In-law suites have become increasingly popular alternatives to senior citizen communities or assisted living facilities. Once the in-law suite is built or remodeled, the first decorating decision is how to dress the windows. The foremost criteria are the parent's individual needs. Keeping that in mind, the ideal window treatment does these six things.
1. Gives privacy
Older adults usually want complete privacy in the bedroom and bathroom, so these windows need coverings that can be completely closed. For the bathroom, light-filtering shades, blinds or draperies that don't need to be opened or closed are easiest for older adults.
2. Provides a pleasing view
Retired senior citizens often don't get outside as much as they used to, especially as they get older. Most seniors still crave a feeling of being outdoors. Windows with a view of the lawn or garden deserve draperies or shades that can be fully opened. Roman shades are a stylish alternative to blinds when homeowners want an uninterrupted view of the yard.
If the in-law suite has a French door or sliding glass door to a patio, full-length draperies that can be fully retracted allow the parent to stroll onto the patio. Avoid curtains that are difficult to move aside when opening the door.
3. Lets the light in
Many in-law suites are in daylight basements in which only one wall has windows. Since one side of the basement has to illuminate the entire in-law suite, homeowners should be cautious about purchasing anything that blocks the light. A pair of full-length retractable drapes across a wall of windows makes a daylight basement as stunning as a first-floor living area.
4. Is easy to open and close
Even if a parent is active now, an in-law suite should be completely handicapped accessible. Motorized window treatments with a remote control can even be operated from bed if the parent becomes ill. All draperies, blinds or shades should be able to be operated from a wheelchair if necessary.
5. Provides a good night's sleep
As people age, they may find it harder to go to sleep and stay asleep. Room-darkening shades and draperies can be a solution to this problem, especially when there are street lights outside.
6. Accommodates any special health problems
If the parent has breathing problems such as asthma or emphysema, the ideal solution is something that doesn't collect dust or require irritating cleaning solutions. Doctors usually recommend roller shades since dust won't accumulate on them. Although roller shades used to be bland, now they come in many styles and colors. Light-filtering shades with designs woven into the fabric are especially attractive. Wooden molding makes a striking top treatment that's easily cleaned.
1. Gives privacy
Older adults usually want complete privacy in the bedroom and bathroom, so these windows need coverings that can be completely closed. For the bathroom, light-filtering shades, blinds or draperies that don't need to be opened or closed are easiest for older adults.
2. Provides a pleasing view
Retired senior citizens often don't get outside as much as they used to, especially as they get older. Most seniors still crave a feeling of being outdoors. Windows with a view of the lawn or garden deserve draperies or shades that can be fully opened. Roman shades are a stylish alternative to blinds when homeowners want an uninterrupted view of the yard.
If the in-law suite has a French door or sliding glass door to a patio, full-length draperies that can be fully retracted allow the parent to stroll onto the patio. Avoid curtains that are difficult to move aside when opening the door.
3. Lets the light in
Many in-law suites are in daylight basements in which only one wall has windows. Since one side of the basement has to illuminate the entire in-law suite, homeowners should be cautious about purchasing anything that blocks the light. A pair of full-length retractable drapes across a wall of windows makes a daylight basement as stunning as a first-floor living area.
4. Is easy to open and close
Even if a parent is active now, an in-law suite should be completely handicapped accessible. Motorized window treatments with a remote control can even be operated from bed if the parent becomes ill. All draperies, blinds or shades should be able to be operated from a wheelchair if necessary.
5. Provides a good night's sleep
As people age, they may find it harder to go to sleep and stay asleep. Room-darkening shades and draperies can be a solution to this problem, especially when there are street lights outside.
6. Accommodates any special health problems
If the parent has breathing problems such as asthma or emphysema, the ideal solution is something that doesn't collect dust or require irritating cleaning solutions. Doctors usually recommend roller shades since dust won't accumulate on them. Although roller shades used to be bland, now they come in many styles and colors. Light-filtering shades with designs woven into the fabric are especially attractive. Wooden molding makes a striking top treatment that's easily cleaned.
Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information about Roman shades, please visit http://www.fashionwindowtreatments.com
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