Frequently Asked Questions

Should I purchase draperies or blinds?     

             This is a question I am commonly asked and the answer usually lies within the individual. Generally speaking blinds are very practical and functional. The main advantage most blinds have over draperies are their ability to “Rotate.” This is especially appealing when you have a window with a view. When you rotate the blind away from the direct sunlight your furniture is protected, The room does not get too hot and you can optimize your view. On the other hand, draperies whether opened or closed give a room a feeling of warmth and coziness. Draperies offer substantially better insulation and light control (for example, blackout and thermal linings) on top of their visual appeal. Sometimes a fabric valance with decorative drapery panels for softness combined with a blind for functionality can solve many decorating problems.

            The most common types of blinds are horizontals and verticals. The horizontal blinds comes in  1/2” inch,1”inch and 2” inch. The vertical blinds are a standard 3 1/2” inches wide (there is a small selection of 2” wide verticals). The 1” mini blinds are inexpensive and serve most basic purposes. The 2” inch blinds come in aluminum, P.V.C. (Poly Vinyl Chloride) and wood. I feel that overall the 2” blinds give a room the feeling of being less closed in or cluttered, not too mention that they are much easier to clean than the 1/2” or 1” blinds. Wood blinds are by far the nicest looking of the 2” products, whether you are matching to an existing wood finish (ie. hardwood flooring,furniture or cabinets) or simply looking for a white. If choosing white, one may consider “Wood look-alike” blinds, which can easily be passed off as the real thing for up to 30% less! Vertical blinds can be an affordable way to have the softness of fabric and the functionality of a blind. Light filters through most vertical blind fabrics, enhancing the mood in any room.

            Other options include fabric shades such as the Hunter Douglas Silhouette , and Duette. The Silhouette is a soft sheer shade that offers a 63% U.V. blockage while you can still see out and 93% blockage and complete privacy while closed (Great for a room with a view). The Duette is best described as a “honeycomb” or “Cellular”shade. It is usually mounted within the window frame and has excellent insulating values(Available in single, double and triple honeycombs). One of the main advantages to both the Silhouette and Duette are that they stack very neatly at the top of the window (Averg. 3.25”inches stack) thus optimizing the view. Roman shades whether regular (flat while down) or waterfall (folds sewn in) are another nice solution for windows that you would like to soften the look of but keep simple and in the background.

Should I choose a Printed or Plain material for my draperies or upholstery?

            This too depends on the individual and their sense of style. A plain material is always safe and easy to work with, but a print can make a bold or subtle introduction of color into your room. Generally speaking matching prints can be very difficult. When looking into a  print for upholstery or draperies be careful that it is a print that will not get dated too quickly. If you have for instance a printed sofa or a strong multi colored area rug, adding a printed drapery can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. You may want to keep the draperies neutral or pick out a complimentary color from the print. It is best to imagine the draperies closed when choosing color because what may seem like a soft subtle color in a small drapery swatch, may turn out to be much more than you bargained for when you have a whole wall of it! You may also keep in mind that the addition of decorative trims and tassels can be a creative way of using another dominant color in the print as an accent. With upholstery it is much easier to add several printed throw pillows onto a nice neutral piece of furniture than it is to have the sofa recovered once you get tired of the print. Sometimes the art, furniture and small accent pieces are the focal point in a room and the drapery or upholstery material should just be in the background for softness. You should walk into a room and feel a certain balance of color and texture. You should not walk in and focus on one part of a room (for example the printed drapes or sofa in the corner). Mixing colors properly is what makes a room.