Paneless Windows
Essential to achieving a finished look and defining the style of any room, today's window treatments are becoming design statements in their own right.
Words by Natasha Were.
Windows left ‘undressed’ can look bare and uninviting, but choosing the right window treatment is a matter of both function and aesthetics.
Function
First and foremost, window treatments serve a purpose – one that may well vary for every window in the home. Depending on the orientation of a window, and the view beyond, draperies or blinds may serve to block out the sun in some and maximise natural light in others; they may frame a beautiful view or create a screen of privacy for the residents. The overall function of a room also influences window treatment choices: in bathrooms, privacy is top priority, whereas in bedrooms blocking out direct sunlight is key. The function will determine, to a large extent, not only the choice between blinds and draperies, but also the choice of materials: heavy fabrics and blackout linings help to insulate against heat and prevent sun damage to interior furnishings, while sheer fabrics create a gentle, diffused light.
Aesthetics
Beyond function, the overall look of any interior will generally dictate the most appropriate style of window treatments used. In contemporary settings, blinds are increasingly becoming the window dressing of choice. Whether pleated, Roman, Venetian, vertical or some other configuration, the sharp, tailored look of blinds complements minimalist interiors where clean lines are key. Cleverly designed, Hunter Douglas' Vignette® and Alustra® Vignette® system utilises a concealed system for raising and lowering blinds to completely eliminates unsightly cords. Sleek and low in volume, blinds also work well when space is at a premium and clutter needs to be kept at bay, or in corner windows where there is limited space for the stack of open drapes. Despite the increasing range of blinds on the market, draperies are far from obsolete. In more rustic or traditional interiors, draperies are more suited to the prevailing style, and in bedrooms – even modern ones – draperies can lend a softer, warmer ambience that blinds cannot always achieve. A new generation of draperies such as ADO’s Ripplefold design, which opens to a neat, tight stack and maintains a symmetrical ripple effect both open or closed, offer an elegant, contemporary take on these time-tested treatments, filling the gap between tradition and modernity.
Blinded by choice
Available in not only a wide selection of fabrics but also wood, paper, jute and other materials, and in numerous configurations, the options for blinds make them a versatile and adaptable option for any number of settings. Coulisse, creators of some of the finest window coverings in the world, view their products as much more than decorative accents designed to blend with the existing décor. The innovative, firm is turning window treatments into focal points of interior design: the flat panels of fabric become a canvas on which bold motifs and luxurious fabrics can be showcased, making them eye-catching statements of style. Indeed, top-tier window treatments, whether plain or patterned, stark white or vivid in tone, are radically changing design approach and becoming the starting point for cutting-edge interior décor.
A large selection of window treatments available in Cayman at Edies Decor: www.edies.ky
and Marksons Furniture & Windows: www.marksons.ky
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