In the dark

Sidebar: Window treatment 

A cool way to block out light and help regulate the temperature of a room is to have stylish and practical window treatments.

These include many options, ranging from curtains to blinds and shutters, all of which can be ordered and installed on-island by experts.

“Many window treatments offered today are available with ‘black-out’ qualities in order to satisfy demands for light-blocking and heat reduction in a space,” says Karen Edie-Turner, design consultant in the soft furnishings department of Edie’s Decor.

“If clients prefer draperies or curtains, they may opt to have them lined with varying opacity of lining depending upon the desired amount of light and heat they wish to eliminate.

“The 100 per cent black-out lining is recommended for clients wanting maximum heat and light blocked, while a 60 per cent lining allows some light, yet still controlling some of the heat within the space.

“For clients who prefer a more minimal and linear style of window treatment, they could use roller or Roman shades, which can all be fabricated with the lining options discussed above.

“For both draperies and shades, the client has the option of attaching the liner directly to the fabric, or having the liner on a separate track system, which provides more flexible use of the window.”

Before installing a window treatment, it is important to take into consideration factors including the style and decor of the space, what the space is to be used for and by whom, the size of the window, the area around the window and how easily accessible it is.

“Custom window treatments are a worthwhile investment as most have a 10-year-plus warranty,” says Ms Edie-Turner.

“And, you have the comfort of knowing that your window treatments are unique to you, your decor and space.”

One of the top window treatments for energy savings as recommended by Robert Wood Lighting & Interiors is the Duette Architella Collection by Hunter Douglas.

The collection has a unique design with three air pockets, in which the “honeycomb within the honeycomb” construction means that colours are truer, pleats are crisper and energy efficiency is dramatically increased.

Mr. Wood points out that 40 per cent (or more) of a home’s cooling energy escapes through its windows.

And he suggests a budget for window treatments should be factored in when building a house or undertaking renovations, a costing that is often overlooked.

“The earlier people think about window treatments the better,” says Mr. Wood. “It’s much better to fit window treatments correctly from the beginning than to retrofit or to fit into a space that is not suitable.”

Anna Rose Washburn, managing director/owner of Marksons Furniture emphasises that window treatments are important not just to keep houses shaded and cool but also to protect the contents.

“The sun is very intense in Cayman and can destroy the fabrics of the things we have in our homes, if they are not protected,” she says.

Ms Washburn likens windows to being the “eyes of a home” and she advises it is best to have a window treatments professional assess your home and do the measuring for you.

“People can be overwhelmed when it comes to the choices of treatments,” she says. “It’s a good idea for a professional to come to your home and look at it in terms of your lifestyle and decor.” 

 

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Stephen Clarke