If you're thinking of giving a room a new look, here's an idea that requires only one change that “makes over” an entire room's look, regardless of style of existing decor. What is this silver bullet of decorating? Bamboo curtains. With their warm tones and sleek lines, this window treatment creates a natural sophisticated feel that fits right in with a variety of furnishings and brings unity in a very special way.
Bamboo has been used as a decorative accent for centuries, as window coverings and as living plants in the garden. Bamboo has special and positive symbolism in different cultures. In China, bamboo connotes longevity, while in Japan, it's used at shrines to warn off evil spirits. In India, bamboo signifies friendship. With such pleasant associations, these curtains can add an exotic spicing to your decorating with the additional benefit of being very durable, good-looking and easy to maintain.
As a window treatment, bamboo curtains, shades and blinds are very popular today in both home and office environments, due in large part to the natural beauty in combination with their sturdy characteristics.
Bamboo curtains are still made in the traditional manner, with a little help from new technologies. Bamboo curtains are made by cutting thin strips of the cane, followed by boiling and then drying of the strips. The prepared bamboo is then woven together with thin wire and fitted to a top piece of wood to form the finished bamboo curtains. Simple screw hooks secure the curtains in place at the top of the window. You'll find various mechanisms used to raise and lower the curtains, from a simple roll up to the more sophisticated Roman fold.
Ease of maintenance cinches the case for bamboo curtains. Unlike conventional drapes, these curtains don't require periodic visits to the cleaners. Using your vacuum's brush attachment or a feather duster sprayed with a dust-attracting spray, a quick going over once a week will keep your curtains clean and attractive. You may also use regular furniture polish on a damp cloth to impart a sheen to the surface.
Some styles of bamboo curtains are made with exotic grasses and reeds interwoven with the bamboo, producing striking combinations of colors and textures, lending a natural yet sophisticated look to their surroundings. Currently a favorite of the interior designer, with good reason, bamboo curtains are in demand with their clients. As a home decorator, you should take the hint!
Although comparatively inexpensive when matched against conventional drapes, prices of these curtains vary with complexity of design and the rolling mechanism the curtain employs.
Bamboo curtains are sometimes decorated with murals which can make a stunning display in a room with modern furnishings. Other, plainer styles can be perfect for a lanai or enclosed porch.
With all of these aesthetic and functional qualities, the popularity of bamboo curtains is no wonder. If you want to make over a room, look into the possibilities of these curtains for your home or office.
