When it comes time to choose your window treatments, there are lots of options in blinds, shades, or draperies. In Georgetown, TX, our strong sunlight and warm summers call for solutions that can handle heat and glare; but they still need to be right for your aesthetics. Picking the Right Window Treatments in Georgetown, TX Blinds Blinds give you slat-by-slat control over your light direction, and you can tilt them to let sun in from above or bounce it toward the ceiling while still seeing outside. Horizontal styles work well on standard windows, while vertical ones suit taller or wider openings, like patio doors. They also come in wood, faux wood, aluminum, or vinyl, so you can match the look of trim or furniture. Most blinds can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, which makes them very user-friendly when it comes to dust or cooking splatter. The downside is that, even when closed, there are small gaps between the slats or at the sides that can let in some light and air movement. They also tend to transfer heat more readily than thicker coverings. Shades Roller shades pull down in one smooth motion and come in light-filtering, room-darkening, or blackout fabrics. Cellular or honeycomb shades can add an extra layer of usefulness because they trap air between those cells and slow down heat from moving through the glass. In hot weather that means the room stays cooler longer. Solar or screen shades take this even further by blocking a high percentage of UV rays while still letting you see out; they work especially well on west- or south-facing windows. The trade-off with shades is that you usually get one level of light control per shade unless you layer two. Draperies Draperies bring softness and a more finished look to a room, and you can get custom-made panels that can be lined with thermal or blackout material. This goes holds the cool air inside during summer and keeps things warm during cooler months. In fact, tests show that thicker curtains can reduce your indoor heat gain by about a third in summer and cut heat loss by up to 10% in the winter. They also absorb sound better than blinds or shades, which matters if you live near a busy street or want a quieter bedroom. On the maintenance side, you have to vacuum them regularly and may need to get occasional professional cleaning, depending on the fabric. Sun exposure can fade some drapery material, and to combat this, try choosing a solution-dyed or UV-resistant fabric. When open, draperies stack to the sides and give you an unobstructed view; when closed they create a full barrier. If you are ready to narrow the options, stop by Fabric Bin in Georgetown, TX or visit us online to talk about your specific rooms and goals. We've served all of Central Texas and the Hill Country for more than three decades.
Cornice Boards 101: The Finishing Touch That Elevates Any Room
One way to add a refined finish to your windows is with cornice boards, and many homeowners here in Georgetown, TX find these structured pieces ideal for elevating their everyday spaces. Cornice Boards for Homes in Georgetown, TX A cornice board is a structured window topper that begins as a solid box of wood or a similar rigid material that sits above the window frame. Once you cover it with batting and fabric pulled tight across the face, the result is a clean architectural edge rather than a soft drape. A valance hangs loosely from a rod and moves with the air currents, but this hard form lets you shape the lower edge into a straight line, a gentle curve, or a series of scallops. The idea is to position the finished piece so it completely covers the top of the opening and every bit of hardware behind it. Rods, rings, headrails, and even the battery packs of motorized shades can all simply disappear from view behind the boards. At the same time, the solid cover also stops light that would otherwise leak around the upper edge, and this gives you deeper darkness in a bedroom or media room if you need it. Tips and Tricks Mounting When you mount the topper a few inches above the window casing, the eye will naturally travel upward, and the entire opening will seem to be taller. Ceilings feel higher as a result. And if you apply the same profile and fabric across every window in a space, the whole wall will suddenly read as a deliberate composition. Fabric A quiet, solid weave keeps the attention on the clean geometry, and this approach works especially well in rooms where you already have patterned furniture or busy walls. A bold pattern can, in contrast, draw color from an upholstered chair or rug and turn the topper into a focal point. Layers You can leave the topper as a standalone architectural statement, of course. But you can also layer it over draperies and shades, and the rigid upper edge will give you a fixed line that balances the movement of the soft panels below. Drapes can still open and close freely, but the top treatment will stay put and create a constant, finished outline. Natural Surfaces If you prefer a natural surface instead of fabric, that works, too, and the same wood frame can accept all kinds of paint or stain. Painted finishes can match existing trim, while stained wood can tie the cornice into your furniture or flooring. Fabric versions, by contrast, introduce texture and pattern that paint alone cannot supply. Call Us to See Options To find out more about your options and get advice for what will work in your space, contact Fabric Bin in Georgetown today for a free estimate and in-home consultation. We have more than thirty years of local textile experience and always build each piece to the exact size and style you need. We serve all of Central Texas and the Hill Country.