Blinds vs. Shades

Some people may refer to blinds and shades as the same thing, but technically, there are differences between them.

Blinds are versatile window coverings. They have slats, vanes or louvers which can be rotated to various positions so as to control the amount of light passing through the window covering. They are called blinds because they block or reduce sunlight penetration through windows. They are made with either vertical or horizontal slats that can be rotated for privacy control and maximum light tolerance. Vertical blinds function similar to drapes that can be opened from the center and stack on both sides of the window or can draw from one side and stack as panels. Horizontal blinds are drawn upward and are easier to conceal, if you desire, by a window topper treatment or a valance.

In contrast, a shade is typically a style that operates up and down, either exposing or covering, but not offering as much light control as a blind. Shades are window coverings made of materials that can be permanently pleated, similar to pleated lampshades. These are drawn up and stack at the top of the window. Raising the shades can allow more light into the room and lowering them can allow more privacy. Shades can be stopped at different intervals, offering a neat and finished look for your windows. Shades include roller or window shades, pleated shades, and honeycomb shades.

A new category, "shadings," came about with the introduction of Silhouette Window Shadings a few years ago. Shadings combine the best of both - moveable louvers between soft sheer fabrics which can be rolled up and down and tilted to control light and privacy.

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Sheers: An Elegant Touch to Any Room

It’s impossible not to be impressed by the sheer window curtain. It’s the ideal window treatment for contemporary and traditional homes alike. If you want to add something extra to your windows décor and make them look a lot more stylish – this is where you should start, and let your ideas and imagination do the rest.

The sheer window curtain creates a unique atmosphere in any room, something that might just be what you’re looking for. It is available in a number of different fabrics and styles: plain, textured, embroided, etc. – you won’t have trouble finding one suitable for your windows. It is also very easy to install and manage, and best of all, it doesn’t turn your room into an “over decorated” place like some curtain styles when used incorrectly.

Either if you just want to refresh your room décor or turn your windows into a stronger decorative element in your home, the sheer curtains will definitely get the job done. Not requiring any special installation procedure, they’re suited for every type of window out there. Once you find your ideal sheer window curtain, you’ll see how such a minor element can have such a big impact on your home style.
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What are Window Valances?

A valance, pronounced val-uhns, is a short window treatment that covers only the upper part of the window. Valances usually range in length from 10” to 18” and they were originally designed to hide curtain rods or other curtain hardware as well as providing a pleasant look without blocking much light. Window valances can be matched to any room decor whether it is traditional or modern, formal or casual. You can use a valance on its own or as part of a complete window treatment setup with other window treatments such as curtains and scarf panels.

There are such a wide variety of styles and sizes for window valances that it is easy for one to be confused when choosing which one to buy or make. Since there are many different styles of window valances, and each style can dramatically change the look of a room. Therefore, it would be helpful in being familiar with each style of window valance. Some valance styles include swag or jabot valances, balloon valances, pleated valances, and cornices.

Swag valances are just what the name implies; they are created with swags. You might even hear the terms jabots, cascades, and horns when describing swag valances. They are usually used in formal settings, but they are made with casual fabrics to create a lighter affect. The swag style is longer at each end raised in the center, while the jabot is a draped effect, which can be either structured or unstructured.

Balloon valances have layers and often filler is placed between the layers for a fuller, more dimensional look. The simple ones are made from a tightly gathered fabric and they are stuffed up so that they balloon out. The more elegant balloon valances are a shortened version of fabric shades, like the Austrian valance, roman shade valance, or the butterfly valance.

A pleated valance may use a box pleat, a pinched pleat, or a spaced pleat. A box-pleated valance is a valance with a square pleat, a pinched pleated valance has pleats like those found on high quality draperies, and a spaced pleated valance includes fewer pleats that have an equal distance between them.

A window cornice is any stiff valance. Although many people use the terms "cornice" and "valance" interchangeably, there is a difference between them. A cornice is generally made from rigid materials, such as wood, and then painted or covered with fabric, whereas valances are just made with fabric. It is also used to disguise curtain rods and other hardware. When using a wooden cornice a soft valance is sometimes added below.

Window valances are a great way to add a fresh, new touch to existing window treatments, or they can even make a statement on their own. Either way you choose to use them, they will add elegance to any room in your home.
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Curtains vs. Draperies

Many people use the terms curtains and draperies interchangeably, but in fact, they are two very different types of window treatments. You might also find differences in the term depending on whom you’re talking to. Homeowners tend to use the term curtain, and a professional designer might use the term drapes. Both curtains and draperies are used for light control, privacy, and decorative purposes. The difference between the two is mainly visual, which can help you in deciding which type of look and mood you want for your room.

Traditionally, curtains were functional and used primarily as a window covering to block out light or simply for privacy. With curtains, the fabric on the front is the same fabric as on the back. They are also made of lighter materials. The light, airy, and translucent effect of unlined fabric is very popular. Some examples include lace, cotton, nylon, silk, or other sheer fabrics. Curtains give a more causal or informal to a room, because they tend to be only the length of the window. However, curtains be found in floor lengths as well. They are usually hung using a rod through a rod pocket, with rings that clip onto to curtain, or even tied on to the rod.

Draperies, on the other hand, are made from heavier fabrics and are usually lined. Draperies are mainly used for decorative purposes rather than a functional purpose. With draperies, there is decorative fabric on the front, and lining fabric on the back. Draperies are mostly ornate and are made of richer fabrics such as silk, jacquard, velvet, or heavy cotton fibers. They are almost always floor length, which makes them rather formal. They can be hung on a traverse rod so that you can pull them open and closed with a string.

Although curtains and draperies are two different types of window treatments, they also have some similarities. Both curtains and drapes can be used to control light, to provide privacy, and for decorative purposes. You can even use curtains and draperies on the same window with the curtain as the window covering and the drapery as the decoration. This combination can also be topped with a valance.
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