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Hard window treatments include may other kinds of controls such as shades, blinds, screens, and shutters. These treatments can move sideways or up and down, the latter having the definite advantage of being completely out of the way when not wanted. They are more rigid and architectural by nature, and may be better for certain situations than the traditional “soft” window treatments.
Shades
Roman and Austrian shades and also balloon are attached to tapes that, respectively, pleat or shirr the fabric when drawn by cords similar to those used for blinds. Roman shades pleat indefinite horizontal lines as they are raised. They may unfold flat or in cascading loops, depending upon construction techniques. Austrian shades fall in length wise bands of soft, scalloped, horizontally draped folds. They are vertically shirred in very lightweight, of an sheer fabric.
Bamboo or Match Stick and Woven- Wood shades function much like those made of fabric, either rolling or folding as they are raised. They differ in that they usually let more light through, give a better view of the outside, and have pleasantly natural textures and colours. They have a linear quality with horizontal stripes of wood or split bamboo held in place with natural or coloured cord.
Pleated
Honeycomb pleated shades are paired, creating an insulating air pocket between them the outer side is white to reflect heat and unify exterior appearance, but the inside may be any colour. Pleated shades take up very little space when raised; when lowered, the pleats open but retain a slight fold, giving them a three- dimensional effect.
Thermal
Blinds
Miniblinds are constructed with narrow slats (1inch in width), held by thin cords, causing minimal interference with the view. Micro Blinds have even narrower slats, only ½ inch wide. Blinds can have different colours on each side of the slats; some are available with a heat- reflective surface on one side. They do, however, collect dust and dirt and are somewhat difficult to clean. They may also be awkward to raise and lowers, depending upon window size and height, the presence of additional window coverings, and furniture placement.
Vertical Blinds
Grilles, Screens and Panels Under certain circumstances- when windows are not well designed, when there is no view, or when privacy is necessary- grilles or screens of wood or other materials pierced with various patterns deserve consideration. With a translucent backing added, they are called shoji by the Japanese and they mask windows but allow diffused light to enter. Screens may slide, fold, or be stationary. Stained, etched, beveled, and leaded glass panels may also be hung in place of standard window glass or in front of it. They add colour, sparkle, and varying degrees of privacy. Wood or vinyl lattice screens are used by contemporary designers on both the interior and exterior of windows.
Shutters The old-fashioned indoor type of shutters has become popular gain. They consist of fixed or movable panels or wood slats or louvers on a frame work hinged to a window frame or wall. Most louvers or an inch wide, but plantation shutters have at least 2 inch shutters. An architectural wall treatment, shutters serve as a unified part of a wall. Because they are usually in hinged sections, shutters open and close off the windows as desired, providing flexible amounts of privacy and light control. Shutters collect dust, but the wood (pine or oak, normally) is usually stained or painted to seal against soil. Although their initial cost is rather high, they last almost indefinitely. When viewed in terms of life-cycle costing shutters are actually less expensive than fabric treatments which must be replaced periodically .
Window Tinting Films: These are attached directly onto glass to turn an unwanted view or plain window into an elegant focal point that enhances home or office decor. Static-cling decorative film can be used on any smooth, non-porous surface. These improves privacy and security, diffuses glare and softens harsh sun while allowing natural light to enter and filters 95% of UV rays to protect carpets and furnishings from fading. Easy to clean, removable, and reusable and can be installed in minutes
Specialty glass encompasses window treatments such as stained glass, beveled glass, glass blocks, frosted glass, and liquid crystal technology. Stained glass is particularly useful for a window that has an undesirable view or for a window that is not likely to be opened on a regular basis. Custom stained glass windows can be permanently installed or a framed piece can be hung on top of an existing window.
Bare windows When window design itself or the outward view is truly striking, any added “treatment” becomes superfluous and could even detract from the effect. Sometimes clients and designers make a conscious choice between privacy and openness and opt for the latter. Any curtaining would destroy the drama. In these circumstances, considerations should be given to double and triple paned windows to control heat loss/ gain if building codes do not initially require them.
Plants Plants paced in front of window filter, but do not shut out, light and also some degree of privacy. A screen of live plants in a green house window may very nearly block visual communication in and out. Plans are more a soft than hard kind of window treatments, but they have been considered here because they may leave the glass itself essentially bare.
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