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Window Treatments: Deciding What's Right For You
Tony Mers • October 8, 2019
Windows are perhaps one of the most underrated parts of the home. We rarely take into mind exactly what they're meant for -- they're literally one of the main light sources we have in our homes, and what would a living space be without windows opening them up to the outside world? Another thing to keep mind regarding windows is that they actually are among the main outlets through which energy can escape your home. Heat leaks out through the windows, and therefore your home's heating and cooling system has to work harder and expend more energy to maintain the desired temperature. With that being said, few of us maintain our windows to the degree that we should. We don't invest in things like solar shades, we don't replace or maintain our window blinds, and we don't think about new window treatments. It's easier now more than ever to get motorized window treatment. Window treatments can be decorative or functional, or even both -- it depends on what the specific homeowners looking for window treatments need. Let's look into some of the different types of window treatments you should consider.
What Are The Categories Of Window Treatments?
Before we consider motorized window treatments, we must first remember the basic types of window treatments. These include hard window treatments, made of products like wood or vinyl. Usually, these would be blinds or shutters. Then there are soft window treatments, like drapes, curtains, and Roman shades. Of course, there are also layered window treatments, which would be both, one on top of the other.
Window Shutters
Shutters do a fantastic job of both cutting out light and blocking in heat. You would be amazed by how easily you can block light out of your room once you have your shutters closed. However, shutters also manage to create a certain look and ambiance to your home. Wooden shutters can be painted black, or they could be brightly colored, or trimmed in white. The shutters you have contribute to the overall look and personality of your home. Shutters can be interior, that is used, used on the inside of the home, or exterior, used on the outer structure of the home. Shutters are perhaps some of the clearest forms of hard window treatments, and many prefer their appearance to drapes or blinds.
Drapery
If shutters are the prototypical type of hard window treatment, drapery is the prototypical type of soft window treatment. One of the reasons why people love drapery is that it can be voluminous or heavy, dark or transparent. A lot of people love using drapery as decorations within their homes. Curtains can accent the overall look of a room, adding to its color. Of course, because curtains are always interior, there are certain factors you should consider when choosing them. Do they hold on to smell or dust? Will they maintain allergens. Some dislike the fact that drapes are, to a degree, fire hazards. Others struggle with how drapes might "interact" with their pets. But if they work in your home, they're a classic window treatment that often comes in many different forms by those that offer motorized window treatments.
Shoji Panels
When browsing through motorized window treatments, you may be surprised by how much Shoji Panels stand out from the "crowd". They certainly add a distinct flavor to a home, as they're often associated with Japanese design and culture. Not only are they used as window covers -- they can be room dividers and even doors as well. Not all service providers of motorized window treatments feature Shoji panels -- but they're something to consider.
Venetian Blinds
Made of wood, metal, or plastic, Venetian blinds are suspended by strips of cloth or cords, and can be rotated 180 degrees. The slats can overlap each other, and are certainly one of the preferred types of window treatments. Ultimately, if you're not sure what to pick, these treatments might be right for you. But be sure that what you're getting fits the look of your home!
How Interior Shutters Lower Your Energy Bills
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People have many options when it comes to shades. You might be looking for a specific style or want to control the amount of light that comes in. No matter what you’re looking for, there are good reasons to choose woven wood shades that you may not have considered. A Natural Feel The best feature about woven wood shades is the sense of nature they bring to your home. Because NorthShore creates each blind from natural materials, there's a unique sense of earthiness in them that goes well with any décor. Having a few plants in the same room with your new shades will make the entire room brim with the comforts of the outdoors. Eco-Friendly Another reason to choose woven wood shades is their positive impact on the environment. As previously mentioned, these custom window shades come from natural materials, so they look wonderful and are good for the planet. You can rest easy in your living space knowing you're doing right by the Earth. Easy To Manage Woven wood shades are some of the most accessible shades to work with. Installing them is a breeze once you slide the headrail into the window frame. Woven wood is easy to clean with a vacuum brush, but we recommend not spraying them with cleaner, as that could warp the wood. Lots of Customization Woven wood shades come in various colors and varieties that best fit your living needs. One significant advantage is that light-blocking screens are easy to attach and remove from your new shades, giving you complete control of how much light comes through. Woven shades are the best way to go from being easy to install, benefit the planet, and offer a sense of comfort and customization that fits all needs. Here at NorthShore Window Treatments, we have all the window shades for your home. We can help you get the products you need at a price you’ll love.
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