Help shut out the cold this winter with the correct choice of window dressing. From interlined curtains and fabric blinds, to wooden venetian blinds and shutters, there’s a dressing to suit every window and every budget.
As temperatures drop, fuel bills start to soar as we crank up the central heating in our attempts to keep our homes warm. It is thought that up to 50% of heat disappears out of windows and that fitting made to measure shutters or wooden venetian blinds can reduce this statistic significantly.
Wood is a natural insulator and is extremely effective at keeping cold out in winter whilst shielding the sun to keep your interior space cool throughout summer.
In a research project by The Edinburgh World Heritage Trust, it is claimed that blinds and shutters can be as effective in conserving heat as double glazing!
One of the most comprehensive ranges of shutters and wooden venetian blinds is by Santa Fe Shutters with prices starting from £144 for a Wooden Venetian blind and £260 per square metre for shutters.
As winter approaches, our cocooning instincts take over and we want to surround ourselves with rich, warm fabrics and furnishings. It’s all about shutting out the coldest months of the year and celebrating simply being at home.
Timberlux suggest layering a wooden venetian blind with full length curtains. It’s a trend we see in fashion but this Autumn/Winter, layering looks set to become a trend in interior design too. This ‘layer on layer’ approach adds depth and definition. Interlining curtains will reduce draughts dramatically and create a luxurious and cosy interior.
When it comes to fabric blinds this season, bold retro styling continues to be popular. Whether your interior is a tribute to the 50’s, 60’s or 70’s, blinds are a great way of incorporating retro style. With their clean lines, bold abstract shapes and blocks of colour, they create dramatic punches of colour and pattern without any of the fuss and formality associated with curtains. The look created is fresh and fun and appeals to modern as well more traditional interiors.
As for the colours to watch this Autumn/Winter, there is a proliferation of moody blue tones and shades of bluey/green such as teal which transcends all seasons and suits a range of interior styles from modern to traditional. Try colour-blocking with one tone or layer several tonal shades from inky indigos to emerald greens.
You can’t fail to have noticed the woodland inspired interior trend that has seen us welcome all manner of forest fauna into our homes over the past 12 months. From wall-mounted stag heads (faux of course) to foxes, then rabbits, not forgetting owls, They’ve quietly crept into our home and adorn everything from wallpaper to ceramics and cushions.
The look created (if you’re careful not to overdo it) can be organic, cosy and warm and ideal for autumn/winter.
But if you’re looking for the perfect backdrop for your forest friends or you want to embrace the trend in a more understated way, how about a Roller blind in ‘Othello’ from The Fabric Box?
It’s available as a Roller and a Roof blind as well as Sliding Panels. Prices from £62 for a Roller blind, £70 for Roof blind and £80 for a Sliding Panel.
For more information and ideas, visit thefabricbox.co.uk
