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Blackout Shades and Better Sleep

Posted: Thursday, May 2nd, 2013 | Filed under: blackout shades, Home cooling, window shading, window treatments
window shades

Blackout Shades

Getting a good night’s sleep can be frustrating if the first rays of morning light wake you up, but with blackout shades installed as a bedroom window treatment improvement, you’ll finally get to sleep past 6:30am in the summertime, especially on weekends. Blackout shades will provide just that – a total blackout in your bedroom with pure darkness for your body’s ultimate rest and a great night’s restorative sleep that’s so important to your well-being. Health experts say we need at least eight hours of sleep, and if you’re going to bed at midnight and waking at 6:30am when the morning sun shines through your too-thin window shades, you’re missing out on the health benefits of good sleep. Read more »

Window Treatments and Energy Efficiency

Cellular shade

Cellular shade

Blinds come in many shapes and sizes. Some are heavy, some are sheer, and some are downright ugly. While the selection is endless, the true competition comes down to the bottom line: which window treatments will save you money without breaking the bank to install?

We can rule blackout shades out this time. The cost of installation makes blackout shades more of a luxury than a marginal cost-benefit winner. Although blackout shades will reduce the heating and air conditioning bills, they’re not the only solution when it comes to energy efficiency. Read more »

The Benefits of Retractable Awnings

Posted: Wednesday, February 20th, 2013 | Filed under: awnings, Green shading, Home cooling, retractable awnings, Shading systems, window shading, window treatments
Retractable Awning

Retractable Awning

For homeowners who love to spend time outdoors, protection from harmful UV rays is crucial. Avoid an increased skin cancer risk by installing a retractable awning in your outdoor living space. On days with unbearable heat, awnings provide reduced temperatures in both outdoor and indoor seating areas. Deterring the sunlight from reaching the windows, retractable awnings can assist with keeping indoor temperatures nice and cool.

Retractable awnings also offer a safe haven from blinding sunlight, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while reading or playing games. With retractable awnings, there are a variety of design and layout options. Some even feature screens to protect from bugs. One of the best features of the retractable awning is the ability to motorize the shade. With the touch of a button, your retractable awning will assemble itself over your outdoor living space. No work required! Read more »

Exterior Shades

Posted: Monday, December 24th, 2012 | Filed under: awnings, exterior shades, Home cooling, natural light, window shading, window treatments

 

Window Awning

Window Awning via wikimedia

Exterior shades can be a great solution to help control unwanted sunlight or glare issues. These shades can be great for any window in your house that gets a lot of sun throughout the day. They also make great shading solutions for greenhouses, sunrooms, outdoor patio or seating areas or even glass garages, most often found on businesses or more modern homes.

Most exterior shades can be mounted on any window or patio around your house to control solar heat rays. With the touch of a button, the motorized shades can be opened or closed! Read more »

Window Treatments for Sliding Glass Doors

Posted: Thursday, October 4th, 2012 | Filed under: exterior shades, Folding Shades, Home cooling, interior design, modern window treatments

Today, with so many window treatment options, covering your sliding glass patio door is easy! Most sliding glass door window coverings are vertical because of the shape and function of the door. Vertical blinds offer privacy and light control, which are two of the most important features. Vertical blinds are also easy to install and don’t take a lot of work.

Sliding Glass Door Window Treatments

Sliding Glass Door Window Treatments

Glass sliding doors are functional and stylish. Most provide easy access to the patio or deck where your family might enjoy barbecues or picnics. On the other side might be your kitchen where you want to keep things simple. Deciding on your sliding glass door window covering should give good balance between the two sides. Here are some options to consider:

Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds are a common solution to sliding glass doors. They are easy to adjust, provide solar control and are easy to open and close. The modern option of vertical blinds are back-stacking vinyl blinds. This option keeps the blind vanes from tangling up. Vertical blinds are available in different blackout levels, which is a great way to block out the unwanted glare or noise from the outside.

Sliding Panel Blinds

Horizontal panel options are usually the best option if you’re looking for light control. If you’re looking to keep out that heavy sun during dinner or while you’re watching TV, these panel blinds keep out that glare while still giving you the view.

Draperies

Draperies are always an option. Because they move easily on tracks, you can adjust the shades to your liking. If you’re trying to enjoy dinner or want to keep out the sun midday, close them. If you want to watch your kids play in the backyard or keep the screen open during a cool fall day, open them. They also come in blackout options!

There are so many options for sliding glass door window treatments, so decide what your biggest need is and then you can settle on which covering is best for you.