Window Coverings

Window Coverings

The most common form of window coverings is blinds and drapes. These coverings are used to keep unwanted sunlight from entering the home. They are also used to trap heat in the interior of the house by decreasing the amount of heat lost from the poorly insulating glass windows. They are also useful for maintaining privacy while in your home or office. Allowing you to keep unwanted eyes from peering in. There are other less known window coverings that provide specific services.

Window Coverings Blinds

Blinds are an elegant and simple way to cover your windows. The most common blinds that are found in homes and businesses today are referred to as “Venetian blinds.” Vertical strips of material (metal, wood, bamboo, etc) are strung together and attached to an upper pulley system. When you tug on the drawstring the blinds rise, and when you release the blinds lower. A bar on the other side allows you to change the angle of the blinds to meet you needs. Vertical blinds are also popular and mainly used for large windows. Large blinds are attached to a track at the top of the window, and a pulley system is used to move the blinds back and forth. Like the Venetian blinds, a bar is used to change the angle of the blinds. Another less seen, but considered more stylish, is the roll out blinds. A mat of material is rolled up and with the pull of a string it can be unrolled and cover your window. It is important to keep in mind the design of the blinds and also functionality when buying blinds.

Curtains Window Coverings

Curtains are pieces of fabric that are usually held atop the window by a bar or rod and hung down the sides of the windows. Held in place by curtain holders, these are a great way to accentuate design elements in your home or office. When freed from the holders they cover the window much like blinds and block light from entering. Curtains can be made in a variety of ways and in a variety of fashions. Be sure to consider style and fabric choice carefully when picking out your curtains.

Basement Window Well Covers

Many people have basements. Most basements are designed with small windows at the top portion of the basement. To allow light in a hole, or well is dug around the light to allow the sun to penetrate into the room. These wells pose a problem however, both for safety and security. Children and pets are at risk with basement wells, having the most risk of accidentally falling in and injuring themselves. Break ins are also common through basement windows, usually allowing the intruder entrance to your home without you noticing. A great way to prevent both of these from occurring is with a window well cover. Usually made of a strong metal or polymer, the well cover will safely seal the hole and protect you from injury and theft. Most are grated and will still be able to allow light to enter your basement.