CHAPTER 17 Window Treatments, Lighting, and Accessories Housing and Interior Design By Carolyn S. Turner Window Treatments, Lighting, and Accessories
Objectives Summarize different types of window treatments. Contrast types of lighting available for residential and commercial uses. Summarize the properties of light. continued
Objectives Plan residential lighting for visual comfort, safety, and beauty. Distinguish between structural and nonstructural lighting. Summarize guidelines for the use, placement, and care of accessories.
Window Treatments Window treatments are applications added to window units to help control the home environment for purely decorative purposes When choosing window treatments, consider the window style size location continued
Window Treatments A window treatment should provide sun control privacy continued ©Kalakutskiy Mikhail/Shutterstock.com
Window Treatments Window treatments include draperies, curtains, shades, shutters, blinds, and decorative top treatments Windows may be left untreated when privacy is not a concern the shape is too difficult to treat they are an important architectural focal point they provide a beautiful view of the outdoors continued
Window Treatments Consider the feeling to be created in the room, such as a formal or informal mood traditional or contemporary style Custom or made-to-measure window treatments are more costly than ready-made treatments Give careful consideration to the fabrics you select
Draperies and Curtains Draperies and curtains are the most common window treatments extremely versatile and can fit any decor The type you choose depends on the room’s décor function of the windows
Draperies Draperies are pleated fabric panels that cover windows completely or are pulled to the side They can be opaque or translucent to block or permit passage of light ©Domenic Gareri/Shutterstock.com continued
Draperies Draperies can be lined or unlined Lined draperies can block sunlight protect draperies from sun fading make draperies hang better You can use draperies alone or with curtains, shades, blinds, and decorative top treatments
Curtains Curtains are flat fabric panels that hang to the left and right of a window or may completely cover it For hanging on windows, curtains may have a rod-pocket hem decorative drapery hardware tabs of sewn fabric at the top Ruffles, bands of fabric, and trim add interest to the panels continued
Curtains The amount of light, insulation, or privacy curtains provide depends on the fabric Sheer fabrics give a light, airy feeling For privacy, use heavier fabrics ©Sklep Spozywczy/Shutterstock.com continued
Curtains Cafe curtains are horizontal panels hung in tiers to cover part of a window Push them to the window sides to control air, light, and privacy Draperies and curtains should fall to stool, apron, or floor length Other places on the window may look too short or too long
Shades, Shutters, and Blinds Shades block unwanted light, such as intense sunlight in the afternoon or streetlight at night, and include roller shades in informal rooms Roman shades stack into horizontal pleats when raised, but hang flat when closed balloon shades form soft poufs along the bottom accordion or honeycomb pleated shades continued
Shades, Shutters, and Blinds Shutters are vertical panels that are hinged together to open and close Movable horizontal slats or louvers are within the shutter frames continued ©Roi Brooks/Shutterstock.com
Shades, Shutters, and Blinds Blinds are window treatments with slats that can be tilted, raised and lowered, or moved to the side They are often made of wood, metal, plastic, or fabric There are three basic styles of blinds horizontal blinds miniblinds vertical blinds
Decorative Window-Top Treatments Decorative top treatments combine with other window treatments to add interest, and include swags valances cornices lambrequins
Types of Artificial Light Previously, the two main kinds of artificial light used in homes were incandescent and fluorescent light New technology is replacing the old with other types of light sources ©jocic/Shutterstock.com
Incandescent Light Incandescent light is produced when electric current passes through a fine tungsten filament inside a bulb The electricity heats the filament until it glows and gives off light Incandescent lightbulbs range from 15 to 250 watts for the home A higher wattage gives more light continued
Incandescent Light A lumen is a measurement of the amount of light a bulb produces A higher lumen means the bulb emits more light Incandescent bulbs produce very little light for the energy used They are not very efficient sources of light continued
Incandescent Light Incandescent bulbs for home use have a frost finish to reduce glare make shadows appear softer Use clear bulbs only in fixtures that hide the bulbs A three-way bulb can produce different amounts of light in a single bulb continued
Incandescent Light The Energy Independence and Security Act established energy efficiency standards for many types of lightbulbs This includes the proposed phase-out of incandescent and other inefficient bulbs ©Sergey Nivens/Shutterstock.com
Tungsten-Halogen (Quartz) Light Tungsten-halogen (quartz) lights are another form of incandescent lighting Halogen gas combines with tungsten molecules to activate a filament inside a quartz enclosure They produce a whiter type of light The bulbs last up to three times longer than regular incandescent bulbs
Fluorescent Light Fluorescent light is produced in a glass tube by releasing electricity through a mercury vapor to make invisible ultraviolet rays A coating of fluorescent material on the inside of the glass tube converts these rays to visible light ©Stocksnapper/Shutterstock.com continued
Fluorescent Light A fluorescent light produces about four times as much light as an incandescent bulb of the same wattage The tubes are more expensive than incandescent bulbs, but last longer and are less expensive to use continued
Fluorescent Light The color of light varies by changing the fluorescent material coating in the tube Cool-white light intensifies blues and green Warm-white light intensifies yellows, reds, and oranges Fluorescent lights are often used in kitchens, bathrooms, and workshops
Compact Fluorescent Lamps Compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) are replacing old incandescent bulbs CFLs use regular lightbulb sockets and come in many sizes and shapes Some CFLs have a cork-screw shape and newer models look like standard incandescent bulbs continued
Compact Fluorescent Lamps In a CFL, electric current runs through a tube containing argon gas and a small amount of mercury vapor CFLs use about 75 percent less energy and operate for nearly 9,000 hours Broken CFLs can emit a small amount of dangerous mercury Dispose of CFLs properly
Lighting from Fiber Optics Fiber optics is a type of heatless light produced by passing an electric current through a cable containing very fine strands of glass These cables are primarily used in communications (such as Internet and TV), but are also useful for lighting ©zentilia/Shutterstock.com continued
Lighting from Fiber Optics Optical fibers permit transmissions over longer distances and high bandwidths Fiber optic lighting lends a dramatic effect in interior spaces ©Sam72/Shutterstock.com
Light-Emitting Diodes (LED) Light-emitting diodes (LED) are composed of crystals on silicon chips about the size of a grain of salt These crystals produce light when a low electric current passes through them An LED bulb can last 100,000 hours or more continued
Light-Emitting Diodes (LED) LED lighting is more expensive, but it lasts longer consumes less energy is more durable gives off less heat ©ID1974/Shutterstock.com
The Properties of Light You can use light to achieve several different effects in a home By understanding the various properties of light, you can make it work for you Objects and surfaces absorb or reflect light Light can shine directly on a certain spot or lighten a whole room
Reflected Light Light, color, and texture are closely related Without light, there is no color Colors reflect and absorb various amounts of light Rough textures look dark because tiny shadows form where the light does not reach © Dmitrijs Mihejevs/Shutterstock.com continued
Reflected Light Reflected light is light that bounces off surfaces Light comes from surfaces and its source Surfaces that reflect light include light colors background treatments smooth, shiny surfaces Avoid lighting placement that creates glare
Absorbed Light Absorbed light is light that is drawn in by a surface Rough textures and dark colors absorb most available light rays If light is absorbed, it cannot be reflected A room with many dark surfaces may require additional light for certain activities
Diffused Light Diffused light is light that scatters over a large area It has no glare and creates a soft appearance Devices that diffuse light, or diffusers, spread light evenly For example, a lamp shade covering a light fixture serves as a diffuser
Light Temperature Color temperature is the color of light as rated in kelvin (K), a temperature scale, that impacts how items appear in light continued ©Rade Kovac/Shutterstock.com
Light Temperature Light from these sources is divided into the following three general tones, including orange (incandescent), which is 2700-3000°K white (halogen), which is 3000-3600°K blue (fluorescent), which is 3000°K for warm, and 4000°K for cool Keep in mind how the light affects the surfaces when selecting lights
Color Rendering Index (CRI) The color rendering index (CRI) indicates how well light from a source brings out the true color The CRI scale is from 1-100, with 100 equaling the color rendering of daylight The closer the CRI of a light source is to 100, the more accurately the light reproduces color
Functions of Lighting Lighting illuminates the environment so people can comfortably see when performing certain tasks, especially those that may pose a safety hazard Lighting also brings attention to beautiful objects attractive architectural features
Lighting for Visual Comfort Two types of lighting create visual comfort in a home, including general (ambient) task The type and amount of light needed varies from room to room ©Breadmaker/Shutterstock.com
General Lighting (Ambient) General lighting, or ambient lighting, provides uniform light throughout a room Lighting that shines directly toward an object is direct lighting, and provides the most light possible to a specific area creates a sharp contrast between light and dark areas should be used with other room lighting continued
General Lighting (Ambient) Indirect lighting is directed toward a surface, such as a ceiling or wall that reflects the light into the room Indirect lighting may provide soft light for a large area is not enough light for detailed work
Task Lighting Task lighting is used in areas where specific activities require more light The right amount helps prevent eyestrain The finer the detail or the faster the action taking place, the more light is needed Task lighting can serve as general lighting for another part of a room Combine general and task lighting to give adequate light without sharp contrast continued
Task Lighting Use higher levels of task lighting to assure good vision when performing such tasks as writing letters carving wood sewing reading ©markomatovic/Shutterstock.com
Measuring Light Wattage is the amount of electricity a lightbulb uses A lumen is a measurement of the amount of light a bulb produces One lumen is the amount of light produced by a source equaling the intensity of one standard candle continued
Measuring Light Foot-candle is a measurement of how much light reaches an object or surface One foot-candle is the amount of light a candle gives to an object one foot away One foot-candle equals one lumen per square foot You can measure the amount of light reaching a surface with a light meter
Lighting for Safety To help prevent accidents and fires light your way as you go from room to room switch lights on and off from each doorway turn on stairway lighting when using stairs light entrances control garage or carport lighting from inside or outside the house control outside lighting from inside the house wiring for lighting must meet safety standards continued
Lighting for Safety The National Electrical Code is a standard with which all wiring should comply Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is a safety-testing organization Always read and follow the instructions for the use and care of the lights Use bulbs that are the correct wattage as specified by fixture manufacturers
Lighting for Beauty Some lighting is decorative, which adds beauty to a space Soft light can create a quite, restful mood Sharp light can highlight the focal point in a room Accent lighting is a form of lighting that serves as a highlight continued
Lighting for Beauty Use decorative lighting outside the home, such as yard lights next to the street lights near entrances lighting patios for night use ©travis manley/Shutterstock.com
Structural and Nonstructural Lighting Lighting delivery affects the appearance of a room There are two ways to deliver light in a room, including structural nonstructural
Structural Lighting Structural light fixtures are permanently built into a home Keep structural light fixtures in harmony with other aspects of the room’s design continued ©paul prescott/Shutterstock.com
Structural Lighting Consider the following points about structural lighting Diffused light gives more visual comfort than exposed bulbs Fixtures that can change position to allow for usage in more than one way Fixtures that provide different light levels allow for more flexibility in the home continued
Structural Lighting Types of structural lighting fixtures include valance lighting bracket lighting cornice lighting cove lighting recessed down soffit lighting wall washers strip lighting track lighting ©John Wollwerth/Shutterstock.com
Nonstructural Lighting Nonstructural lighting is lighting that is not a structural part of the house You can move, change, and replace these lights more easily than any other lighting Lamps are the most common type of nonstructural lighting continued
Nonstructural Lighting When choosing lamps, consider a sturdy or heavy base prevents tipping those with a diffusing bowl to prevent glare a harp that makes it possible to change the height of the lampshade harmonizing the colors and textures light-colored, translucent lampshades adjustable lamps because they are the most practical
Choosing Accessories Accessories are items smaller than furnishings that accent the design of a room or area They can be decorative, functional, or both Decorative accessories add beauty to a room Functional accessories accent the room while serving another purpose continued
Choosing Accessories Accessories often reflect the personalities of those who use the space, and can show a preference for such items as pictures, clocks, antiques, or treasured objects from other countries or cultures continued ©lynnette/Shutterstock.com
Discuss Accessories should blend with the style and period of the room whether it is functional or decorative ©robophobic/Shutterstock.com What options do you have if an accessory detracts from the overall room design?
Choosing Accessories Accessories near one another should have something in common, such as color, texture, style, or purpose Give some thought to cost, function, versatility, and maintenance when purchasing accessories
Recap The finishing touches of a room include window treatments, lighting, and accessories Influences on window treatments include window style, size, and location the amount of light you want to let in Window treatments include draperies, curtains, shades, shutters, and blinds, and a variety of decorative top treatments continued
Recap Artificial light supplements natural light Types of artificial lighting include incandescent, fluorescent, CFL, and LED Lighting can achieve different effects, and includes such properties as reflected light, absorbed light, diffused light, and light temperature Use general and task light for visual comfort Use light for safety and beauty continued
Recap Structural lighting is built into the house Nonstructural lighting is separate from the structure of the house Accessories are part of the design scheme and can be decorative, functional, or both Accessories reflect personality and lifestyle Successful accessory arrangements requires understanding the element and principle of design