Blog Post Updated on: August 21, 2019
In this post you will learn ...
- Tips on choosing the right window covering for your room
- Tips on the operation of your window treatments
- The different types of replacement windows
How to Choose Window Treatments
With so many great options on the market today for window coverings, it can be very difficult to decide what to put up in a room. You could choose drapes, shades, blinds, café curtains or even shutters. There isn't a wrong choice. It really depends on your personal style, budget and purpose of the room.
What is the Room’s Purpose?
One of the very first things you should think about is the purpose of the room. If you’re installing window coverings in a media room, it’s important to shut out all the light. If you’re installing window coverings in a living or dining room you may want the option of being able to let light in the room at various times, while shutting it all out when you are away or want privacy from noisy neighbors. The main point is to think about how you plan to use each room and how much natural light you want in each!
Tips on Operation of Your Window Treatments
Another consideration when choosing window treatments is how they operate. Most people only think about how their window treatments look, but operation is important especially if you are going to be opening and closing them often. The last thing you want to do is spend a ton of money on custom window treatments only to find out they are a daily hassle.
Mini Blinds & Vertical Blinds – Mini blinds as well as vertical blinds are usually installed over a single window. Mini blinds have a pull cord on one side to raise and lower the blind and have a pulley or turn feature to open and close the blind slats. Vertical blinds are similar in that they have a pull cord on one side to slide the slats right or left as well as a cord to open and close the slats. You can easily control the amount of light entering your room by adjusting the blind slats. However, depending on the type of mini or vertical blinds you choose, the cords can be unsightly and a danger to small children and pets.
Roller Shades & Solar Shades – Roller shades are usually installed over a single window but can be installed over larger windows as well. Operation is simple with a little pull down, the shades can be raised or lowered. Plus the roller shade styles have come a long way in recent years.
Curtains - Curtains can be installed over a single window or over a large bank of windows as long as you can find a curtain rod long enough! Operation is simple, just draw the curtains open or closed depending on how much light you want to enter the room. If you like change out your décor often, curtains can easily swapped out for a new look.
Cordless Cellular Shades - Cordless cellular shades are typically mounted to tracks in the recess in front of your window and can be raised and lowered from the top and bottom. These can be extremely helpful in rooms where some light is desired but privacy is needed as you can lower the top of the blind! Plus there are no unsightly cords or additional hardware.
If you really hate opening and closing blinds and shades, some manufacturers offer motorized window treatments and can be operated with a remote control.
Type of Windows
Another huge consideration is the type of window you’re working with. Is it a bay or bow window, casement window or a sliding window? Each of these has specific window coverings that will function better than others. For instance, bay windows can be difficult to cover since the window is recessed from the wall. Individual blinds for each window or a large curtain that could cover the entire opening are good options. If you do decide to hang curtains, use a fabric that highlights the window and hang the curtains at each side of it.
Casement windows typically have a handle that you turn to open and close the window. This handle may get in the way with certain types of window treatments, unless the handle folds down or you allow enough clearance for the handle when installing window coverings.
Windows really make a large difference in the way a home looks on the inside and the outside. If you’re not satisfied with your current windows, consider replacing them with professionally installed Stanek Windows. Stanek Windows offer low maintenance, exceptional energy-efficiency, endless options and are custom manufactured for both residential and commercial properties. All Stanek Windows and patio doors are proudly made in the USA and come with a limited lifetime guarantee. Contact us today to schedule a free, in-home estimate.
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