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Posts Tagged ‘interior design’

What Type of Window Treatment Should I Use?

Posted: Tuesday, November 8th, 2011 | Filed under: interior design, modern window treatments, sustainable living, Uncategorized, window blinds, window shading, window treatments

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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Window Treatments for Small Windows

Posted: Wednesday, October 19th, 2011 | Filed under: window blinds, window shading, window treatments

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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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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How to Make Your Office Green

Posted: Friday, September 9th, 2011 | Filed under: commercial window treatments, Green shading, Greener living, interior design

Window treatments can enhance your office space as well as provide sun and heat control. Aside from style and function, window treatments can be “green.” There are a few ways to keep your office energy efficient through your window treatments. Many window treatment manufacturers are now offering eco-friendly products, which is a start, but there are other ways in addition to the actual product to help make your office more environment-friendly.

Window treatments are a great way to keep your office space energy efficient. All window treatments provide some sort of insulation, helping to keep out the heat in the summer or maintain it in the winter months. There are specific products that are made for preventing heat loss or gain, such as honeycomb window shades, which have been found to be one of the most energy efficient window treatments on the market right now. Honeycomb shades are a type of folding shade that when installed closely to the glass window with the sides of the shade close to the wall, can reduce heat loss by up to 50%! These are a great way to save energy in your office (and reduce your heating bill).

Many window treatments are made from natural materials (cotton, silk or hemp). Most natural materials are re-used or recycled and much better for the environment. Roman shades are a great example of window coverings that offer shades from raw materials and non-chemical fabrics. You can design your Roman shades from a great selection of fabrics and materials.

Another “green” option to think about when choosing office window treatments is the type of materials your window coverings are made out of. Most window treatments are made from natural materials and don’t affect the air quality if your office space, but there are exceptions. Plastic window shades often contain polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which releases carcinogenic dioxin into the area, decreasing the air quality. Many times, this can affect respiratory problems and inhibit hormonal systems in the body.

There are always things to consider when choosing the best office window treatments for your business. “Green” options are a great way to help the environment, keep the quality of your air positive and reduce your heating bill! Business across the country and many in NYC have chosen green window treatments for their office. There are many styles to choose from and most manufacturers now offer environment-friendly products.

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Window Treatments in Interior Design

Posted: Monday, August 22nd, 2011 | Filed under: modern window treatments, window shading, window treatments

Window treatments can be a decorative element, and can also serve to be functional and practical as well. From draperies to roller shades to skylight shades to folding shades, each can be customized based on the style and functionality you’re trying to achieve for your specific room. It’s very important to consider adding modern window treatments throughout your home during your interior design process. Designers depend on windows for a certain brightness, creating or accenting a specific focal point of a room. Furniture is usually places based on the window locations and window shades should be designed as part of the room, not as a separate décor piece.

Be sure to explore all of the different options you have. There’s a wide range of window treatments and a number of manufacturers to choose from. Be willing to try different looks during your design process. You should use some form of window treatments, minimal or not, they provide a great texture while maintain a clean, natural look. Trying out different window shades can give your room a different look and feel, so depending on your other interior design elements, you may enjoy a certain look over another.

Once you’ve decided on the look of your room, you may want to think about the function of the window treatments. Window shades can provide privacy when wanted to needed and can also control the amount of natural sunlight entering the room. When window shades are closed, they can block out the sunlight and unwanted heat. Sunlight can damage your interior furnishings, so it’s important to close and window shades when you’re not home.

Before running out to purchase some window treatments, you should take some time to research your options. What type of window shades will work best for your windows? Which shades will accent your favorite piece of furniture? Would you rather folding shades or roller shades? Take your time in deciding which option is right for you. Explore the market and talk with an expert who can give you information and recommendations based on your preferences.

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