Definition; A curtain is A curtain (sometimes known as a drape, mainly in the United States) is a piece of cloth intended to block or obscure light, or drafts, or water in the case of a shower curtain. A curtain is also the movable screen or drape in a theater that separates the stage from the auditorium or that serves as a backdrop

Curtains hung over a doorway are known as portieres. Curtains are often hung on the inside of a building's windows to block the passage of light, for instance at night to aid sleeping, or to stop light from escaping outside the building (stopping people outside from being able to see inside, often for privacy reasons). In this application, they are also known as "draperies". Curtains come in a variety of shapes, materials, sizes, colors and patterns, and they often have their own sections within department stores, while some shops are completely dedicated to selling curtains.

Curtains vary according to clean ability, ultraviolet light deterioration, oil and dust retention, noise absorption, fire resistance, and life span. Curtains may be moved by hand, with cords, by press-button pads or remote-controlled computers. Measuring the curtain size needed for each window varies greatly according to the type of curtain needed, window size, and type and weight of curtain.

An adaptation of the curtain may be a window blind or, in warmer countries, a wooden window shutter that is fixed to the outside of the building to provide privacy and still keep the building cool inside. Curtains are a form of window treatment, and complete the overall appearance of the house. Window treatment helps control the ambiance and flow of natural light into the room. The effect of drapery or curtains is best seen in daylight, and with proper indoor light positioning, can look attractive even at night

Curtains are manufactured all over the world mostly in countries that are rich in fabrics’, wool and silk i.e. China

Curtains can be classified in different ways and these are:

i. Mode of Hanging

Curtains can be classified by how they are attached to the rod. Some use a single top sleeve that the rod feeds through. Others hang from eyelets or tiny holes. Tab top curtains hang from fabric tabs, which are placed at equal intervals across the top.

ii. Fabric used

Curtains can be made from many materials, most commonly silk, cotton, satin and lace. They may be sewn together in strips to make unique window dressings. Cotton curtains are

a popular choice because they are easy to clean by traditional wet laundering.

iii. Seams

The seams used to sew fabric together affect how curtains look and allow them to hang in different ways. Standard seamed curtains will hang straight with only a loose curl, while pencil or goblet pleats will give the curtains a bunched look at the top and a tighter wave at their base.

iv. Purpose

Curtains come in different styles for different uses. Thick curtains with vinyl backing can be used in bathrooms or bedrooms (privacy). These are used to block light and prevent people from seeing in through the curtains.

Sheers or lightweight curtains that cover half the window allow for some privacy while letting in the light less privacy mostly in living rooms.

Curtains and drapes are used around the bathtub and shower to serve as additional decoration to a single vinyl shower curtain.

Curtains can also be used in theaters and their thickness and material used is much more different to those used in the kitchen.

v. Themed

Themed curtains are often the types used in bathrooms, kitchens and children's rooms. Chickens, apples, kitchen utensils, fish, seashells, greenery and cartoon characters are popular themes.

vi. Dimensions

Curtains are often typed by their size and length. Such typing allows consumers to know where the curtains can be used. Short curtains and that hang a little past the base of the window is often used in kitchens and bathrooms, while long curtains are popular in bedrooms and living rooms. Half-window curtains are used often in kitchens, particularly on the windows that sit behind sinks.

Types of curtains

French The French pleat curtain is suitable for master bedroom or living room as it gives a very formal look to the room. This type of curtain has tri-pleat sections that are clipped together at the base so that they are wide open at the top. A special curtain rod is needed to hold the pleats together for this type of curtain.

Voiles Made of lightweight fabric, this type of curtain is suitable for use in tropical regions where heat and sun is the order of the day. Owing to its lightweight feature, it can be easily cleaned and washed, is low on maintenance and can easily be put on poles and rods. It can be best used in kitchen window and living room or can be used as an inner layer for heavy fabric curtain.

Blinds This type of curtain is available in different shapes and styles such as horizontal, vertical, roller, blackout and Venetian. Blinds can be made of wood, plastic, metals and fabric. Blinds can be used with the help of strings to check the light from entering the room. This type of curtain is easy to maintain and is user friendly.

Shades This type of curtain does not have slats and can only be moved up or down. It is generally made of solid material such as polyethylene fabric and lace. Shades’ polyethylene fabric helps in lowering the room temperature.

Beads Beads curtain is one for those who want to give contemporary feel to their room decor. This type of curtain is available in range of materials ranging from glass, acrylic, gemstones, shells, bamboo,

string and mirror. Bead curtain type is generally moisture-resistant and goes well for a bathroom window as shower curtain.

Lace Lace curtain represents classic style and goes well with antique décor. The lightness of lace curtain allows natural light to come in and warm up sitting area of your room or light up your kitchen which has poor ventilation. However, lace curtain may not be the best one for use in a bedroom setting.

Sheers This type of curtain adds romantic feel to a room. It is very light, airy and see-through type of curtain, which makes great combination as inner layer for heavier curtains.

Tab Although tab curtain has a very casual look, it is versatile and straight. This kind of curtain has tabs at the top which can be dropped on the curtain rod. The curtain rod features the spaces of the tabs.

Panel Also known as casement, rod pocket or pole top curtain, it is a straight curtain having one or two pockets at the top, and its pole slides through one of the pockets. This kind of curtain is best suited for windows, which are not frequently used.

Café Cafe curtain is mostly used in kitchen window. This kind of curtain is usually placed inside window frame and valance added on the top of it. Café curtain is great for adding color and maintaining privacy for your kitchen window.

SHEERSDefinition: a sheer is a thin, diaphanous material, as chiffon or voile.

Sheer curtains are made of lightweight, semi-transparent fabrics. Traditionally, their purpose has been to allow light to enter through them while maintaining a degree of privacy. They are used in combination with heavier curtains or drapes, which can be opened during the day and closed at night. Sheers are also used to adorn bed canopies or looped gracefully over decorative drapery rods, adding a touch of softness and color to a room.

Types of sheer curtains

I. Rod-pocket drapes, also called pole-pocket drapes, are made with a casing at the top that slips over a curtain rod, removing the need for rings. Sheer fabric curtains are often made with two rod pockets at the top, so that you can slide the curtain rod through the lower pocket, and a soft ruffling effect is created by the unused top pocket. These are great for making the curtain feel as though it is integrated into the wall, because the rod is nearly invisible under the drapes.

II. Tab-top curtains are great for a casual ambience. They are made with flat loops spaced along the top edge of the curtain, through which the rod goes. These also do not require curtain rings. They can easily be drawn open or closed without pull cords.

III. Ring-top drapery is hung on decorative curtain rings that are attacked to the drapes at intervals across the top. The rings are ideal for showing off a design-centric curtain rod. Like tab-top drapes, these do not require a pull cord to open or clothes.

IV. Grommet-top curtains are relatively new. A curtain rod passes through the large grommet rings (holes) at the top of the curtain, creating a broadly pleated look. This is great for a crisp, modern room, such as a lounge or a study.

V. Thermal drapery or blackout drapery offers protection against heat and cold. They also act as blackout curtains, keeping out sun completely, due to the extra lining. They are made to look like all other drapery, with the only difference being an addition layer of material for insulation. These are great if you're looking to save money on energy costs. They also provide great privacy.

VI. Sheer curtains let light into a room and still maintain a good level of privacy. They should be bought in excessive width, about double the width of your window, to appropriately fold to cover your window with the adequate amount of privacy. For a more dramatic look, some people add even more width to each window. These are great for plain or decorate curtain rods.

Advantages and Disadvantages of sheer curtains

Sheer curtain panels are delicate window or glass coverings made of somewhat transparent materials. They may serve to bring a light, breezy feel to a room, or serve as an additional layer of concealment under heavier curtains.

Price can be an excellent advantage of sheer curtain panels. Typically far less expensive than traditional curtains, panels are found at nearly every home decor or home supply store, and can be easily ordered online. The low cost of many types of these panels allows the smart decorator to have the option of changing them frequently; some people have several sets that can be switched out seasonally, turning a summery sage into a fiery autumn orange into a lovely pine green for the holidays.

Sheer curtain panels are often easy to install and fit to any window size. Many simply hang on a central bar much like a shower curtain, though more elaborate models may have pleats or draping. Most come in standardized sizes, making it easy to choose the right fit by a simple measurement. If no exact fit exists, the simple design of a panel can allow it to be easily cut and re-hemmed to suit a custom or unusually sized window. Redecorating by adding sheer curtain panels can be the work of only a few minutes, and may change the look of a whole room.

Though breezy and casual alone, sheer curtain panels can add drama to a room by providing a multi-layered effect under regular curtains. By creating a curtain set that can pull back or be tied off to reveal the sheer panel, a more formal and color-coordinated look can be achieved. Having a dual layer of curtains also allows more light to spill in by pulling back only the top layer, or allows more heat to be retained by closing both layers.

The cons of sheer curtain panels depend on the situation. As they are made of light fabrics, they are very poor insulators and may allow rooms to grow much hotter in warm weather or chillier in cool weather. This may be a problem for those with poor insulation systems to begin with, or for those who try to reduce heating and cooling costs by mitigating insulation problems.

As they are sheer, the panels do not usually provide much privacy. While this may not matter in a kitchen or living room, sheer panels in a bathroom or

bedroom may be a problem for some. This matter is often solved by using a second layer of thicker curtains to provide additional privacy.

Sheer panels are also not very good at blocking out light. This may be a blessing to sun lovers, but for anyone trying to watch television during the day, it may become a glare nightmare. Avoid placing sheer panels in rooms where low light may be necessary, such as in a television or computer room.

BLINDS

Definition; A window blind is a slat made up of several long horizontal or vertical slats of various types of fabric, wood, plastic or metal which are held together by cords that run through the blind slats.

Types of window binds

I. Panel blinds are becoming popular for shading solutions for large windows, patio doors and sliders. They provide a sleek and contemporary look for most decors� Panel blinds can also be a stylish room divider and they are available in a diverse range of colors and fabrics. Window blinds or panel blinds are unique because they come with wide panels that reflect the sunlight and can keep a room cooler, saving homeowner�s on their utility bills.

When you open these types of blinds, the panels stack neatly behind one another allowing maximum light into the room during the spring and fall months. Closing the panels creates privacy and controls the amount of light into the room.II. Venetian blinds have many advantages, privacy, style and the ability to raise or lower

the blinds to control the amount of sunlight into a room. Venetian blinds offer the following features:

contemporary appearance ease of installation you don’t need to drill hose into windows or doors controls sunlight increases privacy improved insulation can be removed for cleaning

III. Vertical blinds offer a similar light control function compared to Venetian blinds. Light can be continuously varied while providing a degree of privacy to any room in your home or office.

IV. Pleated blinds can be custom made to match rectangular windows, skylights or awkward shaped windows. Pricing is similar to ordinary fitted pleats, but offer a higher degree of quality and style, which will add a more professional and increase your home’s value.

V. Roller blinds are available in a wide variety of fabrics, colors and designs. Many designs are available with different textures like sculptured for example. This brings a new look into any room which is pleasing to the eye and gives a more fashionable appearance. Roller blinds can be fitted to most types of windows.

VI. Cellular shades are designed to soften any room by adding the right amount of sunlight. They have a nice visual appearance even when the shades are left in full-sun position. Cellular shades are sometimes called honey comb shades because of the type of design associated with this type of shade. The honey comb effect allows light into a room but also keeps the heat of the sun out, a great choice for windows that have a southern exposure. Cellular shades are very affordable and popular with most homeowners. You can buy them in almost any color, sales for this type of window shade is on the rise in the United States.

VII. Faux wood blinds are cheaper compared to real wood treatments and they are easier to clean and they don’t fade or warp in high humidly environments. Some faux window blinds do look cheap, but many brands are available that look just like real wood.

Advantages and disadvantages of window blinds

Faux wood blinds are inexpensive, offering a real wood look at a fraction of the cost. They resist moisture and are easy to clean. The suit kitchens and bathrooms well. The composite materials make them durable, which is great for homes with children and pets. The disadvantages include the weight of the blinds. Larger blinds are harder to lift. Faux wood blinds come in a limited color selection.

Wood blinds come with real wood stains, allowing for more color options. They are lighter than faux wood blinds and cheaper than shutters. The only disadvantage is the larger stack height, which may block views when raised.

Honeycomb Cell Shades provide excellent insulation and are great for energy savings. They have a small stack height when raised to allow unobstructed views. There is a wide color selection to choose from. They offer a modern look, which can be a disadvantage to those looking for a more traditional window treatment.

Vertical Blinds are the best option for larger, hard to cover windows. They are economical and easy to clean. Again, these window treatments offer a more contemporary look to a home.

Aluminum Mini Blinds are some of the cheapest blinds on the market. The lightweight quality makes them easy to operate by almost anyone. They come in a wide range of colors to add a touch of color, or maintain a neutral feel in a room. One of the disadvantages is that they provide poor insulation. Another downside is the aluminum slats can bend, so these blinds are not ideal for areas heavily trafficked by kids and pets.

Roman Shades are both stylish and versatile. They come in a wide color selection and offer class to any room. Roman shades are good insulators and versions that pair roman shades with honeycomb cell shades offer some of the best insulation on the market. The only disadvantage is they must be fully raised for a complete view.

Roller Shades These shades block UV light as well as cutting glare from the sun and acting as an insulator against the heat. They come with a wide color selection and have a small stack height

when raised to allow for an unobstructed view. The disadvantages are they are not great insulators in cold climates and they must be fully raised for a complete view. However, some roller shades and solar screen shades allow view-through options, meaning the weave still allows for a partial view when lowered

WINDOW SHUTTERSDefinition ; A window shutter is a solid and stable window covering usually consisting of a frame of vertical stiles and horizontal rails (top, center and bottom). Set within this frame can be louvers (operable or fixed, horizontal or vertical), solid panels, fabric, glass and most any other item that can be mounted within a frame.

Shutters may be employed for a variety of reasons, including controlling the amount of sunlight that enters a room, to provide privacy, security, to protect against weather or unwanted intrusion or damage and to enhance the aesthetics of a building.

Types of shutters

I. Half Height /Café Style Interior Shutter

Half height shutters are also called cafe style shutters. This term is used to describe shutters which cover just the lower section of the window, but leaves the top section open. This design is often used where customers are trying to gain privacy (say, for example, when the window is overlooked or maybe close to the street). In this situation, cafe style shutters are used where the shutter panels themselves are most often left closed and the louvers are tilted at an angle for privacy.

Another reason customers choose cafe style shutters is because they wish to retain maximum light entering the room through the upper portion of the window. This can be a factor to consider if the window faces north or has restricted light due to a building or trees outside the home, restricting light into the room.

Half height shutters work well in the above situations but think about the practical considerations before you opt for this design. If you are thinking of these for a bedroom, have you also got drapes? No drapes means you could be blinded by the early morning sun if you’re relying just on those shutters? If the shutters are for the den, it could feel a little bleak in mid-winter if you don’t have the ability to close off the outside.

II. Double Hung Shutters

Double hung shutters are often called tier on tier shutters in Europe. This design sees shutters covering the entire surface area of your window, but have significant different over full height shutters. Double hung shutters see the shutter panels divide horizontally, thus giving you the option of leaving the lower portion of shutter panels in position while swinging open the upper ‘tier’ of panels. This therefore gives you the same sort of privacy offered by half height shutters, gives the same amount of light through the upper section of the window, but allows you to close the top panels if you want to make the room dark or want to make that family room feel snugger!

Generally double hung shutters are the most effective design if you are sure you are going to open back the top panels. If you do not open back the top panels, it’s not a great option. Double hung panels, as they are opened often, are best made with narrow panels, which ‘bi-fold’ onto each other – that way, they take up less space around the window. If you opt for this design but end up leaving the shutter panels closed over most of the time, it’s a bad design as you end up with lots of vertical solid sections of wood.

III. Full Height Shutters

Full height shutters are the most popular design of plantation shutters chosen by customers of The Shutter Store. While each home is different and everyone’s’ reasons for buying shutters unique, it is generally true that most customers buying plantation shutters end up leaving the shutters panels closed over and adjust the louvers for control of light into the room.

Advantages

Protection. Interior shutters protect against sun and heat in summer and wind and cold in winter.

Exterior shutters eliminate the need to install plywood over windows before a storm. They also

protect windows from flying debris and high winds, especially in hurricane prone areas.

Privacy. Shutters allow you to easily choose between privacy and visibility. When closed, you can

still adjust the rod to allow light to enter.

Easy customization. Ready-made shutters come in many sizes. Most of the time, finding the correct

size for your windows isn’t a problem. If it is, choose a pair slightly larger than your measurements

and trim them with a table, miter, or radial arm saw for quick customization.

Light control. Window shutters with louvers can be adjusted to allow varying amounts of sunlight

to enter between the slats.

Security. Window shutters come with a latch or lock to keep them from flying open. This feature

also provides additional security by adding a second “lock” to the windows.

Neat appearance. Wood shutters fold open neatly to expose the entire width of the window and

close to display the details of the shutter.

Disadvantages

Reduced visibility. Shutters must be wide open to enjoy the view. When closed, they can be adjusted

to allow light to enter, but the slats will still be in the way.

Awkward. Interior shutters swing in, so furniture can get in the way when opening them.

VALANCES

Definition; it is a short piece of cloth or a wooden or metal frame that is placed across the top of a window for decoration

Types of valances

1. Tailored ValanceA tailored valance is a plain topper that is flat, square or rectangular. It looks tailored because of its clean, straight lines. There is no inner stuffing such as those found in some balloon valances. Attach a tailored valance to a piece of lumber, then hang it on top of the window using L-hooks, or insert a rod through the pockets. Add depth by gathering the top of the tailored valance to create pleats. Use tailored valances in a variety of decorating styles, from traditional to contemporary designs.

2. Balloon ValanceSoften the look of a room with billowing balloon valances. Gather the lightweight fabric and insert stuffing of tissue paper or plastic bags to add a pouf. Or create the pouf without the stuffing by sewing the top seams tightly in intervals. Hang balloon valances using rods. Use balloon shades in a formal or traditional room. Add a romantic and feminine touch to a girl's bedroom with balloon valances.

3. Ascot ValanceThe shape of an ascot valance is triangular. Use soft fabrics such as sheers and cotton for an informal look, or use lined fabrics such as velvet and silks for a more formal look. Purchase ready-made ascot valances from department stores. Embellish the pointed end of the ascot valance with buttons, tassels, beads, pearls, buttons and ornaments to add flair.

4. Swag ValanceOften used in a formal setting, a swag valance is more ornate in appearance, created by draping the fabric over the rod. Leave both ends hanging. Hang it on top of drapery panels or a plain window to soften the edges.

5. Scarf ValanceHang a scarf valance on the rod in loose loops. Use scarf holders such as hooks, medallions or rings to hang the scarf on each side. Choose lighter, unlined fabrics such as sheers and organza to create a scarf. Embellish with fringes, ribbons, beads and tassels to the bottom of the scarves to add more character. Use a scarf valance in an informal room such as a romantic bedroom.

6. Cornice Valance Make a cornice valance if you prefer a more structured look. Build cornice boards made of wood and moldings. Add carvings and wood relief to decorate the front. Paint the wood with a color that will complement the room or the fabric used for the drapes. Upholster the wood with cotton batting and matching fabric to soften the appearance. Choose the ornate design for a more formal look; keep it plain and simple for an informal look.

CORNICE

Definition; it is generally any horizontal decorative molding that crowns a building or furniture element— the cornice over a door or window.

Types of cornices

1. Box cornice

Box cornices enclose the cornice of the building with what is essentially a long narrow box. A box cornice may further be divided into either the narrow box cornice or the wide box cornice type. A narrow box cornice is one in which "the projection of the rafter serves as a nailing surface for the soffit board as well as the fascia trim. This is possible if the slope of the roof is fairly steep and the

widths of the eave relatively narrow. A wide box cornice, which is common practice on houses with gentle roof slopes and wide eaves, requires the use of lookouts to give it support and to provide a surface to which to securely attach the soffits. Box cornices often have ventilation screens laid over openings cut in the soffits in order to allow air to circulate within the cornice.

A wide box cornice with lookouts

2. Close cornice

A close, closed, or snub cornice is one in which there is no projection of the rafters beyond the walls of the building, and therefore no soffit and no fascia. This type of cornice is easy to construct, but provides little aid in dispersing water away from the building and lacks aesthetic value.

A close cornice

3. Open cornice

In an open cornice, the shape of the cornice is similar to that of a wide box cornice except that both the lookouts and the soffit are absent. It is a lower-cost treatment that requires fewer materials, and may even not have a fascia board, but lacks the finished appearance of a box cornice.

An open cornice