We talked about light control, now let's discuss privacy.
If you live in a single family home in the suburbs privacy may only be an issue when it's dark out and the lights are on. In this case many types of window treatments will solve the problem. Blinds and shades can be let down and draperies can be closed.
But what if you live in a city or in cluster housing, which seems to be becoming more popular as people try to simplify their lives? The perfect solution is topdown bottom upshades. These can be pulled up from the bottom just enough to maintain privacy while letting in the light and allowing one to see outside. Topdown bottom up shades are often of the cellular or honeycomb variety. Hunter Douglas also has a shade called Duolite; this is a cellular or pleated shade that has an opague or semi-opague fabric on the bottom and sheer fabric on the top. The two materials can be adjusted so that more of one or the other shows. Topdown bottom up shades can also be made in a fabric of your choice.
Decorating tips: Here's a wonderful tip from Rowley Company, which specializes in window treatment fabricator supplies. Many kitchens have sliding glass doors that lead to a deck or patio. How about installing a grommet top drapery with a contrast banding on the top and side edges? Grommets are very versatile and come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. With these, a face fabric and contrast fabric you can really customize a treatment which you'll see all of the time.
Here's another tip: Want to dress a window while still letting in most of the light? This scarf swag, installed in a sunny foyer doesn't cover much of the window; the modern large floral print works well with the neutral walls while the bright green in the pattern and tassel trim integrates the window with the foliage outside and the houseplants inside.
Adrienne Micci-Smith is the owner of Curtain Call, Inc.,
a custom window treatment company serving New Haven
and Fairfield County, Connecticut. For appointments,
call (203) 924-0909.
