|
CHALLENGE:
I came across the D&WC Web site (www.DWCdesigNet.com) while researching design options for window treatments and would appreciate some advice.
I wish to replace vertical blinds in the family room of my Florida home. This large room, situated on the western side of the house, is nearly half windows—some in a bay area, one sliding door and a large double-mitered window that reaches down to about eight inches from the tile floor. All the windows are installed with a marble edge. My current installation is floor-length woven verticals hung outside the window jamb. One problem is they attract pet hair like a magnet!
What product and hanging scenario would respond to the following requirements: Light reduction (sunlight), resistance to pet hair, inside-mount or outside-mount with a floor-length installation?
Furnishings within the home are traditional, but the family room will be redesigned as comfortable contemporary.
I purchased vinyl textured verticals in my bedroom for light control, but am wary of having so much vinyl in my family room. Since my vertical blind dealer is reluctant to make suggestions, I thought an uninvolved expert's advice would be quite valuable.
SOLUTION:
First off, shame on your vertical blind dealer for being reluctant to offer suggestions, there are many possibilities to offer!
Your first requirement, the reduction of sunlight, will best be resolved with any of a number of window treatments that reduce or even block light coming into the room. Some suggestions would be, but are not limited to, Silhouette® Window Shadings, Vignette® Window Shadings, Insolroll Window Shading Systems, Eclectics textured vinyl blinds, and wood blind products offered by many fabricators and manufacturers. Also, the possibility of sheer fabric on the windows would be beautiful. Sheers diffuse light and are a beautiful solution. If privacy is a factor, think about an additional undertreatment. Most drapery fabrics can be made totally blackout with the addition of an opaque lining.
Also, consider the possibility of having window film professionally installed on your windows. Film will reduce sunlight glare and almost totally eliminate the infrared heat build-up from sunlight.
Depending on the room's wall color, your choice of product colors may be limited. Many of the products I have mentioned are transitional in style and will meet the needs of your traditional and contemporary decorating styles.
The problem of pet hairs as it adheres to a smooth surface such as vinyl verticals will present a problem because of static electricity. There are window treatments on the market now that have a finish that resists dust, perhaps these finishes also work to keep from attracting pet hair. Usually a simple weekly maintenance of vacuuming will ease the problem.
The question of inside- or outside-mount depends on the depth of the window sill. Depending on the product finally chosen, you will need the appropriate sill depth to mount the hardware. Each product will list requirements for mounting the brackets. The visual effect you wish to create also will depend on the type of window. If there is casing around the windows such as oak, you will need to ask yourself, Do I want to hide this or have it serve as a frame around the windows?
If imperfections in the window or framing need to be hidden, then an outside-mount would be the best solution. But remember continuity in mounting the window treatments throughout the room, if possible.
|
Editor's note: This is a continuing series of articles written by Sharon L. Anderson that will answer some of the many questions we receive at Draperies & Window Coverings as well as questions Anderson has encountered in her own business. If you have a question you would like Anderson to address, please send it to:
Design Solutions
c/o Draperies & Window Coverings
666 Dundee Rd., Ste. 807
Northbrook, IL 60062-2769
Fax: (847) 498-0231
E-mail: DesignSol@dwcdesignet.com
|
Sharon L. Anderson has more than 20 years
experience as a professional interior designer in both commercial and residential design. She has taught at numerous colleges throughout California and currently is an educator
at Moorpark college in southern California.
She is a published author and frequent public speaker.
|
