Which kind of window covering is best for your window?

So, you’ve finally decided it’s time to pick a window coverings.  What’ll it be, blinds, curtains, rods, shades . . . ? The choice can be simple – just flip a coin! – but that may not be so smart. Or you can make a smart choice.

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How do you do that? It’s kind of like putting a puzzle together. Once you’ve got all the pieces in place you can see the picture – or window covering, in this case!

There are just a few “pieces” to your window covering puzzle, so let’s take a look at them. The pieces are light control, function and style. First we’ll get the puzzle’s outside edges in place – light control and function. These are the basics, the foundational pieces to help you make that smart choice. Next we’ll place that final piece, style.

Ought to be easy, right? After all, how hard can a three-piece puzzle be? This isn’t a trick question – it really is this easy! So let’s get started.

To begin we’ll ask a few questions about each puzzle piece. Some of your answers will be automatic – you will just know the answer, and won’t have to think about them. Some questions you’ll have to think about – but hey, this isn’t rocket science, and it’s a whole lot easier than a 1000-piece puzzle!

After we’ve answered the questions we’ll be on to our next step . . . uh, well, there really isn’t a next step.  After you’ve answered the questions you’ll have all your answers and will know what kind of window covering and curtain rods you need . . . and the puzzle is done!

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So, here we go. Let’s start with light control. This one’s pretty easy, just answer these questions:

• Is this room used for sleeping?
• What kind of privacy do you want at night?

Pretty simple, really. For most windows in most settings we want at least a minimum of light control. After all, most of us live in urban or semi-urban settings and we’re more comfortable with keeping our bizness to ourselves.

The next puzzle piece is function. That means we’ll consider all the details in this window. Here are some questions to get you thinking.

• Is it a really big window or really small?
• Does it open? If it does, which way and how?
• Are there any things that will make hanging a window covering difficult, like its proximity to a corner?

Just take a close look at the window to get the whole picture for function.

These are critical answers that will save you from making a bad decision when you pick out your window covering. You know, like when you’re in a store and really fall in love with something and buy it, but when you get it home realize you should have thought it through ‘cause it’s not right for what you wanted. If you’ve answered these questions you should be able to avoid that mistake . . . (unless you’re a hopeless shopaholic…).

Let’s move on. Style. The Big S. The last puzzle piece to put in place, and the fun one. One question: what’s your style? Okay, two questions: what will look great in the room?

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Now match these answers up with your answers from the earlier questions and you’re ready to go shopping! So . . . what’re you waiting for? Let’s cover that window!

 

How to Buy Curtain Rods

Are you finally replacing those dated window coverings? Don’t forget to replace that curtain rod too – with so many styles, materials, colors and decorative hardware available today, you’ll have a great time picking out your new curtain rods! just like follow.

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Maybe you’re moving into a new place and get to decorate. Don’t overlook the effect a great curtain rod can have on your room. If you haven’t noticed the selections today in curtain rods you’re in for a real surprise.

What are your options? You can choose from standard rods, spring-loaded rods, traverse rods, decorative rods, adjustable rods, magnetic rods, double and triple rods . . . made from brass, chrome, ivory, graphite, mahogany, teak, walnut, plastic, metal . . . . And we haven’t even mentioned color or style yet!

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So how do you narrow all these options down to the perfect curtain rod for your window? It’s not as hard as it sounds. Like most projects you’ll need to have a plan, so start deciding – -

Do you want your curtain rod exposed or hidden by the curtains?  If it’s exposed it should match the room’s style and décor, so look around the room to figure that out.  (A lot of you don’t have to do that; you just know your style.  But there are others….)

Now consider what kind of curtain or drape you’ll be hanging.  Will it be light and billowy, heavy and insulating or something in between?  You guessed it: the weight of the coverings will be instrumental in choosing your rod.  Maybe you want a layered look, so you’ll be considering double or triple rods.

How will your rods be hung – inside or outside the window frame? For outside the frame – on the wall: the idea here is usually to cover the window completely.  Measure 2-5” out from each side of the window trim. The total curtain rod length should be about 12” longer than your window width. And don’t be fooled: measure each window in the room – they may look the same size, but they may not be!

If you’re hanging a curtain rod inside the window frame (typically spring or magnetic rods) measure at the inside point of the window.  Again, measure each and every window – you don’t want any surprises later!

Don’t get scared off and quit yet – this is all easier than you might be thinking.  You’ll probably just know what rod is right when you see it.  After all, it will probably catch your eye because it‘s your style. So hang in there ‘cause now’s the fun part: shopping!

Today you have the option of buying a pre-packaged curtain rod set with all the parts and pieces you need.  That can save you time and energy, and easily meet your window covering needs.

Or you can individually select each part for your curtain rods.  Thanks to our access to online stores today you can easily customize your curtain rods. Just mix and match rods, finials, rings, pinch clips, brackets, holdbacks, tiebacks. And don’t hold back (oops!) – go for it all!

Whoa – what are all those things?  Well, the finial is that decorative thing that attaches to the end of the rod.  You can get them in pretty much any style, size and color you want.  Be sure to match it to the rod size, room style and color scheme.

Rings and pinch clips are similar: they slide on the curtain rod and attach to the curtains.  In other words the rod and rings or clips are visible, sort of like some shower curtains.

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Brackets are used to hold decorative rods on the wall.  They come in every imaginable color, material, style . . . . You won’t have trouble finding a pair to fit your room.

Holdbacks and tiebacks serve the same purpose: to gently scoop up your curtains and hold them at the side of the window.  Holdbacks are attached directly to the wall.  Tiebacks are often lengths of cording, some with tassel ends that tie around the “belly” of your open curtains to hold them back.

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So here you are then, ready to make that plan, Stan, for creating a room you’ll love – all by beginning with the perfect curtain rods . . . Who’d a though?