ROMAN SHADES
The hottest trend in window fashions right now is roman shades. Clean, classic, and efficient are words that describe this window covering. Roman shades operate by a standard cord lock, a continuous cord loop, or a remote controlled motor that pulls the fabric up and lowers it down. When in the down position, the fabric can be flat, hobbled, or in a waterfall formation. The shade can be lined with a light filtering lining or with darkening lining. Thousand of options are available for the face fabric allowing the roman shades to coordinate with any design style you can come up with. Depending on the fabric and style selected roman shades will work with any style from contemporary to traditional, or transitional. Roman shades work well in children's rooms, family rooms, kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms. When in the raised position, the fabric folds up onto itself and forms a soft valance look. It is a very clean look and never looks messy.
Roman shades can be mounted either inside the window frame or outside the window frame. To use an inside mount, you must have a two inch flat surface inside the top of the window casing to mount the shade. On an inside mount it is important to remember there will be a slight gap on both the left and right sides to allow for smooth and easy operation. If there is not two inches of mounting depth on the top of your window, you need to outside mount your shades. Usually an outside mounted shade fastens to the window trim and will extend from the outside of the trim on the left to the outside of the trim on right. This is always and better option if you are using a room darkening shade because the overlap on the window blocks more light.
Quality of roman shades is very important. A professionally made roman shade will usually last ten years or more, when raised and lowered every day. The rings are hand sewn on the back and will not deteriorate in direct sun. All roman shades are lined to ensure long life and durability.
Roman shades can be made to fit your windows and design style and are the finishing touch to any room.
CURTAINS
Adding fabric to any room is an important element of interior design. Fabric can add color, softness, drama, serenity, romance, or whimsy depending on the colors, patterns, and textures that are chosen. Curtains and draperies are a very easy and interesting way to add fabric to the total room design. Curtains can add elegance, sophistication, luxury, and comfort depending on the type of fabric that you choose. Sheer drapes or curtains will create romance and elegance by softly filtering the natural light from the window. Plaids or herringbone patterns will create a more masculine feel. When choosing the fabric for your curtains, think about the texture, sheen, iridescence and durability. Linings are important for curtains because the lining can be room darkening and a lining helps to improve the acoustics of the room. Even a lightweight standard lining is important because it will increase the durability and make the curtains last longer. Roman shades draw up and down and are available with several lining options and can be used as an alternative to curtains. Curtains or draperies add the finishing touch to any room.