protect room contents from the adverse effects of the sun’s UV rays. Sunlight can fade the colors in furniture and carpet fabrics. Lined curtains are especially good for protecting furniture and carpeting near windows facing either to the south or to the west.

Interior Decor Tips

Make your home functional and useful for your own personal family lifestyle. To help you do that, here are some simple ideas:

• Create a new focal point in a dull room by bringing your china cabinet into the living room, for instance. Accessories the shelves with decorative plants, pictures, books, vases, candles, etc. You'll need to remove the doors first so these things can be seen and appreciated.
• For the most spacious feeling in a room, the ceiling should be white. But you might want a cozy look. Consider painting the ceiling an accent color or mounting faux beams. Create surprise by hanging potted plants (artificial ones) from high beams in a vaulted ceiling room.
  
• An inverted "V" arrangement facing the focal point will give you a change of pace from the more standard arrangement configurations.
• Look for other stable pieces of furniture to place in front of your sofa other than the standard coffee table. Try ottomans, a large chest, a chess set on a display, stacked futons.
  
• Look throughout your home for unique pieces of furniture that aren't getting the attention they deserve. Bring them into the living room or family room where they will be functional and more appreciated.
  
• Need a quick inexpensive curtain rod? Try a garden stake and slip rings over it to draw the curtain.
  
• If you really want to be creative and unique, try using odd things for rods: old golf clubs, PVC pipe that has been decorated, a broom stick, tennis rackets that have been jazzed up. You get the idea.
  
• Plate racks can become instant cornices at your windows. As the seasons change, so do the plates.
  
• Stack old suitcases on top of each other to create an instant lamp table or a small coffee table. Drape a scarf over them or set books on top of them. I have a decorative storage box sitting on top of an old suitcase in one of my rooms.
  
• For a custom look on your ready made drapes, sew on bullion fringe to the bottom or use a hot glue gun to attach it. It will really take them to the next level quite easily and quickly.
  
• Look for unusual items to collected together and mount in a shadow box. It can become a very good conversation piece. Don't try to arrange too many things together in one place as that can become tedious to look at. Just 3-5 items for that really custom and surprising decor.

Door Interior

A door is a hinged, sliding or folding barrier of wood, metal, glass for opening and closing an entrance to a building or room. But now the definition for the doors has changed as first impressions are the lasting ones and the front entry makes a statement about the house. It is something that we pass through million times in our lives, from day we enter this world to day we leave, it. The most utilitarian of architectural elements, the DOOR is undoubtedly the most influential. Whether it is for light, warmth, ventilation, access or a view, a well-planned door can have a dramatic impact on your living space.

Door dimensions vary from region to region depending on the context to its usage. The primary purpose of the door was to defend, today we have a panorama of door designs.

Designers must deliver highly detailed, beautiful and imaginative doors. The responsibility of the designer does not stop at creating a appealing thing, but it must also extend to create a sensory experience from the door knobs to each and element used in there.

We can categorize the doors in seven different categories , each of them is discussed below.

Entry doors: The front door is usually the most eye catching feature of a house. The entrance doors should need to be in relation to the style of their surroundings. Whether viewed from inside or outside, they become an integral part of a home's design. They can vary from modern glass door to gothic style, from multi panelled to arched door.

Interior doors: Interior doors help to connect rooms and sometime it varies from simple flush door to traditional and glass doors. Interior doors need not be impenetrable barriers, frosted or bevelled glass doors allow the sunshine to come yet seal off the noise and the view.

Glass doors: A glass door design should reflect the sensuous sophistication and detailed elegance. Decorative glass is a very good option to door units. Whether it is stained, beveled, etched, mirrored, painted or sand blasted, they can turn the door into a work of art. The patterned glass panels diffuse the light and fill the room with a bright but less intense glow.

Metal doors: These doors are impressive for their intricate and bold surfaces. They can withstand hard use in both interior and exterior application. Copper, bronze, brass and pewter are the metals finishes for the door.

Carved doors: In classically designer houses, the door is treated as a showpiece, thus carved decorations are seen here. With these doors, elegance and permanence are a reality, not just a façade. These highly ornamented carved wooden panels are originally intended for a grand house.

Paneled doors: These doors can be elaborately molded and exuberantly carved, painted and glided. These doors cope well with most weather conditions and need virtually no maintenance. In these doors, a distinct impact is created through fine joinery and sensitive use of material and design.

French doors: French or sliding doors help link living space and garden while doubling as view walls. A sense of accessibility is always achieved through these doors.

Home Interior

Personal style and freedom of expression are driving forces in today's home design. Decorate means to beautify and is derived from a French word meaning the same. Yet while beautiful, self-expressive homes are wonderful, interior designers and architects have a growing responsibility to create healthy, accessible, and environmentally sensitive spaces. Home decor is a pretty broad category, consequently, the best way to refer to home decor is to give some examples of the items that constitute home décor. How these design professionals address these issues will transform how tomorrow's homes look and function.

When decorating a room, there are many things to think about. Space planning, flooring, lighting, furniture, and window treatments are just a few. You'll find interesting information here about how to incorporate all of the elements of décor into your decorating project and use them to the best advantage for your space. The décor refers to different kids of patterns of design like formal décor, contemporary décor, traditional décor and modern décor.

Formal Home Décor

When formal décor comes in mind, we automatically refer to period homes or fine hotels. . The formal décor is also a space that is livable and comfortable. Some additional guidelines to follow include:

• Tall windows, heavy window treatments, fire places and large mirrors are specifically used in this kind of décor.
• To create a formal setting, you need to keep both lines and symmetry in mind.
• The furniture would be arranged in a straight line inside the room and in most cases, furniture and accessories would be arranged in pairs.
• Cloth are generally used on the walls.
• The surfaces of furniture, floors, mirrors, and light fixtures would be polished to a bright shine with high gloss.
• The fabrics used for bedspreads, pillows, couches, and window treatments are very luxurious and rich.
• The use of rugs, oil paintings and crystal chandeliers are typical characteristics.

Contemporary Home décor

Contemporary decor is a style that can be described as simpleast of all ecors, it conveys a sense of simplicity. It is generally categorized by neutral and earthy colours.

• This kind of décor uses distinctive outline, linear patterns, geometric shapes and black as the primary colour.
• There are striking colour patters like used of red with orange and this lies in this décor scheme.
• The furniture has the clean and fast lines and made up of smooth fabric or leather.
• Metal lights are generally the characteristics of this kind of décor.

Casual Home décor

This particular style is very inviting and easy to maintain so very good for working family members.

• The casual style has generally textured patterns and fabric is always soft.
• The perfect symmetry is never there, instead there are gentle curves and rectangular shapes.
• The furniture is arranged in diagonal lines.
• The floors are generally wooden.
• The lightning fixture are very unusual kinds, may be a mixture of steel, iron, glass.

Rustic Home décor

This type of décor provides interest to a home while creating unique texture and warmth. Rustic décor provides sophistication, charm and trend.

• The fireplaces with polished logs and antique finish is characteristic feature of this décor.
• The furniture is highly textured and only few pieces should be put in a room.
• The pillows and cushions are necessary and they should be in rust, copper or burgundy colour.
• Rustic décor can be done by using garden benches or oak dining , ladder back chairs.
• The paintings are also particularly that of baskets of pine cones or landscape photo.