Choosing Backgrounds Chapter 24

Objectives 1. Explain what backgrounds are and why they are important. 2. Assess the characteristics of various home textiles. 3. Evaluate the characteristics and uses of various floor coverings. 4. Compare the characteristics and uses of various wall coverings. 5. Describe the characteristics and uses of various window treatments. 6. Select floor coverings, wall coverings and window treatments.

The Role Backgrounds Play Backgrounds – floors, walls, ceilings and windows. Backgrounds set the mood. –Materials, patterns, colors, textures –Informal, formal, calm or relaxing

The Role Backgrounds Play Sound is affected by backgrounds. –Soft, textured –Smooth, hard –In some rooms the background may be the focal point of the room Ceiling Windows

Color Considerations Color seldom looks the same in every spot. The way light strikes the wall can affect how dark or light a color appears. Doorways, windows and fireplaces all affect the color in a room. Furniture reduces the amount to background color that can be seen.

Color Considerations Warm – reds, oranges and yellows Cool – greens, blues and violets

Types of Textiles Natural Fibers – such as cotton, wool, linen and silk, come from plants or animals. Synthetic Fibers – made with chemicals and other materials. –Nylon –Polyester –Rayon

Textile Laws The Flammable Fabrics Act established standards for home items such as rugs, carpeting and mattresses. The Textile Fiber Products Identification Act specifies what must appear on labels. –Fiber content and percentage –Product’s manufacturer –Country of origin –Care information

Floor Coverings Usually one of the most expensive components of a design project. Foundation –Purpose of the room –Amount of traffic flowing through it –Floor maintenance required –Coordinates with decorating scheme of room

Resilient Floor Coverings Resilient flooring – flooring with a semi- hard surface that returns to its original shape after stress. –Vinyl Flooring Resists stains Durable and easy to clean –Plastic Laminate Flooring Durable and comfortable Resist dents and scratches

Carpeting –Insulates the floor –Cuts down on noise –Provides a feeling of comfort

Carpeting Size and Installation –Rolls –tiles Quality Pile – or nap, the visible surface of the carpeting which helps to determine its quality. Texture and Construction –Looped –Twisted –Cut

Carpeting Color and Pattern –lighting Carpet Cushion –A quality under padding or carpet cushion can extend the life of a carpet dramatically. Shock absorber Comfort Quiet

Rugs Most are a type of carpeting. –Rectangular –Oval –Many different sizes

Wall Coverings Factors to consider: –Condition of the walls –Cost involved –Function of the room –The look desired –Lifestyle

Wall Coverings Paint Wallpaper Paneling

Math Activity If a gallon of paint covers 350 square feet, how much is needed for a 9 ft. x 12 ft. room, with an 8 ft. ceiling? 2.5 gallons If paint costs $17 a gallon, what will it cost to paint the room, assuming you can buy only what you need? $42

Paint Properly preparing walls to paint often takes more time than actually applying the paint. Primers – sealants that make surfaces non-porous and keep out humidity. Some are formulated to cover stains.

Paint Solvent-based paint – This type of paint may be oil or a synthetic resin called alkyd. Latex Paint – water- based, quick drying paint. –Finishes Gloss Semi-gloss Satin Eggshell Flat Textured

Decorative Painting Stenciling – patterns are created by using a special brush to apply paint through cutout areas of a template.

Molding Moldings – strips of shaped wood used for trim or ornamentation in a room. Chair Rail – molding that runs horizontally across the wall about 3 ft. from the floor.

Wallpaper Today’s wallpaper is available in almost a limitless assortment of patterns and colors. Paintable Wallpaper - good for uneven walls. Walls need to be sized before hanging wallpaper. Sizing involves applying a very thin coating that makes the wall tacky. Borders

Paneling Solid Wood Paneling – expensive Manufactured Paneling Laminated Plastic Paneling

Ceilings The average height of a ceiling is 8 feet. High Ceilings –Dignity –Freedom –spacious Low Ceilings –Warm –Less formal –Lower heating and cooling cost

Window Coverings Types of Window Treatments: –Curtains –Draperies –Top Treatments Valance – a short length of fabric placed across the top of a window. Swag – a piece of fabric that is draped gracefully across the top of a window.

Window Coverings Types of Window Treatments: –Shutters –Shades Roller Roman Balloon Waterfall Pleated cellular

Window Coverings –Blinds – made of a series of evenly spaced slats that may be opened or closed by cords. Horizontal Vertical

Window Hardware Functional Enhance the window treatment

Comparing Cost & Other Factors Personal Taste Budget Necessary Upkeep