A balloon shade is similar in concept to a roman shade, although the mechanics are carried out a little differently. Both provide an intermediate step between a shade and a drapery.
Shades function to block out the light. They basically have two positions – up, which allows the light in, or down, which keeps the light out. The most common kind of shade is the standard roller shade, where material is wound around a spring-loaded spool at the top of the window and is unwound to cover the window. Draperies, or curtains, are designed to filter light. They can be partly opened, completely opened, or completely closed, and each position filters out a varying degree of light. They are also designed to dress up the window.
Balloon shade curtains contain an upper inverted pleat that opens into graceful, flowing scallops at the bottom. When raised, the inverted pleats gather the fabric into a series of puffy festoons and the balloon shade is highly decorative. When lowered, the shade effectively blocks the light while maintaining its scalloped base, so it is still decorative. Roman shades are similar, except that they are pleated horizontally instead of vertically. When they are raised, to allow in the light, they simply fold up upon themselves in a concertina-like fashion. This is much more attractive than a raised roller-shade. Balloon window shades are frequently used as balloon shade valences to cover the head rail of other window treatments.
Both roman and balloon shades can be made with a white backing that provides a uniform appearance from the exterior of the window as they are lowered.. They can also be constructed from fabrics with varying degrees of weight, to either block light completely or to let in a specified amount, even when down.
As with any other style of window treatment, the pricing of balloon shade curtains is extremely varied. There are so many variables to consider and so many fabrics and designs available that it is difficult to select a median value. There are, however, several tips you can heed to be sure you get the best possible price on whatever shade you decide to purchase.
The best price is, of course, free. How can you get these shades for free? Make them yourself! If you have a moderate amount of skill with a sewing machine, there are several very good websites which give very clear and easy-to-follow instructions for planning, measuring and making your own shades. The nest option is to find a sale. Many websites make this easier by offering a lowest price guarantee. Find what you want on several websites and then do a cost comparison – but be sure to factor in shipping charges so that you are comparing apples to apples.
A balloon shade is similar in concept to a roman shade, although the mechanics are carried out a little differently. Both provide an intermediate step between a shade and a drapery.
Shades function to block out the light. They basically have two positions – up, which allows the light in, or down, which keeps the light out. The most common kind of shade is the standard roller shade, where material is wound around a spring-loaded spool at the top of the window and is unwound to cover the window. Draperies, or curtains, are designed to filter light. They can be partly opened, completely opened, or completely closed, and each position filters out a varying degree of light. They are also designed to dress up the window.
Balloon shade curtains contain an upper inverted pleat that opens into graceful, flowing scallops at the bottom. When raised, the inverted pleats gather the fabric into a series of puffy festoons and the balloon shade is highly decorative. When lowered, the shade effectively blocks the light while maintaining its scalloped base, so it is still decorative. Roman shades are similar, except that they are pleated horizontally instead of vertically. When they are raised, to allow in the light, they simply fold up upon themselves in a concertina-like fashion. This is much more attractive than a raised roller-shade. Balloon window shades are frequently used as balloon shade valences to cover the head rail of other window treatments.
Both roman and balloon shades can be made with a white backing that provides a uniform appearance from the exterior of the window as they are lowered.. They can also be constructed from fabrics with varying degrees of weight, to either block light completely or to let in a specified amount, even when down.
As with any other style of window treatment, the pricing of balloon shade curtains is extremely varied. There are so many variables to consider and so many fabrics and designs available that it is difficult to select a median value. There are, however, several tips you can heed to be sure you get the best possible price on whatever shade you decide to purchase.
The best price is, of course, free. How can you get these shades for free? Make them yourself! If you have a moderate amount of skill with a sewing machine, there are several very good websites which give very clear and easy-to-follow instructions for planning, measuring and making your own shades. The nest option is to find a sale. Many websites make this easier by offering a lowest price guarantee. Find what you want on several websites and then do a cost comparison – but be sure to factor in shipping charges so that you are comparing apples to apples.
Tagged as:
installing window treatments; custom curtains,
velvet curtains
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