Windows on their own are really just windows in the wall. However, add window coverings like blinds, shades or shutters and you are in control of privacy, the amount of sunlight that fills the area and a more attractive room. When choosing window shades for just one window or the entire house You’ll have to consider window shape and size along with the purpose of the room , as well as the amount of light you’d like to let in and block out.
Blinds can be purchased in the home furnishings stores such as home centers, paint and tile stores , and through decorators. Each allows you to view and feel the items they sell, and many of them provide swatches and samples (for a refundable fee) to allow you to test selections at home. If you’re anxious about accurately measuring windows, decorators or some retailers will do the job. If your blinds do not fit perfectly, they’ll get adjustments at no cost.
Blinds purchased from a mail-order catalogue or by telephone (many household magazines include small ads offering “direct from the manufacturer” prices) is a responsibility on the quality of measurement; If the blinds aren’t fitted well, it’s your fault. While you’ll save money this way however the quality of blinds isn’t always the same. Beware of brands that aren’t well-known and inquire as to whether the blinds are of first or second-class. Also, you may not have the same variety of blinds you will at a home centre. Read return policies and guarantees carefully before you buy. But before you shop, you need to be aware of the items you should purchase.
Not Just For Windows
Blinds and shutters can live that extend beyond windows. Hinged together, tall shutters can be used as roomdividers. When suspended from the ceiling blinds also help to separate spaces and hide messy laundry areas or areas for work.
Honeycomb Shades
Made of spun polyester, honeycomb shades have a great deal of flexibility which makes them an excellent option for windows with an odd shape. They come in single, double , or triple combs (see photo below). The combs give this product its distinctive look, but they also hold air, which makes these shades sound and good thermally insulation. For example, Hunter Douglas’ triple-cell honeycomb has an R-value of 4.8–at the center of the shade. Honeycombs that weigh less can be installed vertically or typically horizontally. They also provide varying levels of light control. For windows that face west you could want to keep out light on hot days; if your bedroom is facing east, you may prefer to keep early-morning sunlight out of your eyes. On other windows, translucent or sheer shades could be more suitable.
Pleat sizes begin at around 3/8 inch. and can go to as high as 2 inches. With their clean, refined lines, honeycomb shades work well in contemporary settings as well as windows that are not moulded. Many prefer the subtle look of honeycomb shades that blend into the wall color and you can achieve an impact by contrast the color of the shade with the walls. If you prefer a more soft look, go for fabric-like shades and pair them with strikingly printed draperies or an draped curtain.
Horizontal Blinds Horizontal
While these blinds may be a chore to tidy, their louvers that can be adjusted give you great control over light. The higher the number of slats per foot more light will be able to pass through the blind. Blinds with cord holes in the back of the slats close more tightly–a feature that you should look for if want them to be light-tight. As for cleaning, some newer products have a factory-applied antistatic-electricity treatment to keep dust from building up.
The vanes of blinds are available in wood, metal and vinyl in a range of colors and finishes. Ladders, the nylon lift cords running along both edges of the blind– can be left in their natural state or adorned with tapes of decorative design that match with, or contrast with the blind or the colour scheme of the room.
Blinds for horizontal windows made of wood or faux-wood that are more expensive than vinyl and metal equivalents, are particularly fashionable nowadays. They’re equally appropriate in rustic and traditional homes and more modern spaces. Blinds made of wood intended for use in high-humidity rooms should be warp- mildew-resistant.
Pick the slat width in proportion to the dimension of the window. A 1/2- or 1-in. slat works well for small or average-sized windows. 2 in. vane is best for bigger windows or a striking design. The best blinds are slim in stack when opened; several manufacturers offer models with the headrail completely hides the louvers, which is ideal for contemporary interiors.
Window Shadings
A relatively recent hybrid of honeycomb and horizontal blinds The shadings have opaque louvers placed between sheer fabric panels. This lets light in while keeping glare to a minimal. Shades are especially useful for windows that face towards east or south. After the shade has been fully reduced, the slats with no ladder can be opened, tilted for filtered light and partial views, or closed for complete privacy with the cable. By using an inside mount they can be fitted into windows that have arch- or angled-tops.
Although they’re chic, shades adapt to styles from casual to formal. They can be hung in a row for an elegant, minimalist look. For a more dramatic look you can layer them on top of curtains, similar to how they would be normal sheers.
Roller Shades
Before the advent of the mini-blind, roller shades were the norm for easy, low-maintenance window shades. While they’re made of translucent fabrics and films, as well as traditional opaque material, they’re not the best option for lighting control. The shades can be set horizontal or vertical, and has neither direction nor diffusion.
But there have been advancements. The spring-loaded roller of the past was replaced with a clutch mechanism , as well as continuous cord and pulley that allow more precise positioning of the shade, without the snapbacks that are awkward and unwieldy. Installation options now include a reverse-roll, in which the shade material drops across the upper surface of the roll, hiding the roller and giving it an elegant appearance. Roller shades create an airy, retro feel like a summer cottage. Prices vary depending on the type of material used to create the shade.
Vertical Blinds
Most often, they are used on sliding glass doors They can also be in good use with high casement windows, fixed-glass windows, or bow windows in addition to an angular or arch-top window. A long typecast, which is used as a commercial window blind, vertical blinds add a touch of drama to a room with their strong lines. More than any other window treatment They can enhance the ceiling height of rooms, something to keep in mind should ceilings be low within your house. They are available in fabric, vinyl or even as a match to wallpaper (by sliding strips of the material into its front face), vertical blinds allow excellent air circulation and are a great option for protecting against UV rays which are a concern in west- and south-facing windows. The decorative vanes are placed inside plastic backs to are protected from UV damage and provide a uniform look to the street.
Free-hanging slatsthat are loaded with weights at the bottom to make them more orderly are an alternative. To hide their hardware you can cover vertical blinds off with a headrail that matches the vanes.
Shutters
Shutters, with their distinctive design, bring an element of personality into a room. The size of the slats have much to do with that. Vanes can measure up to 5 1/2 in. (these are called “plantation shutters”) and down to 3/4 inches. Solid-wood models that are stained or painted are the traditional options. The white, smooth louvers, typically constructed of vinyl, look more modern, particularly when they’re mounted in an angled or arch-top-style window. The majority of shutters feature flat slats with ends cut at 90deg. For something distinctive, opt for the slats that have rounded edges as well as beaded and S-shaped blades. With louvers that are adjustable and control rods that are able to be centered, offset or concealed from view.
Hinged shutters are usually found on windows, but for door treatments they’re typically hung from a track and then rolled or move out of the way. Framed shutters offer a more elegant look to the installation. If you want shutters in a nonstandard paint or finish, be aware that they’re a tricky painting project; Pinecrest offers this service for customers who pay an additional fee. Due to the lower sun levels of winter months shutters could block more light than you would prefer; consider installing them on the lowest part of a window, instead of the entire length. They require little maintenance, a simple dusting is all they require. Shutters are priced several ways: by the square inch or square foot, or by the panels.
Measuring and Mounting
If you opt to measure the openings of blinds on your own, you’ll need to first decide to put them in either an inside mount or outside mount. An inside mount shows off the window’s frame and shape, which is similar to the unique look of bay windows. An outside mount can disguise windows of different sizes by bringing them together and even balancing their appearance. For a precise result utilize a tape measurement using a rigid metal rule.
Cord Safety
Alerted to the hazards of strangulation accidental caused by control cords hanging from the ceiling, blinds manufacturers have addressed safety issues in several ways. Break-apart tassels that are like Hunter Douglas’ Break-Thru (shown) split open under stress. Another innovation is the single-cord control, in which loops are completely eliminated. Wand controls can also take the over the loops of cords. The ultimate precaution is a blind that can be controlled remotely and comes with an automatic stop feature, similar to that of garage doors. If your blinds don’t have any of these features be sure to put in an cleat that is high enough to store loose cords safely out of the reach of toddlers.
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