Many
homeowners think of ways they can keep their cooling costs down in
the summertime. Window treatments and films can help toward that
purpose. However, perhaps you also want to create a summer-worthy
vibe in your home. You can promote a warm-weather ambiance with new
window treatments.
Bamboo
Shades
Bamboo
shades aren't just for summertime, but they are especially attractive
when the sun is shining hot. Bamboo shades filter light. Even when
they're down, light filters through in a pleasing dappled effect.
This sun filtering makes them ideal for promoting that summer vibe in
a bedroom, family room, or living room. However, they do still filter
a lot of sunlight, so you get the cooling effects of traditional
shades.
Manufacturers
make bamboo shades out of bamboo slates, reeds, and dried grasses.
Because of the various materials, you have a wide array of shade
styles to choose from. They differ in color, texture, and even form.
Bamboo
shades are often solo window treatments. However, you can layer them
with curtain panels if you want more structure. White linen or gauze
curtains make pleasing frames for the shades that promote a sense of
a beach cabana. Nonetheless, such a window treatment is a neutral
backdrop that will complement any décor style.
Voile
Curtains
Along
those same lines, you could consider voile curtain panels, which also
filter without blocking sunlight. Voile is a fabric made of cotton,
silk, or wool that's fabricated to be thin and sheer. However, voile
doesn't come in just a straight gauzy style. In fact, manufacturers
can manipulate the opacity to create patterns. Likewise, they can add
light colors or other threads to create beauty.
One
option is to choose a set of curtains with a clear summer theme. Any
botanical, especially a pattern featuring flowers, will create that
warm-weather appeal. However, polka-dots are also especially
attractive for voile curtains. You can get monochromatic polka-dots
or a pattern in which the dots have been picked out with color.
Summer
Patterns
In
that vein, certain patterns are simply associated with summertime
fun. As noted, any botanical pattern works well to that end. You can
find such patterns in almost any material, not just voile. You could
look into white cotton with bright-colored flowers. Another option is
a set of linen curtains with a botanic-style theme.
Nautical
patterns are also warm-weather styles. After all, you usually
associate going to the beach with summertime. So, you could look for
an actual nautical pattern, such as ship anchors, sea horses, or even
a beach scene. However, if you want a more sophisticated vibe,
consider a Cape Cod approach — linen with navy stripes.
Another
activity associated with summertime is picnicking. To that end, any
pattern that reminds you of a picnic can promote the warm-weather
ambience. Red and white checks come to mind. Again, if you want to
tone down the look, consider a checkered pattern in more muted
colors.
Pastel
Curtains
Dark
colors absorb more heat, which is why summer clothing is usually made
of lighter hues. Over time, of course, those lighter colors have come
to be associated with warm weather. So, using colors such as pastels
in your décor not only cuts down on heat absorption of the fabrics,
it also creates a touch of summer ambience.
Naturally,
you could opt for white or light beige curtain panels. However, if
your décor supports it, consider pastel curtains. You could choose
solid-colored curtains or look for those with gentle patterning. If
you're not sure you want to commit to a full pastel, look for colors
with gray undertones. The gray will ground the color and keep your
window treatments classic.
Create
a connection between your home interior and the sun-filled outdoors
with summer-inspired window treatments. Visit Sylvan's
& Phillip's
Drapes & Blinds
for
a wide selection of window treatments to complement your home.
