Hello World! Welcome Friends! Want to give your home an exciting new look? This guide will match you to dreamy blinds and shades to make your rooms sparkle with delight.
The right window coverings provide privacy, control light, reduce noise and help insulate. With myriad options, it can get overwhelming. This guide explores varieties so you can make the best decision.
Whether you want to block light or add a decorative touch, we’ll go over different types, features and styles so you can evaluate what’s important for each room. You’ll learn proper measurement techniques too, for a custom fit.
By the end, you’ll shop smart and enhance interiors with ideal window treatments. Let’s begin.
Types of Window Treatments
Blinds and shades may be popular picks, but window treatments have a whole wardrobe to explore. Let’s browse the options and find some showstoppers your windows will absolutely adore.
Blinds
Blinds are window coverings with horizontal or vertical slats that you can tilt and angle to control light and privacy. Some common varieties include:
- Venetian blinds: These have horizontal slats usually made of metal or vinyl. They’re very adjustable.
- Vertical blinds: These have long vertical slats you can angle left or right. Great for wide windows.
- Roller blinds: These roll up and down with a chain or cord. Easy to operate and install.
- Roman blinds: These have horizontal fabric folds that stack up when opened. Provides a soft look.
Shades
Shades typically consist of a single sheet of fabric or other material that rolls up and down. Types include:
- Roller shades: A basic fabric shade that rolls up and down. Budget-friendly option.
- Cellular shades: These have honeycomb-like chambers that trap air to insulate. Also called honeycomb shades.
- Pleated shades: Fabric is pleated so it stacks neatly when raised. Filters light well.
- Roman shades: Folding shades as described above. Provide a soft, elegant look.
Now that you know the lingo, let’s dive into the functionality and benefits of different types.
Functionality and Benefits
One of the biggest considerations when shopping for window treatments is what purpose you want them to serve. Here are some of the main benefits certain varieties can provide:
Privacy
If privacy is your main goal, blackout cellular shades will fully block light and views from outside. Or opt for blackout roller shades, roman shades, or curtains in light-blocking fabrics. Tilting vertical or venetian blind slats can also control visibility. For privacy, you may want to go for a more convenient option, like automated shades in NYC. That way, you can set the open and close times and eliminate the worry about whether you closed them before leaving for work.
Light Filtering and Blackout
For bedrooms, blackout cellular shades are ideal for filtering light and allowing sleep. Roller, roman, and pleated shades also filter light well. Vertical and venetian blinds let you control light down to the slat.
Insulation and Energy Efficiency
Cellular honeycomb shades excel at trapping air and reducing heat transfer for added insulation. Many have energy efficient features to help lower energy bills.
Noise Reduction
Adding any layer of window covering can help absorb sounds from outside. For maximum noise reduction, opt for multiple layers, using both blinds and curtains.
Aesthetics and Design
Choices like roman blinds, drapes, and curtains add a softness to rooms. Shutters and venetian blinds provide a clean, architectural look. Consider your room’s decor.
Automation and Motorization
Opting for motorized blinds or shades allows you to control them automatically for convenience. Alexa voice control and smartphone apps are options too.
Safety and Security
For children’s rooms, cordless blinds eliminate risks. Motorized options also improve safety by eliminating cords. Lowering shades can also deter burglars.
Durability and Easy Cleaning
Vinyl, plastic, or metal blinds resist moisture, dirt, and wear-and-tear. Fabrics treated to repel dust and moisture also make cleaning easier.
As you can see, each type has its own strengths. Think about your needs for each room to narrow it down.
Window Measurements and Installation
To get that picture-perfect fit, it’s essential to adoringly measure your windows with precision and care.
- For the most custom fit, provide the exact width and height of each window opening. Round to the nearest 1/8th inch.
- Blinds and shades typically come in standard sizes, so provide “finished measurements” from inside trim to inside trim.
- Consider inside or outside mounts. Inside fits within the window frame, outside mounts to the wall around the frame.
- Factor in any obstructions like handles that could get in the way.
- Measure to the floor or where you want the treatments to stop. Standard lengths are available too.
If this seems complicated, consider hiring a professional installer who will come take measurements and ensure the perfect fit. DIY is simpler for basic roller shades. But for recess-mounted blinds or multiple windows, you may want an expert’s help.
For motorized options, installing the power units and wiring adds complexity too. So leave it to the pros if going high-tech!
Bringing It All Together
This guide equips you to upgrade interiors with functional, stylish window treatments. The key is to evaluate priorities like privacy and aesthetics for each room. Take precise measurements for a custom fit.
Feel free to mix different types of treatments, such as pairing blinds and curtains. Arm yourself with information from this guide to shop smartly. Need more help? Consult an expert designer or visit a showroom. Hopefully these tips provide a useful starting point. Happy blind and shade hunting!
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
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Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day/night depending on where you are in the world! Go with God and remember to be kind to one another!
Toodles,
Thank you for this informative post. Also thank you for sharing it at the Sunday Sunshine Blog Hop
Laurie