In addition to aesthetics, window covering is needed to control the heat and light in a room, to control the level of privacy you require, and for insulation purposes. Most window coverings act as an enhancement to a home, increasing its value.
There are so many types of window treatments available in the market, that for someone who is looking for blinds and shutters, it could be quite a daunting task, especially when they will need to choose from blinds, shutters, curtains, drapes, shades, and so much more!
Here is a brief idea about the different types of window treatments available.
Blinds – Blinds are very functional and versatile, as well as being very economical, type of window covering. They are usually made of materials such as wood, aluminium, vinyl and even fabric, and faux wood blinds are very durable as they are moisture-resistant. Hence blinds can be used for any area of the house, including wet areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms etc. Blinds offer great control of light and privacy, and if you are looking for something that provides greater insulation, then you can also find honeycomb blinds in Sydney, available in a wide range of fabrics and colours. Any vendor of honeycomb blinds will tell you that they are great at saving on your energy bills, so although they can be a bit expensive, you will save in terms of energy costs.
Shades – Shades are usually made from fabrics that have light filtering qualities in order to block UV rays. They can also be made from bamboo and other soft materials. Shades are very simple in design and easy to operate and can be either manually operated or motorized. They can be customised to fit any space or window. Popular types of shades are Roman Shades, Roller Shades etc.
Curtains – Curtains are a timelessly classic choice of homeowners and a very common type of window treatment. They can be made from different kinds of fabric from sheer to silk, velvet or even baroque, and are found in varying colours, prints and styles. The type of fabric you select should depend on your specific requirement, whether it is privacy control, light control or aesthetics. You can even mix and match different fabrics in order to enhance its functionality and design.
Drapes – Drapes are usually made with much thicker fabrics than curtains and are used to block out light. They provide complete privacy when closed and are usually used for full-length windows. Drapes, because of the thicker fabrics used, have great insulation properties.
Panel Tracks – If you are looking for blinds and shutter to cover large windows or sliding doors, then the best option is Panel Tracks, also known as Panel Glides. They consist of large vertical fabric panels that slide on tracks and stack up at the end when fully open. They are very space-saving and are ideal for using as room dividers as well. Panel Glides can be customised using different fabrics, colours and textures, to match the interior design of your home, and also come in block out or sunblock fabrics.
Shutters – Shutters are usually made of timber, faux wood, aluminium or PVC, and are generally for exterior use. They are simple and charming in design, and yet are able to add subtle elegance to the home’s design and style. While shutters are great at controlling light, privacy and temperature, they can be a little costlier than other types of window coverings. However, as they are extremely durable, they do tend to be very cost-effective in the long run. PVC shutters are the best for wet areas such as kitchens or bathrooms because the material is moisture-resistant and will not warp or get damaged like natural wood.
When selecting blinds and shutters in Sydney, make sure that you choose a reputed vendor who has the right amount of experience to give you advice on what types of window treatments will suit your specific need. This will make your window covering shopping experience much easier for you.