Using Light To Decorate With Window Shades

Windows are your portal to view and also the way natural light illuminates your home. There can be no color or sight without light. Artificial light is certainly going to be used, but you should not neglect the significant effects natural light can have. Some sculptures are made out of light only. This means that standard curtains and window coverings can be used to create all kinds of space and light illusions.

From a cultural as opposed to an artistic standpoint, draperies are heavy and look more formal. Short curtains are lighter and casual. If you are trying to use your window coverings or cellular blinds for illusion, you can do things like extending the curtain rod or valance beyond the window frames on smaller windows. People will see the coverings instead of the window frame and assume the windows are larger.

Fore larger windows, you want to conceal as little of the window as possible. Try tying the curtains back on the sides. To make illusions to make the windows look like they are different heights, this is a different problem. Draperies and higher curtain rods conceal the length of a window and soften the view. If you are in the unfortunate position that your view is a dirty factory or brick wall, you can make window coverings that match your wall. Consider tan cellular shades to mask the view.

When it comes to actual window blind design you have almost unlimited options. Vertical blinds are drastically different from venetian blinds in terms of the forms they inspire. Long vertical lines can make the room seem more spacious if you have vaulted ceilings. Mini blinds are popular because they are light and work anywhere. For those looking for a more artistic expression with their window coverings, try an art project like buying wood blinds and painting the slats. You can make patterns or if you are really ambitious, a picture you can see when the slats are closed.

For interiors, other than vertical blinds, there are also panel blinds. These track blinds can be made from paper, fabric or other materials and roll on a track to act as room dividers. They even have vertical cellular blinds now to divide the room and maintain energy efficiency. The idea is that you can divide of parts of your house that you are not using and you will not have to spend energy heating or cooling those areas.

Cellular blinds are different from venetian blinds because they are all connected. Instead of having movable louvers that can let light in or shut it out, honeycomb blinds have air pockets when lowered and fold upon themselves when raised. With panel track window coverings, even when closed they will still take up some of your room. So you have to decide if the trade off in space is worth the room separating abilities.