Even with obscure glass, it is usually possible to see shapes and colours on the other side of the door. By hanging a curtain, you can prevent people from seeing directly into your home. As a bonus, you’ll still be able to see out, simply by stepping in front of the curtain.

Bead curtains give a gentle sense of separation. They filter light but allow plenty through. They give a sense of privacy while providing a view. They are the ultimate noncurtain, whether used in a window or doorway, or as a room divider.

A portière is a hanging curtain placed over a door or over the doorless entrance to a room. Its name is derived from the French word for door, porte.

draperies

If when you think of valances, you imagine droopy valances without form made of some cheap polyester jacquard, then they definitely are dated and most definitely out of style. Just like any product, valances are still used quite frequently by professional interior designers, even in the most modern of homes.

Overall, blinds are more effective at blocking out light, unless you choose blackout drapery options. It’s quite common to pair blinds with a set of curtains or drapes to soften the visual effect and add a splash of color and design.

Every homeowner is confronted with the question of whether valances are outdated and out of fashion. If the word valances evoke images of yards of ruffled fabric decorating your windows, then probably the answer to the question is yes. There is so much more to valances waiting to be explored and experimented with.

Window blinds—vertical or horizontal slat-type—are more effective at reducing summer heat gain than winter heat loss. Because of the numerous openings between the slats of blinds, it’s difficult to control heat loss through interior window blinds, but the slats offer flexibility in the summer.

Blackout curtains and shades will reduce the amount of heat which is transferred via your windows by as much as 24 percent, keeping the rooms where they’re installed cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This will allow you to use your heating and cooling system more efficiently and save energy.

Generally, blockout curtains (also called room darkening curtains) work the same as the blackout do. The only difference is that it does not provide a hundred percent total darkness. It will block out some light, but not entirely.

Blackout curtains are made with some chemicals which are infused into the fabric of the curtains. These chemicals contain ‘Volatile Organic Compounds’ or VOC. The curtains that contain VOCs are regarded by some, to be toxic in nature. To be perfectly clear, VOCs have very rarely affected the health of a person.

Keep your curtains closed Instead, experts suggest keeping them closed throughout the day, adding that extra care should be taken with metal blinds and dark curtains, as these can absorb heat.

Blocking out Light Whether you are watching a movie, or simply taking a break from the scorching sun, blackout curtains have an immediate soothing effect on the room. Other than blocking out light, the tightly woven fabric also provides insulation. As a result, the rooms are warmer in winter and cooler in summer.