Curtain Accessories - Blinds & Shades
Blinds or shades provide a clean and minimal look to a room, ideal for modern interior style Blinds are typically hard window coverings with a series of horizontal or vertical slats that open and close for light and privacy
Shades are typically fabric, and they lift-up or pull down to regulate light and privacy
Topics In This Buying Guide
● Types of Blinds & Shades
Types of Blinds & Shades
Blinds
Typically made from Vinyl, metal, wood, bamboo
Venetian Blinds
Classic style with horizontal slats that can pivot open and closed to control the amount of light that filters through
If you want to control the light in your bedroom, look for room-darkening blinds with slats that overlap, and consider installing the blinds over the window frame rather than inside it
Vertical Blinds
Unlike typical blinds with horizontal slats, vertical blind slats hang from a rail
This design makes them a great option for large windows that might look too busy with thin horizontal slats
Vertical blinds are also ideal for sliding doors and other passageways, as they can open left to right or vice versa, allowing the user to walk through the door without opening the entire set of blinds
Shades
Typically made from Cotton, polyester, linen, bamboo, vinyl. Shades tend to be more of a classic design choice and, in turn, are available in a wide range of types and configurations
Roller Shades
For a modern look, roller shades that unroll from the top of the window are a great option.
With many materials to choose from, you can find everything from sheer to blackout shades
Roman Shades
Roman shades feature large fabric billows that hang gracefully from the shade when closed but stack up in neat folds when open. Many of these shades also filter or block light
Between the soft texture and blackout characteristics, they’re an excellent choice for bedrooms or rooms meant for lounging
Curtain Accessories - Curtain Rods
Typically, curtain rods are placed on brackets which are attached to the wall using screws
Types of Curtain Rods
Decorative Curtain Rods
A decorative single curtain rod is available in countless styles, sizes, and finishes, and is a great way to add an extra decorative touch to your windows
This type of rod is often extendable to fit a range of window sizes and common materials include wood, brass, iron, or brushed nickel to name just a few What makes it unique are the finials on either end of the rod, which come in many shapes and sizes, from sleek, minimalist ones to more ornate and vintage-style ones, and even kids' themed finials
They are removable and simply screw onto the ends of the rod. Their practical purpose is to help keep the curtain panels in place, but they also help dress up the windows and add a nice accent.
Double Curtain Rods
A double curtain rod is similar in style to a classic decorative rod, except that it consists of two rods to allow you to layer two types of window treatments on one window
It consists of two rods, the front one sometimes being thicker and more ornate. The main benefit of using a double rod is that you can use both sheer curtains as well as thicker panels at the same time, which is especially helpful on very sunny days as well as during the cold days
The visual benefit of this type of rod is that it creates extra depth and a more dramatic effect, especially if bold or contrasting colors and patterns are used
Aspects for choosing Curtain Rods
Weight Capacity
The right curtain rod for your window treatment all depends on the fabric you want to use
If you’re leaning towards heavy fabrics, stick to a sturdy metal
You can pair aluminium or plastic curtain rods with lightweight or sheer materials such as cotton or linen
Colour & Finish
You can use the color and finish of your curtain rods to add dimension to your curtains. For example, if you have a pair of cool-tone linen curtains, pairing them with a sleek, cast-iron curtain rod is one way to make your arrangement pop
If you’re looking to add depth to your room, opt for a dark curtain rod in a metallic finish
If you have a beautiful set of airy cotton curtains, try a light, wooden curtain rod for a cohesive look
Dimensions of the Curtain Rods
As a rule of thumb, the curtain rod should extend 3”to 6” past the window frame
An elongated curtain rod will make the windows look grander, and it gives you more room to open the curtains, allowing a good amount of sunlight to enter the home.
It’s always better to go slightly longer when choosing curtain rod diameter. This keeps light from coming around in the sides of the curtains when they’re drawn
Curtain Accessories - Tiebacks
Just like the name suggests, a curtain tieback is a decorative piece that ties a curtain back against the wall. Curtain tiebacks hold your curtains back from covering your windows
They consist of two parts: the tieback itself (usually made of fabric), and a hardware set which screws into the wall above and behind the window
The tieback loops around the curtains and securely fastens on either side of the window using metal hooks that fit over nails in the wall