Ozark Living

GUEST COLUMNIST Living Plenty of options when picking the right window covering When choosing a window covering you will need to weigh your decision based on personal preference, style, design, and the limitations of each option. So what are the options? Blinds certainly have been a builder favorite for years. Shutters are a beautiful fi xture, like furniture for your windows. Roller/ Solar shades have come a very long way from the commercial staple they once were. Cellular shades are making a comeback. But, our personal favorite, drapes, can so en a room, add color, and defi ne a space. So which one(s) will you choose? Blinds are inexpensive and can come in many diff erent colors and materials ranging from wood, composites, and light metals. Functionally, blinds off er a quick and easy means of providing privacy and darkening the room. However, and with few exceptions, the slats will overlap and not completely seal out light intrusion or have holes drilled through the slats for the string ladder system, which will cause light leakage into the room and can be problematic for day sleepers. Shutters, much like blinds, off er a classic look and durability to your window. Functionally, shutters typically do a better job sealing the light around the outer edges of a window by fi tting fl ush in the window opening. However, even with the louvers open, the framing and louvers can obstruct up to 20% of your view. Choosing a larger louver size will allow the space between louvers to be bigger and feel more open and have fewer gaps for light to leak into the room when closed. Roller/Solar shades come in a variety of colors and in a variety of options to allow light to pass through them to shade an area, or to block light completely. is is accomplished through an openness in the weave of the fabric. For example, a 3 percent openness will allow less light than a 5 percent, which will change the UV protection and change how well you can see through the fabric. Functionally, the fabric will roll up and down on a tube. When fully opened, the shade rolls up into a compact cassette or behind a decorative fascia. Layered shades, or Zebra shades, are like Solar Shades in that they roll up and down on a tube. However, functionally they act like a hybrid shade allowing both privacy and exterior views by alternating bands of solid and sheer fabric. Lining up the solid bands blocks light and creates privacy while alternating the bands allows light to pass through and a view through the window. is more modern take on a roller is quickly becoming a consumer favorite. Cellular shades, or honeycomb shades as they are o en called, can fi lter or block light and compress into a tight stack at the top of the window when fully open. When closed, the shade creates airspace within the material and Form or FUNCTION? By Amy and Brad Koogler Special to Ozark Living ABOUT: Brad and Amy Koogler are owners of Selah Design Studio. Selah Design Studio is a full-service Interior Design Showroom. eir mission is to furnish clients, and local designers, with the highest quality services and products available to create truly unique masterpieces. ey strive to off er clients and design partners an inspirational and creative space to relax and discover their vision for their perfect space. 26 • SEPTEMBER 2018 • OZARK LIVING

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