Window coverings - they're not just Venetian blinds and pinch-pleated draperies anymore. The choices for your windows abound, thanks to new product innovations and a realm of color choices that allow you to match other furnishings in your room with the greatest of ease.
You can dress your windows up with an abundance of fabric. Beautiful side panels and top treatments create a richness and elegance for your home. Side panels can be fully operational to traverse across your window, or they can be stationary - held in place by tie-backs or ornate holdbacks. Top treatments can run the gamut from elaborate swags to a simple piece of fabric tossed casually across a wooden drapery pole.
Drapery hardware can help you add personality to your windows. Most manufacturers make it possible to mix and match poles, drapery rings, decorative finials and holdbacks in a variety of finishes - from white and ebony to antique gold, brass and copper. Wrought iron is also a popular look for drapery hardware. And be on the lookout for fun finial and holdback designs, such as wreaths, pine cones, arrows, birds, cherubs and more.
Also popular is the look of wood - particularly wood blinds but also interior shutters. The environmental movement is big, so bringing natural finishes into the home complements that trend.
Pleated and cellular shades likewise are enjoying popularity. Both feature an accordion-like shape in a soft fabric shade. Coming in a variety of colors and patterns, these shades work well with drapery treatments. They can be raised and lowered easily, providing light and privacy control while the drapery remains in place.
Other options include vertical blinds and horizontal blinds. Verticals, often used for patio doors, actually are suitable for many window types because of their sleek, fashionable looks and their easy traversing ability.
Horizontal blinds - particularly mini-blinds - have been around for decades, but don't think of them as the "same old, same old." They come in hundreds of colors and are versatile enough to stand on their own or to be combined with fabric treatments. A drapery treatment combined with a coordinating mini-blind can offer you the ultimate in beauty as well as privacy and light control.
To see the abundance of window covering choices, visit your local independent decorating products retailer.
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