Home Improvement Editorial

Posts Tagged ‘window treatments’

Homeowners today are overwhelmed by the many options they have for window blinds and shades. It is true that there seems to be an infinite number of possibilities in terms of design, budget, and practicality. However, by going through the options and deciding just what you need and want, the process might be a bit easier.

First off, it is important to know the difference between blinds and shades. The terms are often used interchangeably; however, there are a few key distinctions. Blinds are a row of uniform slats that can be adjusted to let in or block out light. A shade is a single panel that can be pulled down or put up. Whether you chose shades or blinds can greatly affect the look of the room.

To figure out what type of window treatment is best for you, you’ll want to know what purpose you want them to serve. For example, you may be looking to control the sunlight entering your home, or you may just want to spruce up your windows. Window blinds and shades are also great for insulation, privacy, and noise reduction, depending on what type you choose.

If you are looking for better light control, blinds may be a better choice. Though shades are good for light regulation and certain designs can darken a room completely or allow a glow to seep through, the type of sun control you get is specific to the type of shade. Blinds, for the most part, are all able to shut out light, or let a desired portion in. If you are looking to create a different atmosphere with lighting rather than with the window treatments themselves, shades might be a better option. Depending on the material and color, the light that enters your room can emit the mood you are going for.

For privacy, shades are definitely the better option; though, blinds can do the job just as effectively. Also, many people are unaware of how effective both blinds and shades can be at reducing outdoor noise.

If you are looking to save some money on your heating bill, you might be interested in getting insulated window shades. A window shade’s heat resisting capabilities is measured with an R-value. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulation. Most window blinds and shades have an R-value somewhere between 0.9 and 3; however, insulated window shades can offer a value as high as 5 or 6. If you would like for your window shades to help keep your home warm, you may want to look into this option.

This brings up the question of materials. What types of materials are best for window blinds and shades? The most common materials to choose from are wood, faux wood, vinyl, fabric, plastic, and aluminum; although, there are many other options as well. Each material tends to have its own unique benefits.

Unfortunately, in order to get a real sense of what you’ll need or the options out there, you’ll have to do some research. Once you decide what you want your window treatments to do for your home, you are better suited to find what you need.

As a general rule of thumb, be sure to check the measurements of the windows you want treatments for. That way, when you get to the store, you’ll know just what size blinds or shades you’ll need and you can shop with confidence.

Most of us would consider the stage where we actually get to choose our window treatment as the best part of decorating our windows. The choice of styles, colors, and fabrics available is nothing short of fantastic. We are fortunate in that we are free to choose the type of fringing, cording, or borders that reflect our individual taste and lifestyle. We can also choose to take a specific color from our window treatment and use it to accent color, either in the same room or through the rest the house. In this way, we have the opportunity to add an extra touch of decorating flair to our environment.

If your decorating preference is to hang drapes in your home, you can choose from several styles of draperies and co-ordinating valances. These valances are available in many styles and can be shirred, pleated, swagged, or gathered in many different ways. Some will have scalloped edges, while others are flat. Both the traditional formal and more casual decorating choices can be accommodated by the use of draperies of some type. There certainly are enough choices to make the windows in your space reflect your personal taste.

If blinds or shades are the right choice for your room setting, you also have a variety of choices. Blinds are available made from such materials as aluminium, natural materials, or even wood. Mini blinds made of metal offer consumers many special options, such as a variety of sizes, an absolute rainbow of colors, a wide range of finishes, many cloth tapes, and numerous choices of header. Different privacy options, depending on the consumer’s wants and needs, can be factored in as well.

Fans of natural products might want to consider including mini blinds made of wood in their decorating scheme. Wooden blinds can be purchased in a whole host of sizes. A wide range of color options are yours for the asking, along with a selection of finishes designed to complement a wide variety of decorating options. Natural blinds are once again readily available; most of us have seen bamboo blinds at some point. These blinds are available in both matchstick and sewn slats. Some newer types of natural blinds give off the appearance of being constructed out of fabric.

Perhaps a cellular or a fabric shade will create the atmosphere you are trying to create. Cellular shades are available in both see-through and opaque materials and will give a window treatment a very clean look. Fabric shades are available in such styles as Austrian, Roman, pleated, balloon, or bottom arched. Of course, the flat panel shades that most of us are familiar with are another viable option.

Window is often considered as not important part in our home. It is indeed small—compared to doors—and often unnoticed—you don’t normally enter the house from window. But then again, aside from its use to ventilate air in and out of your house, it is vital part of decoration. You must remember the old-classic scene in many drama movies when a girl is mourning on the window, looking outside while suddenly a handsome prince passing by and catches a glance on her. This kind of scene usually feature a window with a beautiful curtain, otherwise, the prince may keep on walking without looking at the girl.

Okay, the analogy may be too much. But you must understand now that your window and its curtain are essential items. You should really give good window treatments and install some gorgeous curtains so that it looks more majestic. However, you should mix and match it with your interior and exterior design first. That may not be easy but you can just look for a help online.

The internet can provide lots of help. You can also buy curtains online. You can choose various kind of curtain—that includes shower curtains—and get one that you think affordable. So, mind your window and make sure it gives an accent to your house.