There are many ways to dress your windows. The most popular options are a venetian blinds, roller blinds and curtains. However, there are many other quirkier styles to explore if you want to make your windows stand out. Below are some of the more alternative window treatment ideas to consider.
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Bamboo blinds
Most roller blinds are made from a fabric like cotton or linen. However, it’s also possible to buy roller blinds made from bamboo. Such blinds have been used for 1000 of years in China and have a charming rustic feel to them. Bamboo is typically very hard-wearing, however the quality of bamboo blinds can vary, so it’s important to consider where you buy from.
Roman blinds
As the name ‘Roman’ blinds suggests, these blinds were invented by the Romans. They are similar to roller blinds in that they’re made of a single fabric shade, but instead of rolling up they fold up in a concertina fashion. Roman blinds are available in many styles ranging from block colours to floral prints. Find a style that fits your home.
Single panel curtains
Most curtains consist of a pair. However, it’s also possible to buy a single panel curtain. Such curtains are popular on narrow windows where a pair is unnecessary. That said, you can buy extra wide single curtains for covering wide windows. Such curtains can be purchased in a variety of fabrics and prints.
Vertical blinds
The standard style of slatted blinds is horizontal ‘venetian’ blinds. However, you can also buy vertical blinds. These are drawn from the side like curtains and can be a classic stylish option for floor length windows. As with venetian blinds, you have the option of tilting the slats open or closed.
Voile curtains
Voile curtains are like regular curtains, but are translucent. They are designed to let in light while providing privacy, and are sometimes used alongside regular curtains. Net curtains are a similar option, but have become slightly passe in recent years. Voile curtains have a more modern edge and are even better at providing privacy.
Illusion blinds
Illusion blinds can consist of slats or a single shade. They are made from a special fabric that you can see out of, but cannot see into from outside. This makes them a great option for letting in light and enjoying views, while also maintaining privacy. Quality of illusion blinds can vary depending on where you buy them from.
Plantation shutters
Plantation shutters are made from wooden slats that are operated similarly to venetian blinds. But instead of hanging loose from above, the slats are fixed to the sides of the window frame. When closed, plantation shutters can provide more insulation and more security than regular blinds. They are more expensive to install than other window treatments and are only suited to home owners as they are a permanent modification. The majority of shutters are manually operated, however you can install electric options that can be opened or closed using a remote or an app.
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