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.

save over curtain rods

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!

curtain rods

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?

Curtain rods

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!

 

Methods of Curtain Rods Selection

Hey, we’re here – are you there?  Looking for window covering answers?  Well, you’ve come to the right place.  We’re not saying we’re experts or anything, but we sorta know a little about window coverings, curtain rods, finials, hold backs, curtains . . . you know, that stuff.

So ask away, but in the meantime we’ll get the ball rolling. And we’ll start with a tough one: curtain rods and never used to be a big thing, finding it.  That was before the explosion in choices turned the hunt into finding the right rod.

You know, this is very easy to pick out: a limited selection of styles and a few basic sizes.  It made choosing it fairly easy, with few decisions to make. This is simple, in fact.

Not any more.  If you haven’t looked lately, you’ll be amazed at the assortment of options available when choosing curtain rods – not only a dramatic improvement in available sizes but the variation in styles . . . types . . . accessories . . . .  Wow.

Some of you are really excited about all the options, and some of you are heading for the aspirin.  No matter what your reaction to the overwhelming selection of curtain rods, most of you will appreciate a little assistance in narrowing your choices.  And that’s what we’re here for!

We’ll take you on a journey through the deep jungles of curtain rods (don’t worry; you’ll be at home in time for lunch!).  You’ll learn how to figure out just what you want and what you should be looking for, all before beginning your purchase process!

Even if you don’t know your “style” we’ll help you figure it out.  Before you know it you’ll be scrutinizing them like a pro, knowing just what will look best in your rooms.

And if you already have some idea what you want you’ll get tips on details that will make your new rods the perfect choice for your windows!

So sign in, ask questions, tell everyone what you think – and it doesn’t have to be about curtain rods. What’s on your mind? How can our expertise at BackyardBargains.com help you?

 

Curtain Rods Selecting the Right Type for Your Window Eat Your Wheaties before Making a Decision

Curtain rods and breakfast cereals have something in common: there are way too many kinds to choose from. How do you narrow down today’s nearly infinite selection of curtain rods – and pick something that looks great?

curtain rods

So today we’ve got . . . choices. Lots of choices: The white metals are still available and popular, and have been joined by all sorts of other curtain rods: decorative, pressure, cafe, traverse, sash, continental, cable . . . . Then there are the variations on those: flat, round, double, triple, continental corner connectors, combination traverse, curved rods . . . .

Get the picture? Sort of makes you feel like you’re walking down the breakfast cereal isle. And just like cereals, the key to finding the right curtain rod knows a little about each one, so let’s make this all a little more handle-able. There are many kinds of rods, but a few basic types.

Basic White Metal Rod – This is the Corn Flakes. They’re sometimes called valance and come in flat and round styles. Most of these are somewhat lightweight and made for lighter weight window coverings. Today you can get them as single, double and even triple.  The double and triple rods are used for a layered look, like a semi-sheer curtain behind a room darkening drape.  With this you can add a valance to your layered coverings.

Traverse rods – the corded variation of the white metal, something like Life cereal: still a basic cereal, but pretty tasty. These are usually a little heavier construction and come in sizes that can handle some pretty heavy window coverings. These also come in the single, double and triple variations. And here’s something really cool: you can actually add a motor to these rods to open and close them at the touch of a button!

Pressure rods – can you handle another bowl of Grape Nuts? The “pressure” is usually some kind of spring. . . you guessed it: pressure! Not sure what this is?  It’s just like some shower curtain rods, the kind you put in place and then twist till they’re tight against the walls. One reason for picking a pressure rod is because you can’t actually permanently attach it to the window or wall.  Another reason is you want the window treatment to hang inside the frame, and this is the easiest option for that.

winter-discount at backyardbargain.com

Decorative rods will remind you of Kashi granola cereal: they’re great to look at and do a terrific job! They’re also pretty popular, and sometimes called cafe rods. They’re mostly visible and sometimes look like poles that stick out past the curtain. There are several ways to hang drapery from it. Sometimes they’re slipped into a pocket on the curtain or drape. Sometimes a ring attached to the curtain, some curtains have tabbed tops, and some regular curtains are clipped onto clip rings that hang from the rod.

Cable rods are a newer type. The ends that attach to your wall are visible all the time, but the metal cable that attaches them and holds your curtains is pretty much invisible! This type has as many appropriate uses as any

Curtain rods

other type curtain rod – the possibilities are nearly endless.

There, that’s better.  Now you have knowledge of the basic types of curtain rods, so picking out your next one will be much easier. And if you start panicking, just remember: when in doubt always buy Captain Crunch!

 

The Basics of Window Coverings Hang It Up and Close It

Window coverings are both functional and decorative: they let fresh air in, allow you to see outside activity, complete the design of your room and – from the outside – add to the finished look of your home’s exterior.

Window coverings can lower your heating and cooling bills, give you privacy and block harmful rays from the sun – even the sheerest draperies will give your furniture some insurance against fading.

Window Coverings are drapery panels, curtains, blinds, shutters, shades, louvers – they literally “cover” the window. They come in any fabric, color and style you can imagine. There are many options to accessorize your window coverings: curtain rods, tiebacks, hold backs, valances, tassels – all available in whatever decorating style you prefer! This article will explain what these accessories are and how they can be used.

Curtain Rods – the most familiar form for holding curtains and draperies in place. Some styles are purely functional, but many today are designed to be part of your window’s decorating scheme. The materials are varied: they are made from wood, plastics and metals, and available in colors that will fit your room, and are available in single and double rod styles.

Tiebacks are used on hanging curtains and draperies, usually to hold them to a side of the window, but can also tie a panel in the middle of an expanse of glass. Some tiebacks are attached to a hook on the wall behind the curtain; others are simply tied around the curtain. Like the hold back, a tieback can be invisible when not in use.

Hold backs are U-shaped pieces of metal that anchor to your wall. The open top of the “U” faces away from the drapery, which can then be nestled into the body of the U. When not in use the hold back is hidden behind the curtain.

Valances are a great window accessory – they often serve to give your window decoration that finished look and easily reinforce your decorating scheme. A valance can be made of the same fabric as your window covering, or you can choose a coordinating color. How about a contrasting color to liven things up?

Tassels can fancy up a window in no time! They are often used on valances and tiebacks to add instant elegance. You can also get tassels on pillows and chair ties, and they’re combined with a wide variety of materials: beads, cording, ribbon, fringes, lace and even buttons!

This not-anywhere-near exhaustive list of window covering descriptions is just the beginning to discovering the exciting opportunities available for your home’s windows. So when it comes to your window coverings, get ready to hang it up – and close it!

 

Curtain Rods: Selecting the Right Type for Your Window, Visible, Invisible . . . How do I choose?

What difference does it make if your curtain rods is visible or not?  A lot! Just like the necklace, scarf or tie you pick to complete your day’s outfit, your choice of curtain rod completes your window covering and complements (hopefully!) your room’s decorating style.  A curtain rod really has the ability to make or break your whole room’s look.

curtain rods

So let’s take a look at one of the first decisions you’ll make when picking out a new curtain rod: visible or invisible rods. And that requires a clarification: the invisible rods really aren’t totally invisible.  The mostly invisible rods are completely covered – invisible – only when the drapes or curtains are closed. When your curtains are open part of the rod is visible. In other words your curtain rod still needs to complement your decor whether it’s mostly visible or mostly invisible.

Mostly visible window Curtain rods are at least partially visible even when your window coverings are closed. When your drapes or curtains are open they’re totally visible, and play a big part in your decorating statement. How do you know which to pick?

Before you read further, it is confession time. We’re a little biased – but for good reason. You see, some draperies are made to hang from mostly invisible curtain rods but not to all.  And this is where our bias comes in: the way we figure it, if you’re going to see all or part of the curtain rod at one time or another, why not pick one you love looking at? Why should you ever have to stare at a long, white metal rod (read: not pretty)? Okay, now you know our little secret, so read on –

Back to that question: how do you know whether to pick visible or invisible? Let’s ask another question first: what kind of window coverings are you using? Like we said, some curtains require the invisible rod called a traverse rod.  Pleated drapes are made to attach to hooks that hang from this curtain rod and open-and-close by pulling the cord hanging down one side. So if you’ve got pleated draperies you’ve already got your answer: use the traverse curtain rod.

backyard bargain offer

For all other drape and curtain styles we recommend a visible curtain rod just because it give you the advantage of emphasizing your style.  That could mean choosing a natural wood that matches the carved wooden elephant coffee table (everyone has one, right?) or Hanging a gold -toned curtain rod to complement the warm tones in your room. What about using a colorful metal curtain rod to go with that casual, playful look in the sun room?

You can see how a decorative, mostly visible curtain rods and Window Coverings can be a great choice for your window, and even if your guests never had a clue your choice can show them what a great decorator you really are!