WINDOWS AND WINDOW TREATMENTS

Window is an important architectural and decorative element in a room. Its placement and design (fenestration) can be either symmetrical or asymmetrical. Windows are essential in a house for letting air and light into the home. Windows also perform another major function of allowing for the indooroutdoor relationship.

Functions of the windowto admit light/ to help light the room to provide ventilation/ to let in a little fresh air/ to let out smoke to escape to enhance visual communication with nature to permit peephole glimpses of what is going on outside.

Window terminology The casing is that part of the window fitting into the wall. The frame is the wide molding covering the casing and framing the glass. The sash refers to the part that holds the glass. Mullions are the horizontal bars separating the glass panes. Mutins are the vertical bars separating the glass panes. The sill is the narrow shelf at the bottom of the frame. The apron is the part of the frame beneath the sill.

Window terminology / Parts The casing is that part of the window fitting into the wall. The frame is the wide molding covering the casing and framing the glass. The sash refers to the part that holds the glass. Mullions are the horizontal bars separating the glass panes. Mutins are the vertical bards separating the glass panes. The sill is the narrow shelf at the bottom of the frame. The apron is the part of the frame beneath the sill.http://www.ehow.com/video_2328568_basic-parts-window.html

TYPE OF WINDOWS1) Moveable or operable windows 2) Fixed or stationary windows 3) Combination of movable and stationery windows

Movable or operable windows

Double hung windows Made up of two sashes that may be raised or lowered to provide 50 percent ventilation. They are simple and inexpensive. Weatherproofing is effective; dont get in way of people or curtains, usually vertical in shape. Disadvantage is that half can be opened at one time, little protection from rain, difficulty to clean from inside. Inconvenient to operate and may interfere with view.

CasementsSwing inward or outward and permit upto 100 percent ventilation. Those that swing outward present no draping problem but can create a potential hazard outside. In-swinging casements valance must be hung high enough to clear the window. Side draperies should be out on the walls or hung on swinging arm rods.

Ranch or strip windows Are wide and shallow. They are set far enough above the floor to allow furniture to be set against the wall, but they are not ceiling high.

Horizontal sliding windows Made up of two sliding panes or a large stationery central pane with a sliding pane on either side. Furniture can be placed under fixed portion. Ventilation is limited.

Awning (or louvered) Consist of strips of glass, hinged at the top and opening outward or inward. Strips in jalousie are narrower than with the awning type. Both allow for draft-free ventilation. Awning windows may be hinged at top and occasionally at bottom. They give precise ventilation, block rain. Disadvantage is that they collect dust when open.

Jalousie windows Are narrow, unframed slats of glass, plastic or wood operated in union, take little space and provide excellent and precise control of ventilation. Many small panes are difficult to clean and may interface with view.

Hopper window (bottom hinged, inward swing) must be placed low in the wall for effective ventilation but interferes with window treatment furniture and traffic.

Inward swinging top hinged windows must be placed high in wall.

Single pivoting sash windows are raised for ventilation by means of side mechanisms. These windows are most often used as skylights .

Fixed or stationery windows

They are built as an integral part of the wall construction plain or non-glare glass may be used.

Stationery window wallIt is very common feature of contemporary homes and may extend from floor to ceiling or begin a short distance above the floor. The window wall is expensive requiring double or triple glaze for energy conservation

Disadvantages of Stationery window wall It may not allow enough privacy. It may let in excessive light that can create a glare and fade furnishings. The expanse of a black area at night is uninviting. The window wall requires large quantity of drapery or other treatment. The arrangement of furniture may be more difficult.

Shapes of Windows

Angled bay window Bay bow window is a smooth sweeping is a large projecting curve of multi panes window that is angled.

Combination of movable and stationary windows

Windows comprised of both moveable and stationery parts

Picture window Is a large stationary central section of either small panes or one large pane and a double-hung window at either end.

Angle bay Can be made up of three or more windows that angle out of the room. The central pane may be stationary and the side ones movable.

Other common windows types

Single window may be of standard size, high and narrow, or a small cutout in the wall.

Double and multiple windows

refer to identical windows placed side by side. They may be separated by a strip of wall or only by their abutting window frames.

Corner windows consists of two windows that meet or almost meet in a corner.

Clerestory window may be straight or standing windows set at the ceiling or high in a wall between two roof levels. They are usually left bare.

Dormer windows are vertical windows that project from an alcove in the roof, usually filling the entire space .

Skylight May be single or group panels of clear or translucent glass or plastic, either flat or domed fixed or movable for ventilation. It can bring adequate daylight inside the room. Light from above can expand visual space and can make sky and greenery of trees part of a room.

Arched windows Are those in which the upper part of a rectangular opening is topped by an arch.

Beveled Glass WindowA beveled window is a window which is made with glass that has been beveled, or given an angled edge which creates a prism. Since the prism changes the way light refracts as it passes through the windows, it creates a rainbow of colors and splits light into unusual patterns. Beveled windows are installed to add more dynamic lighting to a room. Many people install beveled windows on their doors to make their entryways more colorful and inviting.

Beveled Glass Window

Stain Glass Window Stained glass is an art form in which colored glass is cut into shapes and placed into a mosaic to form a picture. The glass is held in place by metal strips soldered together to give the stained glass strength and stability.

Window Treatments

Soft window treatmentsHeadings, French / pinch pleats, ripple fold, cord folds, easy pleats, tie backs, trimmings, semisheers or casements, side draperies, draw draperies, sash curtain, caf curtains and valances, cornices, lambrequins, fabric panel ruffled tie backs, readymade, drapery lining,

Hard window treatments:Venetian blinds, mini-blinds or louvers, vertical blinds, roller shade, windows quilts or thermal shades, roman shades (flat shirred rooms ballon, shirred ballon, soft pleated roman, according pleated roman) Austrian shades, woven, split- wood and bamboo blinds, shutters, screens, grills.

Soft Window Treatment

Hard Window Treatment

Need for a curtain Light: The most effective light blocking treatments are curtains, draperies and shades lined with linings. These lined curtains also block some of the suns destructive rays. Climate: Tightly woven fabrics from a more compact barrier than loosely wove ones. Pleated draperies with deep folds capture more air than sheer curtains. Combination treatments insulate windows and inhibit heat loss. Privacy: Privacy is important, treatments made of sheer lace or light weight fabrics let in some light during the day while at the same time provides privacy. For maximum privacy a combination of a hard window treatment, such as blinds, pleated shades or shutters with a soft fabric treatment can also be provided. Noise control: Window treatment can reduce noise from both inside and outside the house.

Curtains: Curtains are soft window treatments. Curtains are often sheered or gathered on outer rod, making them stationery or hand operable. Sheered curtains may be formal or informal. Generally curtains are made of sheer, semisheer and light weight fabrics and hung next to glass. They may extend only over a part of the window, whole of the window or from top of the window to the floor.

Draperies: These are made of heavier fabric. These may be used along or over the glass or on some type of curtain. Draperies extend at least from the top of the window to the sill or may even reach the floor. These are pleated fabric panels hung on a rod. They may be opaque or of casement (semiopaque) or translucent. There are many types of pleats used but the most common being the French or pinch pleat.

Important basic principles for fitting curtains to the windows1) It is better to use a large quantity of less expensive material. Generally, curtains should almost always drop to the floor. But hang them to the sill when the width of the sill is such that the curtain would not cover it or when there is a window seat. 2) Most curtains will hang better and last a lot longer-if they are lined and interlined. 3) If one specifically want the sheer look of unlined curtains for a particularly delicate room scheme, it is best to use fabrics, textures that are interesting in themselves such as coarse linen, soft printed voile, silk taffeta or embroidered muslin. 4) Sheer curtains should always be three times the width of the window and have a deep hem of not less than 25.4 centimeters (10 inches).

Types of Curtains

Cottage curtains Are short lengths, sheered and hung informal style within or the windows frame. They may be tiered or layered to slightly overlap one another and may include a ruffled curtain valance and longer side panels under which are caf curtains.

Caf curtains Short curtains that cover a portion of window (bottom half of the window) and were originally used is French caf where those seated by the window could enjoy privacy. These may be shirred pleated, or scalloped panels

Priscilla curtains Are a form of cottage curtains that fill the window with a sheer, semi sheer or mescaline fabric. Priscilla have a ruffle sewn on the edges and on the tie backs and have a ruffled valance. They meet in the middle or cress cross with one panel in front of others

Country curtains Are a take off of the meet at the center and are gathered up to five times the fullness with deep, sometimes layered ruffles. These are often in print.

Sash curtains Are sheer or semi sheer fabrics sheered at the top and bottom and installed most often on casement window and French doors so as to swing with casing. The curtains may not cover the whole window.

Tab curtains Are flat panels with straps of fabric sewn to the top and looped over dowel rods.

curtain with back tab from below

Tab valance & Tab tiers

Tab curtains upto sill

Glass Curtains These are made of sheer fabric in simple straight lines. These may be used alone or with draperies. Glass curtains usually cover the whole window area. Plain white, translucent material is desirable. Net, organdy, voile, lace and similar materials are used for it.

Tie back Curtains These are often made of sheer fabric and decorated with ruffles. Panels are dropped aside and tied to the frame or wall with extra pieces of fabric or special fixtures.

Cress-cross Curtains: Wide panels are mounted in such a way so that they overlap and then tied back.

Privacy draperies Are installed under a transparent fabric or separated tiebacks to give night time privacy or isolative control sheer drapers includes transparent or translucent fabrics, often placed next to the glass and historically called glass curtains.

Side draperies Are stationery panels hung to the side of sheers or an under treatment for saltiness and framing.

Shirred and double shirred Are gathered on the top and on the top and bottom respectively. Smocked valances are a variation of double shirring and tucks in diamond shaped pattern. Top shirred valances may have shaped or scalloped bottom.

TOP TREATMENTS OF WINDOWSHeading for curtains: These are the top most part in the form of gathers, pleats or pelmet at the window and door treatment. They help in concealing the rods and fixtures on which the curtains are hung especially when they are unattractive. They help to unite two or more window in one section, preferably when they are scattered evenly or unevenly on one or more number of walls. The rods, wires and sliding rails are fixed inside the cornice and valance so as to give an attractive coverage to the fixtures and rods.

Valance A window valance is a form of window treatment that covers the uppermost part of the window and can be hung alone or paired with window blinds, or curtains. ...

Valance It is a decorative finish at the top of the window. It may be gathered or pleated. It is a narrow strip made of different types of fabric in various designs which is stiffened with buckram and is used at the top of window and door treatments. The fabric and the design should conform to the rest of the room setting and the type of curtains and draperies used in it. Valances bring style and colour to windows. They not only conceal the heading but also lend a decorative finish.

Pleated valance: have several different forms they may be French or pinch pleats, flat box or inverted box pleats or variations such as rounded cartridge pleats, pleat and scallop, pencil pleats or any no of unconventional pleats. Shaped valance: usually have straight tops and scalloped or shaped bottoms although the top may also be shaped or curved. Quilted valances: may or may not be shaped often these are outline quilted, following a printed or woven pattern. The quilting may also be done in an all over pattern or emphasize a certain motif.

Festoon

Swag

Relaxed box-pleat valance - box pleats without creases to provide soft, bell-like fullness, showing lining.

Murphy Valance - fullness only at the bottom, jabot and tails between swags flair at top

Butterfly Balloon valance - box pleats opening at bottom to form "butterflies" and swoops

Balloon Valance - box pleats with smooth, full swoops

Chevron Valance - flat valance folded over decorative rod

Basic Swag and Jabot

Button-back Valance

box pleat

double pinch pleat

rod pocket

goblet pleat

triple pinch pleat

tab top tie top

Enfield Valance

Flat Soft Cornice Valance

Fan Topper

Open Box Pleated Valance

Angled Topper

Avenue Valance

Angled Tier Valance

Awning Valance

Bellaire Valance

Bridgeport Valance

Fairfax Valance Cottage Valance

Pole Windsor Valance

Raleigh Valance

Queen Anne Valance

Salem Valance

Savannah Valance

Bradley Windsor Valance

King Windsor Valance Gibson Valance

Hancock Valance

Legacy Valance

Jester Valance

Lancaster Windsor Valance

McMillen Valance

Murphy Valance

Victory Windsor Valance

Gathered Valance

Shaped Valance

Quilted Valance

Cornice or Pelmet: A cornice is generally made from rigid materials and then painted or covered.

Swags

Cascade

Festoon

Swags and Jabots -They are decorating terms. The middle part of the curtain that drapes down in a "u" shape is a swag and the parts hanging on the sides are jabots. Cascade - Another term for a festoon or swag, a curved, draped valance or scalloped top treatment. Festoon - refers to a swag, curved valance or scalloped topper; instead of being hung straight down from a horizontal rod, it is draped from one corner to the other; a festoon is generally not used alone, but as a topper that completes the window treatment and gives it a more decorative look.

Type of shades

Austrian shadeFabric is sewn into soft horizontal scallops and gathered vertically. Formal theaters often use Austrian shades. In home and formal offices they are often made of sheer or semi sheer fabrics edged with fringe.

Balloon, pond or cloud shades Are billowy at the bottom, forming large poufs or balloons the top may be shirred flat box pleated. A balloon shade is a softer alternative to a roman shade. It can be combined with a pretty print in a bedroom, or an elegant silk in more formal settings. Top it off with a corded header crown for an extra luxurious finish.

Pleated shades Are factory made products of semi sheer polyester fabric, plain or printed, that fold up accordion fashion. They may have a metallized backing for insulation against solar gains and winter heat loss. They may also be opaque.

Flat Roman Shade This shade is flat when lowered and lends itself to a large scale print or decorative banding. Trim detail on the hem enhances the finished look of the shade.

Roman shade Are sewn in horizontal folds that raise and lower accordion style with a draw cord. They maybe pleated first to give more fullness to the shade. Roman shades may also be interlined with batting, heavy lining and moisture barriers material to made an energy efficient shades

Hobbled Shade A hobbled shade has soft folds when lowered. It is most suitable for use with stripes and large random designs. A striking alternative treatment especially when mounted inside decorative window mouldings.

Relaxed Roman Shade A relaxed roman shade is basically flat when lowered with a softer curve on the lower edge. It can be enhanced with beads or a decorative trim for the finishing touch.

Roller Shades These are practical as they are easily adjusted to give privacy or to exclude light. Although there is structural unity in having all the shades at the same level, a shut in feeling results from keeping them all halfway down the windows, as many women do. Roller shades are some-times made by tacking oilcloth or other fabric to rollers.

Bamboo or reed roller shades In natural colors can be used indoors to induce a garden effect.

Types of Blinds Interior Venetian Blinds: These blinds made of adjustable horizontal or vertical slats of wood or metal admit light and air while giving privacy. They may be used without curtains, especially in summer. They are however, difficult to clean and are liable to become unworkable as parts wear out. Exterior Venetian Blinds: These new adjustable metal blinds are practical, for they not only admit light and air but also prevent the sun from shining on the glass windows, which reduces indoor heat many degrees.

Types of Shutters Interior Shutters: Are two narrow hinged, folding wooden shutters inside each window. They can be effectively used in place of curtains and shades. Exterior Shutters: Are customarily used for decorative purposes only.

TREATING THE PROBLEM WINDOWS

Awkwardly placed or awkwardly sized windows present problems. They can be treated accordingly by making small alterations or by selecting an appropriate window treatment design or the pattern for curtains or draperies.

Small windows:- Window that is very small will need to appear higher and wider. For this, a narrow cornice board (4 5 wide) is recommended. The cornice board may be long enough to extend beyond the frame of window so that it may permit extra width to the draperies. It will add length as well as width to the windows. If the decorative scheme permits then the curtain / drapery material with vertical line pattern can be selected for this purpose.

Narrow and small windows:To make the window look proportionate make the horizontal lines predominant in the window treatment. It can be done in the following ways; Draperies may extend on the wall instead of only covering the windows. Full curtains or draperies which end at the sill or apron make the window look wider. Ruffled curtains seem to add width specially if there is wide ruffle across the top of the window. To tie back the curtains at 1/3rd of the distance from the bottom makes the window look wider. If patterned curtains or draperies are to be used then a horizontal line or horizontal design should be selected.

Poorly placed and irregularly shaped windows:When windows do not seem to be pleasing part of the room they should be made to appear as inconspicuous as possible. This can be done in the following ways; The colour of the wood work and of curtains or draperies should be kept close in hue and value to the colour of wall. Window treatment should be kept simple. Glass curtains, which are of sill length, are best for short irregularly sized windows. For example narrow glass panels on the either side of the doorway. By placing a piece of furniture beneath the short window and treating it same way as other windows. If all the windows are placed on on wall of the room then false windows can be placed in the other walls to create balance.

Short and wide window:Windows can look longer and narrower by emphasizing vertical line effect. It can be done in the following ways; Floor length curtains or draperies add length to the windows. Thin and sheer materials give graceful folds and thus add length to the window. Narrow cornice boards and valances also emphasize the vertical lines. Tie back the curtains at 1/3rd distance from the top. Vertical lines pattern may be selected for such types of problematic windows.