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Blog » window blinds
 Blinds and Shades Blinds and shades are quite different, but there is often times confusion between the two. Window blinds typically have slats or vanes (vertical blinds), sometimes referred to as louvers. Blinds can be horizontal or vertical and rotate back and forth (or up and down) to control light. Operating a blind is simple, tilting the slats or vanes will control the light and privacy.
Window shades are different from blinds because they are made with one continuous piece of material or fabric. Window shades are rolled up and down or folded up (folding shades). They come in a variety of fabric and style options, ranging from Roman shades, roller shades and even solar shades.
Both blinds and shades offer shading solutions for windows in your home or office space. There are a few things to consider though when trying to choose between the two. If you’re searching for modern window treatments that will give you privacy, window blinds are a good option. It’s simple to adjust the slates or vanes to allow in natural light which blocking people from seeing in. Window shades also provide privacy, but have to be fully down, blocking the natural light. So, although you’re blocking people from seeing in, you’re also blocking out the natural light. If you choose a thinner fabric, window shades can still allow partial light to enter and keep your privacy.
Another factor to consider when choosing window shades or blinds is the insulation. Choosing a window treatment with an energy efficiency value will help lower energy costs. Window shades have better insulation, hands down. Cellular shades, Roman shades and solar shades all offer great insulation.
Aesthetically, both options offer shading solutions, but you have to consider privacy, energy efficiency and even style when choosing between shades and blinds.
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 Skylight Blinds Skylight blinds are an easy way to control light and heat entering your home or office. Although skylights are a great way to allow natural light in, sometimes the heat and glare may become bothersome. Installing skylight blinds on your windows can help give you control of when to open and close your window blinds.
Skylight blinds and shades are made by a variety of manufacturers including Lutron, Mechoshade, Hunter Douglas and many more. With the range of options you have, skylight blinds can be customized for your irregular or traditional sized windows.
If you’re in New York City or other busy cities with constant light entering your home, consider room darkening or even blackout shades for your skylights. With the variety of fabric choices and window treatment options (folding shades, cellular shades, etc.), you can build your own.
Installing skylight blinds can be tricky, especially if you’re considering blackout shades, so hiring a professional may be in your best interest. Depending on the style or type of skylight blinds, you need to install them accurately for them to work in the ways you need.
Skylight blinds are also offered in motorized options, giving you the ability to open and close your window blinds with ease and as quick as 1, 2, 3. Motorized skylight blinds also eliminate any dangling cords or strings that may be distracting or hanging in the middle of the room. Motorized shades are always a simple solution, but might not be as cost effective as manual. Depending on your budget, both options provide great shading control for skylight blinds and shades.
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Deciding on window treatments for your home can be challenging. So many different windows, so many different shapes, so many different types of window treatments: your options are nearly endless. If you’re redecorating or remodeling your home, think about different types of window treatments available. Also, what type of home do you have: Modern, contemporary, country, etc?
Consider the amount of sunlight that enters through your windows. You most likely aren’t going to want to dress your front windows identical to your back windows. If you want to be able to control the amount of heat and light that enters your room relatively easy, folding shades or even roller shades might be your best options. Both allow you to open and close based on the amount of light you want entering the room.
Depending on your style, customize your folding shades or roller shades to your liking. If you’re looking for something simple, a honeycomb-type shade might work best. These window shades are available in a variety of fabric and pleat choices. With roller shades, you also have design flexibility, but roller shades tend to appear more fashionable and stylish.
Aside from simple folding shades and roller shades, window treatments come in all different shapes and size. Open your shades horizontally with simple folding shades or open your window shades vertically with draperies or wooden blinds, depending on your personal preference.
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Sometimes adding window treatments to small windows can be just as challenging as adding them to large windows. Most times, you’re going to want to make the small window look larger by adding the appropriate window shades. Many living spaces in New York City, such as on Madison Avenue, have small windows, but homeowners have added window treatments to help create the illusion of larger windows.
By using full-length curtain draperies, you can increase the height of the window. You can also just add panels (not necessarily full length), which will make the window seem larger too. If your panels are wider than the window, you can also make the window appear larger. Keep light colored panels in mind for best results. Height and width are important for windows, but try to keep the true size of the window hidden subtly.
Window shades or window blinds can add volume to your small window when drawn. Adding window blinds or roman shades will create an illusion and make your window seem larger. You can accent these types of window treatments with some simple draperies so your window maintains that “large” look even when the window shades are open.
Some windows in your home can pose challenges, but there are always ways to create illusions and make your window (and room seem larger) by adding window treatments. Certain window treatments can disguise the true size of windows. Many different window treatments can be used on your small windows, such as draperies, window blinds or window shades, depending on the look you’re trying to create for the room.
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Dressing windows with window coverings can be a huge decision in decorating or remodeling your home. From roller shades to draperies, there are perfect window treatment combinations for every home. Window treatments can serve as a primary decorating piece while also serving as a practical decision. Window shades, blinds, draperies or even a combination of these can be a very functional solution to blocking sunlight and providing privacy for your home.
There’s more to picking and choosing when it comes to window treatments. Homeowners should evaluate their functional needs first. What rooms are you working with? What do your windows face? How important is privacy? When does the sun hit this side or the house? Once you evaluate the function you want your window coverings to serve, you can move on to the window architecture. Is your window oddly shaped? Do you want to add space? Is there an arch? How is your window constructed and what features do you need to take into consideration? Now onto the fun part…
To determine the type of window treatments you should be looking for, decide on the style of the room first: traditional or contemporary? This will help you start in the right area. For contemporary styles, think about window blinds. Traditional styles may include draperies or roller shades, but with the appropriate accenting you can mix and match.
The color is also an important design option you want to play around with. Depending on which type of window covering or window treatment you choose, colors can add to make a better look and feel. If your room is neutral, you may want to add a bold color to add a “pop” to your room. You can also stick with the neutral feel also.
Make sure your window treatments add balance to your room. Sometimes less is more if you already have a busy room. Roller shades add a simplistic look while patterned draperies add a texture to the room. Depending on your style, any window treatment can be customized for you home.
Tags: custom window treatments, modern window treatments, window treatment designs | No Comments »
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