Windows are the eye to the outdoors -- that's why you have to think carefully when deciding on a style for each room in your house. But with so many terms exclusive to the window industry, how do you see clearly? Here's a guide to help you sort out all of the jargon.
Horizontal blinds: Made of aluminum, plastic, wood and faux wood, horizontal blinds control light and privacy easily. And they're durable and easy to maintain.
Vertical blinds: Made of aluminum, vinyl or reinforced fabric, the overlapping nature of vertical blinds enables light control.
Swags (curtains): Made of soft or sheer fabric, their portable style allows them to be draped over another treatment or used alone to soften a window frame.
Curtains and drapes: Constructed of fabrics in various colors and patterns, they can be designed to suit your decorating style. Fabric can add visual warmth to a room.
Cellular shades: Made of sheer or opaque paper or fabric and available in various opening methods such as motorized or pull from bottom, cellular shades can be custom fit for any window shape or size.
Roller shades: Vinyl, canvas or bonded fabric offer moderate to full blackout of light for total privacy.
Roman blinds: Made from various fabrics, Roman blinds make use of manipulated cords and pulleys and offer a casual look and add insulation.
Shutters: Made of wood or polymer panels or louvers, fabric, glass or metal inserts, shutters give an old-fashioned, cottage aura to a room.
Cornices or valances: Made from a variety of materials, including anything from wood to silk-flower garland, cornices or valances are used to hide drapery hardware or make window and ceiling look taller.
