Choosing BackgroundsChapter 14

Importance of Backgrounds

1. Set the mood: a. formal or informal b. calm or exciting

2. Affect sound: a. textured materials absorb, mute sound b. compare carpet to hard wood floors, draped

windows to exposed ones

3. Can serve as a focal point, or serve (unnoticed) as a background for other room furnishings

Backgrounds include: floors walls counters ceilings windows

Floor Coverings

A. Structural floorings: brick, ceramic, concrete, porcelain, wood

Advantages: extremely durable, long-lasting

Disadvantages: not appropriate for every room

Wood PROS:

› Beauty, warmth› Durable and resilience (springs back )› Can last a lifetime if finished

CONS:› Easily scratched/dents› Does not absorb sound

COSTS: moderate to high…hard woods are more $$$$ than soft woods

Special cleaning Which rooms would be good/bad for wood?

Tile PROS:

› Cool to the touch so nice for sunbelt› Large variety

CONS:› Expensive…lots of labor.› Does not absorb sound; cold to the touch

Porcelain - $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Clean = soap and water Stone is cleaned with white vinegar/water Polished stone – formal, rough – rustic Which rooms would be good/bad for tile?

Cement and Brick

Cement!› Cheap!› Uncomfortable for long periods› Patios, basements, garage

Brick› Beautiful, durable, costly!› Clean like a stone floor› Around fireplace, etc.

Floor CoveringsResilient floorings: nonabsorbent, durable, inexpensive, cleanable a. vinyl- many patterns, comfort, absorbs

sound….abrasions b. laminate – sturdy, 4 layers, moisture guarded, stain and wear resistant, absorbs sound, comfortable c. Sheet vinyl = best overall value

Soft Floorings: Sound control! a. Wall-to-wall carpet 1. unbroken area of color/texture give spacious feeling 2. using it through several rooms unifies the interior

3. clean with vacuum Disadvantages: a. wears unevenly due to traffic patterns b. expensive to replace, repair c. fading can be uneven

Floor Coverings

b. rugs: 1. can unify areas 2. can be turned to distribute wear 3. can be moved

Carpet Quality Depends Upon:Carpet Texture: Created by the way the yarn

is looped, twisted, or cut.

Created moods that affects our choices: Cut plush carpet = luxurious feeling

Nubby Berber carpet = rugged, casual feeling

Carpet Color: 1. Patterned carpets can be a focal point, do not

show as much dirt/damage easily

2. Pale, solid colors give feeling of spaciousness

Wall Coverings

Most popular wall coverings: a) paint b) wallpaper c) paneling

1. Often, neutrals are chosen for walls so large space is not too overpowering.

2. Factors to consider in choosing a wall covering: cost, harmonize with floor/ceiling, add to mood of the room, reflect personalities

Wall Coverings

Paint- least expensive wall coverings 1. Two types of paint: a) oil-based - durable, washable (cleans up

with solvent) good for bathrooms, \kitchens, kid’s rooms

b) latex- quick drying, easy to apply (cleans up with water) good for living/dining rooms, bedrooms

2. Achieving a textured appearance with paint: a) covers cracks, etc. b) special effects: rags, sponge, sprayers,

etc. – p.319

Wallpaper – glued to wall!

1. Bold, bright = room appears smaller2. Scenic patterns = illusion of distance3. Vinyl wall coverings are durable and

stain resistant.

Fabric and Tile

Fabric› Glue, tape, staple to wall› Stretched between rods› Hard to clean

Tile› Backsplash in kitchen; bathroom› Styles and designs› Easy to maintain/clean

Paneling Advantages: warm, attractive requires little maintenance Disadvantages: can be extremely expensive

Two types of paneling: a. solid wood b. plastic laminate-

less expensive

Types of Moldings1. doors/room openings - provides a

finish between the wall can be decorative

2. Baseboard moldings - provide a finish between floor and wall at floor level can be decorative

3. Chair railings - prevent wall damage from chairs

4. Ceiling railings

Ceilings

Height: average is 8 ft. higher = dignified, formal lower = cozy, intimate,

informal, conserves heat Purpose: control temp in house, hide

pipes/wires/gas line/water line Acoustical means absorbs sound!

Creating Illusions:1. To make a ceiling higher: a. paint ceiling a light color b. use vertical lines on walls, at windows2. To make a ceiling seem lower: a. extend ceiling color down onto the

wall b. use a dark color or pattern on the ceiling

Countertops Granite Laminate Butcher block Housing II

Window Coverings

Functions: a. decorative b. regular sunlight c. muffle noise d. insulate e. provide privacy

Types of Window Treatment:

1. Curtains -informal rooms -light fabrics

2. Draperies -formal rooms -heavier, lined fabrics -usually extend to the floor

Types of Window Treatment:

Practical advantages: a) privacy, sound absorption,

prevent heat loss

Decorative advantages: a) can extend windows, hide

pipes, uneven walls, can suggest a window where there is none

Headings: Two types

1. valance-decorative material across top of a window can be fabric or wood

2. swag-draped material across top of a window 3. Shutters -louvers may be stationary or movable

-may have fabric inserts -usually of wood, painted or stained -provide simple, uncluttered look

Headings: Two types

4. Shades: four main types- a. roller shades

-inexpensive -fabric, wall- paper, laminated -room-darkening, light-filtering,

heat-reflecting

Headings: Two types

b. Roman shades -accordion folds, flat when down ---fabric, bamboo, wood, metal

c. Balloon shades -similar to Roman shade, but fabric puffs out

d. Pleated shades –Verisol --usually of fabric

-appear pleated, even when down

Headings: Two types

5. Blinds -series of evenly-spaced slats -metal, wood, fabric-coated -two types: a) Venetian

(horizontal)6. Stained glass -expensive, used as an

accent -light-filtering, provide

privacy

Factors to consider when choosing a window treatment

1. Amount of light, air, noise that needs to be controlled

2. Amount of insulation needed3. Amount of privacy needed4. Decorative needs to consider: a. can carry the color scheme, theme of

the room b. can make room appear taller, shorter c. can show off features (moldings), or

hide them