When deciding on what type of window coverings you need, consider the following:

• How will the space be used?  Are you looking for a formal or  more casual look?
• How close are you to your neighbors?  Are you looking directly into their windows? Do you need more privacy?
• What direction are various rooms facing?  Are some rooms very sunny and hot – therefore needing better light control?
• Do you have a nice view and only need privacy at night?
• Do you like your bedrooms dark with no light getting through?
• Do you have young children and is their safety an issue?  Perhaps cordless coverings will give you peace of mind.

Companies specializing in custom window coverings or Decorating and Design consultants, like myself, can work with you to choose the right window coverings that will achieve all the required results as listed above.  Of course being in the business I find that there are benefits in getting custom such as; a good fit (especially for those odd shape windows), warranty, installation and customer service.

However, if you are handy and creative there is nothing wrong with going it alone and I have a few suggestions:
• When considering an “inside mount” covering, measure the width in three places; top, middle and bottom.  Use the smallest width measurement.  Check with the manufacturer for the appropriate deductions.
• Consider if the window is opened and closed a lot and how you are going to accommodate a crank, if there is one?
• Think about how the window coverings will look from the street.  A different colour in every window is a big no.
• Research all the features associated with the window coverings to make sure they will do the job.

When installing a rod use the following rule of thumb:
• If there is 12” or more between the top of the window molding and ceiling; hang the rod at the halfway point.
• If there is less than 12” or you have a very low ceiling; hang the rod as close to the ceiling as possible. This will help make your walls appear taller.
• The bottom of your draperies should just graze the floor (there are some styles that are meant to  “pool” on the floor).  You should not be able to see the baseboard under the drapes.• Curtain rods should be interesting and decorative.

When trying to decide on colour; look at the metal in  your accessories, existing lamps and light fixtures and try to stay close to those colours.  NL

For more product information and ideas:
www.abbeywindowcoverings.com
www.hunterdouglas.com
www.getdecorating.com