Window treatment

1. WINDOWS AND WINDOW TREATMENT
WINDOWS
 AN OPENNING IN A WALL OR SOLID SURFACE THAT ALLOWS THE PASSAGE OF LIGHT ,IF NOT CLOSED OR
SEALED , AIR AND SOUND.
 THESE ARE GENERALLY GLAZED OR COVERED IN SOME OTHER TRANSPARENT MATERIAL.
 MODERN STYLE WINDOWS BECAME POSSIBLE AFTER ART OF INDUSTRIAL GLASS MAKING PROCESS WAS
MASTERED.
 ADDS TO THE DÉCOR OF THE ROOM AS WELL AS ENHANCES THE PRIVACY OF THE ROOM.
Assessment of Windows
Any assessment of windows should take into account the following considerations:
1. View and Privacy: If there is a view, it should be an important factor in the interior scheme. Windows should
ensure privacy during the day as well as night.
2. Light: Natural light is both cheerful and energy saving (artificial light sources being more costly than free
sunlight) Window treatments should provide optimal but flexible control of light by means of draperies,
shades etc.
3. Ventilation: cross ventilation in room without air-conditioning is a decisive factor for comfort.

2. TYPES OF WINDOWS: Windows are classified in to 2 general categories:
Fixed windows: They are meant for providing light and a view
Movable windows: They combine the function of providing light and a view with ventilation
1. Single windows: A single window is the basic window with a single frame; it opens either inside or outside.
2. Single-hung sash window: One sash is movable (usually the bottom one)
3. Double-Hung Windows: Double-hung windows are probably the most common type of window. They open by
sliding the bottom half of the window up or sliding the top half down. Because only half of the window area
can be open at one time, they provide less ventilation than casement style windows. An advantage of double-
hung windows is they can be used to create air movement in the home by opening the top portion of the
windows on one side of the house and opening the lower portion of the windows on the coolest side of the
house. Air will naturally rise out of the higher opening, pulling cooler air in the lower opening.
Older double- hung windows have weight-and-pulley systems to make them easier to open. Unfortunately,
these systems tend to stick or rattle and it is hard to stop air from leaking around the pulley openings. Newer
models have spring-tension devices and work far better.
4. Horizontal sliding sash window: Has two or more sashes that overlap slightly but slide horizontally within the
frame.
5. Awning Windows: Awning windows, also known as hopper windows, swing open like casements but are
hinged on the top or bottom rather than on the side. Some swing inward, others swing outward. Because they
are easy to clean and provide more security.

3. 6. Rotating Windows: Rotating windows open by pivoting around a central point. They allow good ventilation
because in the open position, almost the entire window area is unobstructed. Because either side can face in,
cleaning them is easy.
Jalousie Windows: Glass louvers that overlap one another form the panes of a jalousie window. Operated with
a crank or turn-screw, the glass louvers tilt to open, permitting fresh air from outside.
7. Fixed-Pane Windows : Fixed-pane windows do not open, which means they do not permit ventilation or easy
cleaning, but their sealed edges protect against air infiltration.
8. Casement window: A window with a hinged sash that swings in or out like a door comprising either a side-
hung, top-hung, or occasionally bottom-hung sash or a combination of these types, sometimes with fixed
panels on one or more sides of the sash.
9. Mullion windows: These really consist of a series of windows. Each window can be treated as a separate unit
or unified into a single design.
10. French windows: These are also called French doors. They open out into balconies or patios. For a softer
touch, a traditional drapery treatment may be given to these windows; but the rods must extend be and the
frame so that the draperies can be drawn out of the way of the opening doors.
11. Corner windows: Two identical windows on two adjacent walls meet at a corner in this type. Corner windows
can be treated as one unit or function separately. Drapes or vertical blinds should preferably be drawn
towards the outside to let in maximum light whenever needed.
12. Bay windows: These are three -dimensional windows made by placing windows on three walls that meet to
form an alcove protruding outwards. They are usually large and give the room an illusion of spaciousness,

4. beside serving their functional purpose. These windows can be treated separately or as one. To give the effect
of one large window, it is best to treat them as one.
13. Bow windows: This are made up of a number of windows and each window has smaller windows within. This
type of window helps to reduce the intensity of the sunlight as a large glass pane is covered by a little
woodwork. They are similar to bay window, but here the walls meet to form a curved alcove.
14. Picture windows: These are large- paned fixed windows facing a picturesque view.
15. Ranch windows: These are high windows set above eye level. They are provided basically to let light in.
16. Palladian windows: These are windows with an arched top. To treat such shapely windows, flow with the
curve or bend with the angle or, best of all, leave them untreated.
17. Skylights: These are windows in the ceiling. They are basically there to allow in sunlight. They are left
untreated. In case some treatment is required, custom-made, remote-controlled shades are best.
18. Dormer windows: They are provided in attics under slanting, gabled roofs, mainly to illuminate the rooms
towards the middle of the building.

5. Window Treatments:
In essence, window treatments are used to control the degree to which windows perform their various functions.
They have great design potential as sources of beauty and character too.
Stiff window treatments
There are many types of coverings apart from curtains that can be used on windows to ensure privacy and block out
light.
Blinds
Blinds are of the following types:
Roller blinds
These let in plenty of light when drawn up, yet give complete privacy when unrolled and let down. Roller blinds are
made of thick fabrics used in conjunction with rollers.

6. Roman blinds
These are made of fabric attached to cords When the cords are pulled, the blind rises up in accordion pleats to form a
pelmet. They are heavier and warmer than roll blinds.
Venetian blinds
These actually originated in China, contrary to the name. They are made of parallel slats of wood, metal or plastic
aligned horizontally or vertically. They are popular for their almost complete control of air, light, and view.

7. Vertical louvre blinds
These are most effective on a large floor-to-ceiling window. They work on the same principal as the venetian blinds
except that they close across the window rather than down
Pinoleum blinds
These are an inexpensive covering for large windows. They are made from fine strips of wood held together by
cotton, and let a pleasant, soft light filter through.

8. Shades
Shades may be of the following types:
Bamboo and woven wood shades These were once considered rustic and informal. They are available in different
weaves nowadays.
Fabric roller shades
These are inexpensive and can be flexibly adjusted to cover as much of the window as required at a particular time.

9. Types of curtains
Curtains may be used to create various window treatments.
Glass curtains
These are also called sheer or net curtains and are usually made of cotton or polyester.
Drapes/over-curtains: Draperies refer to loosely hung (not taut or stretched) soft
furnishings. These are made of heavier fabrics and may be lined.
Draw curtains
These are usually made of translucent or opaque fabrics and are mounted on traverse rods.
Casement curtains These cover the entire window and have casings at both top and bottom.
Tie-backs
Either one panel can be tied back to one side or both the panels can be tied back to the two
sides.
French cafe curtains
These cover only the lower part of the window, with the casing slipped over a tension rod
mounted in the window frame.
Sheer curtains let light into a room and still maintain a good level of privacy. They should be
bought in excessive width, about double the width of your window, to appropriately fold to
cover your window with the adequate amount of privacy