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Window coverings

A well dressed window provides practical as well as aesthetic features in a home.

Types of curtain rods

Café rods are poles, supported on matching brackets attached to both sides of the window.

Ceiling-mounted rods attach underneath the top of the window frame.

Concealed track rod is a combination of a rod and a pole.

Dauphine rod is used to hold a wide pocket curtain.

Projection rods project out into the room, away from the window frame, to support the curtains.

Sash rods are commonly used for curtains on doors.

Swivel rod is a hinged rod that swings away from the window when open.

Tension rod has rubber tips on each end and uses tension to hold the window treatment.

Traverse rod is a single-track rod used for opening and closing curtains.

Window treatments insulate from weather and help to keep interior temperatures even. They block sunlight and keep furnishings from fading. They can act as soundproofing and privacy barriers. An attractively dressed window adds to the ambience of a home.

Request it!
The complete book of curtains, drapes & blinds : design ideas for every type of window treatment
Wendy Baker.
New York, NY : St. Martin's Press, 2009.
Whether you're an interior designer or a home decorator and you need to create a beautiful home space with a window dressing to complement your lifestyle, look no further.The Complete Book of Curtains, Drapes, and Blindsis the one-stop reference. No longer will you struggle with inspiration or measurements as you'll find the essentials for creating a curtain design in this jam-packed volume. Learn the basics of window shapes, measuring, heading tapes, fabric characteristics, and fabric quantities. When you're ready to design, the second chapter in the book provides an in-depth look into various types of accessories available for curtains and blinds. For designers, and decorators, the sketches can be scanned and reduced to put on sample board or e-mailed to curtain makers to eliminate costly mistakes. The book also includes a section for cozy bed treatments and plush cushions and throws. nbsp; From first-time homeowners to interior design students and studio professionals---when it comes to window dressings and coordinated accessoriesThe Complete Book of Curtains, Drapes, and Blindswill help you through bewildering choices in a simple and easy way. Now that's a curtain call!
     
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Can't fail window treatments
[Nancee Brown].
Upper Saddle River, N.J. : Creative Homeowner ; Hove : Roundhouse [distributor], 2009.
The newest addition to the successful Can't Fail series shows readers how to freshen up their style for a variety of budgets. The book provides an array of looks and styles with pictures, tips, sketches, and design notes.
     
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Making curtains & blinds : stylish window treatments for every room
Dorothy Wood.
London : Southwater, 2008.
  1. Originally published: 2001.
  2. Includes index.
     

There is a wide range of window treatments that match all budgets and tastes. Blinds, shades, and shutters come in wood and synthetic materials in a vast array of colors and prices. Draperies and shades can be made from fabrics that range from expensive, heavy velvets and brocades to light and airy cottons. They can be fully lined and go to the floor for a formal look or can be simple short curtains at a kitchen window.

Unique window treatments can be made from standard curtains and blinds purchased at home furnishing stores when those standard items are combined with a variety of accents such as hardware and trim. Those who are handy with a sewing machine can craft one-of-a-kind custom treatments that provide distinctive interpretation of a decorating theme. Fabric stores carry  beautiful fabrics and trims for DIY projects. Hardware such as rods, poles, swag clips and valences can be easily found as well.

Designers will tell you that window coverings help to set the mood of your home. No single decorating choice has greater impact on the overall ambience of a room than how the windows are dressed.

More about window treatments.

Article by: St. Louis Public Library staff