Are your windows going soft?

When shopping for window treatments, its great to know the basics...

 

Window treatments are classified as hard treatments or soft treatments.

 What is a hard treatment?

 

Hard treatments are factory-made window treatments: blinds, shades and shutters. Hard treatments are not always hard (roller shades or fabric-slat verticals, for example). New styles of hard treatments are coming out all the time. Some of these window coverings are used simply for privacy. Many are installed to control sunlight. Often, homeowners choose a treatment because of aesthetics but most of the time, however, we choose a window covering for a combination of reasons - funtional and aesthetic.

 

Hard treatments are available as stock items found in home-improvement stores, or custom made to order. Stock merchandise comes in standard sizes. Custom-made treatments can be made in any size. Colors and options are limitless with custom-made hard treatments.

What is a soft treatment?

Any window covering sewn from fabric is considered a soft treatment. Soft treatments are generally used as decoration on top of hard treatments, but can also be used alone.

Soft treatments can be custom manufactured to fit any window. Your decorated window will be completely unique - one of a kind. Any fabric and trim can be selected, and practically any style can be created. Professional installation using custom hardware also adds to your distinctive look.

Custom soft treatments include

•  Swags and cascades
• Shaped valances
• Drapery panels
• Balloon valances
• Scarf treatments

The uniquesness of your soft treatment depends on your fabric selection, style, size and all of your chosen details, including trims, tassels, and hardware.

 If you'd like some hand holding through the process of decorating your windows, give me a call!

Creative Resources for Holiday Decorating (and gift giving)

It's getting closer to the holidays and we are all thinking about decorating our homes to welcome loved ones and nuture ourselves but if you're like most of us, the budget hardly supports seasonal gifts much less holiday decorating. Here are 4 creative resources for decorating (and gift shopping) in this economy to inspire you...

1. Swap Meets:
Have you ever eyed an item your neighbor had and wished you could have it? Well, maybe now you can!! Perhaps you can swap an item that you don't want with an item your neighbor or friend has that they don't want. Your Christmas decorations may bore you but may bring cheer to a home with none and the table lamp they no longer need might provide the perfect light by your reading chair.

2. $0.99 stores:
The dollar stores never cease to amaze me with the variety of unexpected items that they carry - candles that ae at least $5 less than in departement stores, mesh baskets for fruits and organizing, pictures frames that you can paint any color without fear of ruining because of the cost. Visit a dollar store this week to see the many items that will surprise and inspire you.

3. Thrift stores:
Thrift stores are making a comback in style! Now days it's considered chic to shop in a thrift store full of economical items that have a history to them. Another great reason to shop a thrift shop is that most are associated with a charity so while you are helping yourself decorate in style, you are also helping a good cause.

4. Move and reuse:
Do you want to shop for items without spending money or even driving around town looking for them? You can - by shopping within your own home! Look around and see what furniture pieces or accessories you can use to decorate your home to feel and look better by placing them in different rooms or spaces.