Shades can be drawn from both top and bottom, allowing you to direct the light where you want it.
unobtrusive or beribboned and fanci- ful. You can also get a “night and day”
blind that is made of two layers, one light-penetrating and the other dark. The layers can be alternated depending on your need. Shades or blinds don’t have to go on
the inside of windows. Exterior prod- ucts are available that can be fitted to the outside of the glass to reduce heat loss or block out the sun. These are managed electronically and could be managed by a timer to preserve the temperature of your house when the sun hits while you are at work or away.
Curtains and drapes No longer are you faced with the stark
choice of blinds, shades or curtains. They are once again being combined, with luxurious fabrics used for curtains and drapes that can frame a lovely shade-covered window. Curtains are again making an impor-
tant statement in the room. They are swagged, or tailed or draped, or all three at one time. They are cinched and patterned and layered. Silk is back on windows. So are
organic materials and other glamorous fabrics, such as lace and voile. Sheers, both printed and plain, have
made a comeback. They hang graceful- ly from eyelet grommets threaded over a metal rod. One trend is to combine up to three fabrics of different weights and colours that can vary the effect of the window hanging and add depth to the perception of the window. You will obviously need three rods to string them on so some designers are recom- mending pelmets or valances to hide all the hardware. While these window-covering trends
are very elaborate, straight flat panels, with a Japanese teahouse flair, are also out there. Some of these are made from
30 SUMMER 2013 Elaborate curtain treatments can change a room from casual to elegant and back.
folk-inspired patterns and fabrics and others of fabrics and patterns inspired by the garden and nature. Be sure to incorporate a wand or flick
stick to move the curtains around to avoid soiling them.
The rest An interesting development in
window coverings is a new method of co-mingling natural fibers to create bio-protected products that remove
allergens and aromas by preventing bacteria from collecting in the fibers. Shutters, both indoors and out, are
popular with some designers. Sliding panels for patio doors are available. They need separate slides and a valance. Finally, window coatings are being
used to reflect sunlight and add privacy. These films can cut out 99 per cent of UV rays while saving as much as 50 per cent in interior cooling costs. V
www.localgardener.net Roman shades can be created in any fabric.
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