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Window Treatment Ideas for Apartments

Posted: Wednesday, May 16th, 2012 | Filed under: Folding Shades, Green shading, modern window treatments, natural light, privacy window treatments, Roller Shades, Roman shades, room darkening window treatments

Window Treatment Ideas

Window Treatment Ideas

Sometimes living in a small space can be tough, but there’s no reason to take it out on your window treatments. Decorating a small space can be challenging, but there are plenty of options to choose from including draperies, window shades, roller shades and more that will suit your needs perfectly.

One of the most common window treatments for apartments is draperies and curtains.  Draperies are a great window treatment for any size room. They help increase energy efficiency and have the ability to adjust horizontally to the sun’s movement. Draperies block heat from entering during hot summer months and keep in the warmth during the winter. Draperies come in so many different fabrics; you even have the ability to add a blackout liner to have the option of room darkening shades. There are different design elements you can add to draperies as well such as tassels or decorative rods.

Another great window treatment for apartments is roller shades. Since roller shades are a clean/minimal look, they are a great complement to any modern or contemporary home. Roller shades control the sun, heat and glare making them a perfect solution to any window treatment need. Roller shades can be customized to include blackout materials or solar control sunscreen materials. This type of window treatment is also available in a variety of fabrics to give you the look and feel you need for your home.

Both draperies and roller shades are great window treatments for any apartment, whether you’re in New York City or Los Angeles. Both provide sun and heat control and given the choices, can be customized to match any décor. There are also other window treatment options to consider including Venetian blinds, window film, valences and more. Depending on your personal style and preferences, any of these window treatments will work for your apartment.

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Energy Efficient Window Treatments

Posted: Wednesday, May 9th, 2012 | Filed under: Folding Shades, Green shading, Greener living, Home cooling, Roller Shades, sustainable living, window shading, window treatments
Honeycomb shades

Honeycomb shades

Summers in New York City can get pretty hot and sticky. Therefore, it’s important to keep the sun and heat out of your townhouse or apartments. There are many different energy efficient window treatments that can help keep out the scorching heat so you can be comfortable in your living space and save on energy costs!

One of the most energy efficient window treatments are folding shades, specifically honeycomb shades. Since about 40% of unwanted heat enters through windows, it’s important to consider energy efficient window shades. By simply closing them during the day and opening them at night n the summer months, you can save tremendously in energy costs.

Folding shades are a great option for energy efficient window treatments.  The accordion style pleated shades are available in a variety of colors and fabrics to match any décor in your space. By installing the honeycomb shades as close to the window as possible, you can save even more.

If you don’t necessarily like the look of honeycomb shades, there are plenty of other options to choose from for energy efficient window treatments. Drapery systems are another great way to keep out the heat during summer. The thick fabric will block the sun and heat from entering your home. You can even find draperies with blackout liners for energy efficiency, room darkening and to block the noise.

Remember, the closer to the window you can get install your window treatments, the more energy you will be saving. Most window treatments these days are available in a wide variety of style options, including fabric and color choices, so depending on the look or function you’re hoping to achieve, there’s no doubt there’s a solution right for you.

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Retractable Awnings

Posted: Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011 | Filed under: Green shading, Home cooling, motorized window treatments, retractable awnings

Retractable awnings are great for patios, balconies or any outdoor space where you’re looking for some shade on a bright, hot day or some protection from the rain on a gloomy day. Retractable awnings let you use your exterior areas to the fullest. Protect your patio space from heat, sun or rain with a retractable awning. Retractable awnings are not only great protection against unwanted weather, but because they are adjustable you can adjust them based on certain weather conditions.

Choosing a retractable awning over a fixed awning gives you flexibility. Motorized retractable awnings can be adjusted to any degree with the touch of a button. With motorized retractable awnings, you can also setup timers to link to weather conditions: wind, motion or sun. With automatic controls, your awning can adjust itself for you, even if you aren’t home. Retractable awnings are also easier to install that fixed awnings because they don’t require a permanent frame.

Retractable awnings are practical and can even serve as décor. With the wide selection of fabrics to choose from, customize your own retractable awning, like you would your window treatments, with designs based on your personal style and preference, or to match the exterior of your home.

Homeowners throughout New Jersey and townhouse owners throughout New York City have retractable awnings installed to keep out sun, glare and rain. By customizing your retractable awning to operate based off timers, you can reduce air conditioning costs and energy bills by over 20%!

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Questions to ask Before Deciding on Window Treatments

Posted: Thursday, October 6th, 2011 | Filed under: Green shading, modern window treatments, window treatments

If you’ve decided on adding (or changing) window treatments in your home, but can’t decide on what you want, be sure to run through this list of questions. Each window is different and every room in your home serves a different purpose. There are plenty of window treatments, window shades and window coverings to choose from, so there’s no doubt you can find the best window treatments for your home.

1. Do you want light to enter the room? If so, how much?

Depending on which room your adding window treatments to, that will most likely determine how much light you want to enter. If your windows face the sun, you’re probably going to want the option of keeping the sun out or letting it in. Different window shades can provide different levels of light entering a room.

2. Do you want privacy in the room?

Of course, most homeowners will want privacy in their homes, especially if you’re in a highly populated area, like New York City, but not all rooms need the same amount of privacy. Window blinds and window shades will allow you to determine the amount of privacy your want to keep. These types of window treatments allow opening and closing based on your preference at a specific time.

3. What are the needs for each room in your house?

Each room in your home has a different feel and purpose. When deciding on whether window shades or window blinds will be better, consider the needs for the room. Are your window hard to reach? Do you want full privacy? Do you want to keep the room energy efficient? Do you want the cords to be hidden behind the window coverings?

4. What type of style are you looking for?

Once your determine the function of the window treatments, you can move on to the “fun” part, style. Adding your personality to your home will allow you to choose the right look based on your personal preference. Most window shades, window blinds and other window treatments are customizable.

Take your time when choosing window treatments for your home. Explore your options before deciding on the best treatments. Ask yourself these questions (and others) to help choose the best window treatments for you.

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Window Treatments and New Construction

Posted: Tuesday, September 13th, 2011 | Filed under: Green shading, interior design, window shading, window treatments

Considering window treatments during the construction process of your home can be very beneficial. Planning and budgeting for window treatments before the building phase is becoming an important part of residential construction. With the variety of window treatment options, from roller shades to folding shades to solar shades and more, homeowners can choose their preference ahead of time.

Motorized shades have become a popular choice for homeowners, integrating lighting, audio visual, home automations and even home theater systems. Controlling your window shades with the touch of a button is a desirable feature for your motorized shades. Installing motorized window shades during construction can help cut costs in comparison to adding the option after construction. Residents on Park Avenue, Madison Avenue and throughout New York City have experienced such options during their construction phases. Being able to provide the electrician with wiring plans will ensure your desired outcome.

Planning out the interior of your home with architects and home designers can result in the best outcome. Window treatments can be chosen based on the type of windows you’re covering, the furniture in the room or many other reasons. Working with your construction crew to accommodate for specific window coverings can also help. Larger windows may require extra framing to accommodate the extra weight of the large window shade chosen for it. The wood block should be a certain thickness based on the window treatments you choose.

Window treatments and window shades require some thinking and planning. If you’re working on new construction, it’s very helpful to plan your window treatments as well as the rest of the building work. The time and construction to accommodate certain window coverings can be incredibly valuable for your home and your wallet!

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