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Window Treatments Chicago, IL Terms

Window Treatments Chicago, IL Terms

You might have seen photos of the perfect window treatments for your home in magazines or online but you weren’t sure exactly what you were looking at at the time. Here are the commonly used terms by professional designers so that you can have a better understanding of how to make the most of your window treatments in Chicago:

Soft and Hard Window Treatments

You have two types of window coverings to choose from. Soft window treatments in Chicago will offer fabric or textiles to cover your windows using drapes, curtains, sheers, swaps, and valances.  Hard window treatment solutions are made of wood, vinyl, or aluminum. These will be fashioned into blinds, shutters, or cornice boards. Various shades can be made into hard or soft window treatments, depending on the material used and the look you’re going for.

Drapes and Curtains

The terms “drapes” and “curtains” are often interchangeable, but they do differ, and once you know how it’s easy to differentiate them.  Both of these window treatment styles include fabric panels that usually hang in pairs. But draperies, whether in Chicago or elsewhere, are usually made of heavier fabrics and could include a lining that makes them thick.  Plus, drapes have the length to extend from above the window to the floor. At times, they can create a luxurious pooling effect by adding on some length to gather on the floor.

By contrast, curtains are usually a lighter fabric that is unlined and this type of drapery in Chicago can be short or long.

Blinds and Shades

As mentioned, blinds are in the hard window treatment category. They feature slats, or louvers, that can control the light that enters and privacy requirements by opening, closing, or angling them. Shades are often solid window coverings that can be rolled up or down.

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