Confused about window treatment terminology? Perhaps interior decorating magazines aren't on your radar and you don't know what the heck's going on with all that window jargon. If so, here is a small primer to help you understand what's what when it comes to decorating your windows.
What is the difference between blinds and shades?
Blinds are slats of wood, vinyl or metal that open and close in unison as well as raise up and down. They allow varying degrees of light and air in usually by the turn of a rod. Because of their variation in allowing light in, they are extremely useful as well as offer a clean finish to any window area.
Shades are a window covering that is a single unit, generally a sheet of vinyl or fabric (a rolled shade) or folded fabric (as in a roman shade). Available in many colors and patterns, shades go with any decor and are generally an inexpensive way to cover windows. Roller shades are easily cut to fit at the store or even when brought home.
What is the difference between a cornice and a valance?
A cornice is a piece of molding or covered fabric box that covers the hardware of window treatments, whether for drapes, shades or blinds. It gives a clean finish and can be used to make the window appear taller by placing it at a strategic point near the top of the frame. They can be painted in contrasting colors but if painted the same color as the wall, will give more height to the room along with a more open feel.
A valance is the short drapery you see along the top of a window. It handily hides the hardware for drapes or blinds or shades, giving a trimmer neater appearance to the entire window area. It's also a lovely additional way to add another slice of color to the room, sometimes matching the drapes exactly, sometimes coordinating with them or picking up another color in the room.
What are finials?
Finials are the decorative ornaments found at the ends of curtain rods - sometimes abstract, sometimes an identifiable shape, such as a pineapple. It finishes off the curtain rod giving it a clean, polished look, as opposed simply showing the end of the exposed rod.
