How to Choose your Window Coverings?
Nowadays, the market is filled with so many different window treatment options that it can be difficult to choose what’s right. To help you out, we have created a list of questions that will help guide you through the process.
- What are my needs for privacy?
- Is there a window in a bedroom or bathroom? Do I require total privacy in order to feel safe and secure in my home? Do I want to maintain my view and still have privacy?
- What direction does the window face?
- Does the room get very hot? Is it necessary to cover the window in the morning but not at night? Do I need to protect my furniture and floors? Is it important to choose energy-efficient coverings to lower my heating costs for my home?
- What are my needs for light control?
- Is it necessary to control the glare on a television or computer screen? What sort of feeling am I trying to achieve with the light? Do I want the ability to manipulate the light in different ways or in different seasons?
- How do my windows open and how often do I want to open them?
- Is this a high traffic area? Are there any safety issues involved with having access to the windows? Do I need to consider the weight of the window covering if I need to open and close it frequently?
- How much do I want to spend?
- Do I need to cover every window in the space? Can I be extravagant in one room and more economical in another? Is it important to me to maintain continuity throughout? Is this an investment for my space or a temporary solution?
With these questions in mind, here is a brief overview of the options we offer:
Blinds
Contains multiple slats that can be tilted, lowered, and raised. If vertical, can be opened and closed. Options include Wood Blinds, Composite Wood Blinds, Vertical Blinds, and Venetian Blinds.
Privacy – Slats can be tilted closed for complete privacy or raised for an open view. Slats come in different sizes and are thinner than louvers, and are generally better for maintaining a view than shutters.
Heat Control – Protection against damaging UV rays and heat.
Light Control – Multiple possibilities for manipulating light. Slats can be tilted at multiple angles or raised and lowered for a full view.
Window Function – Most effective in areas with less traffic flow where the blinds do not have to be raised and lowered frequently.
Blinds grant an aesthetic that is classic, complementing, and light.
Shades
Shades are fabrics that raises and lowers as a sheet of material. Options include Sheer Shades, Roman Shades, Roller Shades as well as Panel Tracks, Cellular Shades, and Pleated Shades
Privacy – Fabrics range from complete black-out to varying opacities. With higher percentage openness, it is possible to maintain a view even when the shade is lowered.
Heat Control – Protection against damaging UV rays, even at high percentage openness.
Light Control – Options of minimizing glare while harvesting some light or full blackout. Windows can be fully or partially covered.
Window Function – Works well in high traffic areas where it may be raised and lowered frequently.
Shades grant a modern, clean, and softened aesthetic.
Shutters
Shutters are panels with louvers that tilt up and down. Options include Plantation Shutters, California Shutters, and Interior Shutters.
Privacy – Louvers can be closed for complete privacy – effective against noise pollution.
Heat Control – Good protection against damaging UV rays and heat. Light Control – multiple possibilities for manipulating the light. Louvers can be tilted at multiple angles and panels can be completely opened.
Window Function – Best suited to areas which do not demand too much opening and closing of the panels.
Shutters provide a traditional, classic, and substantial aesthetic.
To learn more about window coverings and what your options are, do not hesitate to contact us!
