CURTAINS:

        Current trends for curtains

        Installation types for curtains

        Curtain heading types

        Linings

        Curtain track and rod types

        Top treatments - pelmets, swags, valances

        Curtain accessories

SOFT BLINDS (Using soft furnishing fabrics):

        Current trends for blinds

        Roman blinds

        Panel blinds

        Bonded roller blinds

        Austrian blinds

HARD BLINDS (Using stiffened ‘holland’ fabrics or other non-fabric materials such as timber):

        Roller blinds - spring or chain operated

        Vertical blinds

        Panel blinds (‘hard’ version)

        Metal venetians   

        Pleated blinds 

        Timber venetian blinds and timber look

        Timber shutters

        Woven timber blinds

SOFT FURNISHINGS (All the associated items to create the complete decorated room):

        Upholstery

        Fabric and wallpaper supply only

        New furniture & decorator items

        Custom made bed furnishings, scatter cushions, lampshades

Step 3:  Regarding window furnishings, don’t be alarmed. You don’t need to investigate every option. Simply be aware that there are this many options. These are the options our consultants will be working with when they think about your project. We handle everything in the way of window treatments. Consequently our advice is not limited to a particular product range. Moreover, everything in the list above ‘Metal Venetians’, we manufacture ourselves in our workroom, so we know what we are doing when it comes to design and installation.

Step 4:  No we are still not up to thinking about colour, even yet. In the early stages, once you have decided on treatments for particular areas, you can assist the consultant by looking at fabrics from a point of view of ‘style and feeling’. Vague words, and here is another: the ‘look’ that appeals to you is a very personal thing. After you’ve listened to everything your consultant says, taken advantage of her experience and guidance about what is going to work. You will be making the ultimate selection of fabrics based on the ‘style and feeling’ that appeals to you. Fairly early on, the consultant will be onto your wavelength though, and she will know what appeals.

Just another difference here, by the way, between the way we operate at Andersons, and what you may have been unfortunate enough to have experienced in the hands of an ‘interior decorator’. Certainly, not all are like this, but some will return to you after a brief consultation, with a complete scheme, like a judgment from on high, with a price tag to match, and a pen in hand for you to sign on the line.

Step 5:  (Finally!)  Colour. In the final narrowed down search, once you are clear about the feeling you are looking for, only then does colour become significant. Please don’t obsess about matching colour. It does not have to be drop dead exact. A comfortable companionship is all that is required in most circumstances. At this stage also comes consideration of possible trimmings and accessories to accentuate the appropriate colours in the overall scheme. Colour is something that can be massaged.

And to conclude, a quick word on budgets.  An average houseful of nice window furnishings is $5,000 or $10,000 or $20,000 or $40,000 depending entirely on the price of the fabrics and how elaborate are the treatments. Top treatments, double layer treatments, decorator rods, trimmings and accessories obviously increase the price per window by multiples. Based on their experience, our consultants are able to talk budget with you once they have seen what is involved. Let them know what your expectations or hopes are in the matter of budget so they have a basis on which to work.  And remember, you don’t have to do the whole house in one hit. You can always break it up into stages.