What is the difference between the curtain and the drapery? Many people use these terms interchangeably, but they are actually two very different terms. Curtains are made of lightweight fabrics and are usually unlined. They extend only the length of the window. Draperies, however, are employed on large windows - picture windows, for example. They extend to the floor, are lined with a backing, and are made from heavier fabric. There is so much of the material that they hang in folds.
Curtains or draperies are more important than they might seem. They are used for privacy purposes, of course, and also to block out the sunshine. Sunshine is all very well outside, but inside it is actually quite destructive. Direct sunlight causes the fabric of your furniture to fade, as well as your paintings or other wall decorations.
Interior Shutters Curtains and draperies don't really keep out all the sunlight that they should. The solution is to install interior shutters as well.
Interior shutters come in a wide variety of styles and materials, from traditional wooden louvered shutters to those made of PVC or vinyl. Whatever the decor of the interior of your room, you can find a shutter to complement it - and one which will perform those other, vital services of providing privacy, sun protection, and even extra insulation should you live in a cold climate.
Surf the Web For a Vast Selection You can see the vast selection of interior shuttles available by searching the web. However, if you decide to install these shutters yourself, it is imperative that you perform your measurements carefully - measure twice to cut once, as the saying goes.
Horizon Shutters is a company that excels in the traditional wooden shutters, featuring either the traditional or Colonial style louvers, or the wider louvers of the Plantation style. The rich color of wooden shutters would set off a Tuscan or rustic style decor to perfection. These types of shutters are bifold and can be drawn back entirely to provide a complete view of the window. The shutters can fit the entire window, or be 'half-shutters" to provide privacy at eye level if seated.
Shutter Classics is another online company that provides plantation shutters, as well as wood blinds and vertical blinds. (Blinds are louvered but hang from the top of the window and are raised and lowered, rather than being pulled open from side to side.)
Vinyl shutters give the wooden versions a run for their money. Unlike wood, vinl shutters do not crack, peel or deteriorate as wood does. They are therefore necessary in areas like solariums, bathrooms, and the kitchen. Unlike wood, vinyl shutters are a fire retardant. They are also easy to clean.
Of course, just as wood varies in quality depending on what type of tree its taken from (hard woods vs soft woods) so vinyl varies in quality. You'll want the color of the vinyl to be solid throughout, not a mere coating. The more moisture resistant, the better. You'll also want to make sure the hardware to affix the shutter to the window jamb or the wall is of the highest quality.
Eclipse Shutters is a firm that specializes in vinyl shutters of all kinds. All Vinyl is another provider you can investigate in your search for the perfect interior shutter.