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‘Windows’ Category Archive
What are the Differences Between Window Treatments and Window Coverings?
All I want is a little clarity. I am the type of person who gets bothered by imprecise language, especially when it is within my own industry. You see, it’s my job to write about window blinds and shades and the terms, window treatments and coverings are bantered about all the time with little regard to their real meaning.
I decided to do some research and get a definitive answer, which I would share with the public. I am not expecting to create some kind of revolution just want to shed some light on a couple of pretty nebulous words.
First, I went to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary and found nothing, no definition for either word. How could that be? These are fairly common terms. This is confusing to me. I use an online tool in my work that tells me how many times per day the internet searching public uses keywords. The word window treatments gets used about 2,600 per day and the word window coverings gets used about 625 per day. And yet, these words are not clearly defined. I sense a conspiracy – just kidding.
My next resource was Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia with descriptions and explanations written by everyday people. I found the following entries:
A window covering is material used to cover a window to reduce sunlight, to provide additional weatherproofing, or to ensure privacy. Window Coverings are usually on the interior side of windows, but can be on the exterior in some situations. Types of coverings include: drapes, curtains, window blinds, including: Venetian blinds, mini blinds, window shutters, vvarious types of boarding, nailed or screwed to the window casing, can be used as temporary window covering.
In interior decorating, a window treatment may refer to any of the following items placed over or around a window: curtains or drapery, including sheers, window blinds, including Venetian blinds, a valance, tiebacks used to hold curtains. It may also include treatments applied to directly to the glass, including: frosted glass (through acid, etching, sandblasting, or plastic films or panels), distorted optics, such as wavy glass, stained glass panels or ornaments.
It seems to me, based on these two entries that there is little difference between their meanings. Both include window blinds, drapes, curtains and Venetian blinds (an old term for what is now commonly referred to as mini blinds). Where they seem to depart, at least according to these descriptions is that window coverings includes shutters (in this case plantation shutters) and window treatments can include treatments to the glass itself.
Both have the basic meaning of something to decorate or cover a window for privacy and light-control (room darkening) and to accentuate the décor of a room. So, essentially what we have here are two poorly defined words that have virtually the same meaning. So, I would like to make a personal ruling on this issue and say that window treatments should be any treatment: drapes, blinds and shades on the interior (inside) portion of a window, whereas window coverings should be any treatment: shutters, storm shutters, and awnings to the outside portion of a window. That seems clearer to me. Doesn’t mean that everyone is suddenly going to jump on my definition bandwagon, but I can hope.
An Introduction To RV Window Blinds
Just like window blinds for your house, RV window blinds are coverings made to fit RV windows to provide shade and privacy. These blinds are available in a variety of styles and colors, so it is easy to find window shades that are not only the right size for your RV, but also fit nicely into your room’s design.
Some of the more commonplace types of RV window blinds include:
- Aluminum RV window blinds. Aluminum mini blinds are also available in an array of colors and most models include a simple device for opening and closing the slats, as well as raising and lowering the whole shade. These RV window blinds can be bought in a range of sizes and can often be cut to your specifications.
- Windshield privacy wraps. Similar to pleated, pull-down RV window blinds, windshield wraps are made from fabric material and are available in lots of colors. These window blinds are attached on rails along the inside of the windshield so they slide open and closed for easy use.
- Pull-down, pleated blinds. These shades are generally made of a tough, stain-resistant fabric and can be found in day/night options. Day/night window blinds feature a sheer layer that can provide respite from the sun and privacy without concealing all natural light for day time use and an opaque layer for complete privateness at night. Pull-down blinds are available in several colors and open and close without trouble.
Advantages of RV Window Blinds
There are a number of reasons RV owners want to install window blinds to their travel trailer or motor home. RV window blinds are almost similar to the blinds and shades covering windows in our homes. A primary purpose of their use is to add fashion, style and personality to your home away from home. There are plenty of styles and colors to want from, so it is easy to give your RV a personal touch.
Window blinds are also the easiest way to get a sense of privacy inside your RV. RV camping is lots of fun, but most RV parks don’t provide a great amount of privateness. While spending time with your camping neighbors is fun, there are times you need your own space. Window blinds can be lowered and closed so that no one can look inside your RV.
These window coverings are the greatest way to protect your RV’s interior from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays from the sun. RV window blinds can shut off direct sunlight so your furniture are protected from fading. They can also regulate the temperature inside your RV.
The Downfalls of Window Blinds for Your RV
Like home window blinds, those designed for RVs can be troublesome to keep clean. Pleated shades can simply be wiped clean with a damp sponge. While this type of blind is usually made of a stain resistant material, it is also much more susceptible to splatters and spills and may require more work than slatted blinds. Aluminum, slatted RV shades do require a more thorough cleaning process because each slat must be cleaned individually. It can also be hard to find RV window blinds for unconventional sized windows, often requiring a custom cutting.
How Much Are RV Window Blinds?
Window blinds are a great enhancement to your RV, whether you’re looking for some privacy or hoping to cool the inside of your motor home on a hot summer afternoon. A variety of styles, colors and sizes are generally available from outdoor outfitters and camping suppliers. RV window blinds are also available on the internet. These useful and beautiful window coverings can be found for as little as $30, while some RV window blinds cost more than $100. Professional installations will more expensive.
