Blinds and Shades for Period Homes
Owning a period home can be challenging. An older home requires constant maintenance and a lot of TLC. Attempting to decorate a period home can be just as tricky as maintaining one. For example, using mini-blinds in a period home is like nails on a chalkboard. Here are a few more suggestions on how to choose blinds and shades for period homes.
Victorian
Victorian-style homes were quite popular in the mid-1800s to around the early 1900s. Victorian homes typically have ornate gables, bay windows, stained glass windows and decorative brickwork. The style is very distinct so when considering window dressings, make sure you consider what your blinds and shades will look like from the outside. This very busy architecture will require blinds and shades that will not clash with the exterior; however, the typical window coverings of that era were lace curtains. Lace curtains are a little too fussy for most people unless you are trying to restore the home to its original design. Simple, white sheers with perhaps a more ornate drapery facing inside may look best.
The interior architecture of a Victorian home is just as elaborate as the exterior. If you wish to tone down the house's interior design, use warm, rich-colored drapes without a pattern. These drapes will maintain the warm feel of the home's architecture without the busyness. Overall, softness and luxury are the traits of the Victorian home.
Craftsman/Mission Style
Craftsman, Arts and Crafts and Mission Style are all the same architecture types that became quite popular in the 1920s.
Clean lines are the hallmark of this architecture type. No-fuss, no muss. Another feature of the Craftsman style is wood -- and lots of it. Hints of brass and stained glass are also typical of this type of architecture.
An excellent window treatment for this home is wood shutters or wood blinds. Roller shades are also very striking in a Craftsman home. Shutters or wood blinds accentuate the room's lines and provide a clean, finished look that compliments the architecture.
American Colonial/ Colonial Revival
American Colonial encompasses several Salt Box architectural styles:
- Spanish Colonial
- French Colonial
- Cape Cod
- Georgian
The Salt Box style is very classic and straightforward. These homes were popular from 1765 to 1783 but fell out of favor during the American war with the British due to Britain's historical connection. After the war, there did indeed arise a certain nostalgia for this historical architecture. The Colonial Revival style once again became popular from 1800 to 1955.
Simple lines and graceful windows are the hallmarks of this architecture. This architecture breathes history. Attempting to add modern patterns or trendy styles will tend to clash with the feel of the home. Simple patterns and warm fabrics are perfect compliments for these historic wood and brick homes. Clean, white sheers are excellent, as are simple roller shades. Shutters will add more structure while maintaining the sense of history.
If you would like more suggestions and ideas for decorating your period home's windows, give the blinds and shades experts at Blind Solutions of Colorado a call. We are here to help make your windows look fabulous no matter the age of your home.
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