Tag: http://www.comfortblinds.com

Where can help be found when starting to think about the perfect window treatments?  Whether you are looking for curtains, blinds, shades, valances or curtain rods there is help online.  If you are looking to re-do one or twenty window coverings the best source for ideas and up to date style information is through the internet.  Another value online shopping presents is the ability to find exactly what you are looking for, recreate it and at the best price possible.  All the information sits at your fingertips.

Window treatments, especially blinds and shades are becoming as much a part of a home’s interior design as any other feature.  Rooms are not built around one specific piece of furniture any longer.  Instead the room is being pulled together using many key elements including window treatments.  This does not mean that everything has to match but instead coordinate and compliment.  Which brings me to the unique attributes now found within window treatments.

When contemplating window treatments many people picture one of two things; blinds or curtains.  This has been the case in the past in regards to window décor but not anymore.  With the use of a range of materials window treatments have been given a completely new purpose.  It is no longer the norm to stick with heavy floral curtains that scream grandma’s house but instead environmental materials are adding texture and emphasis to a home’s windows.   Eco-friendly materials such as grass, bamboo, jute and paper are introducing a new natural elegance to room décor and interior design.

Natural materials work for many different window treatments and decors.  Rooms are not defined by the window treatment of choice yet enhanced.  If your style lends itself more to country, back woods lodge, modern, contemporary or exclusive high end there is something available to meet your desire.  Bamboo blinds & shades, natural woven wood blinds & shades and honeycomb cellular blinds & shades are amongst the most popular options.  If you can dream it there is a window treatment out there to make it happen.

Where should a homeowner begin when deciding upon window treatments?  The first thing to determine is if a hard or soft window treatment option is desired.  Maybe even a combination of the two is what will work for the function and style desired within the space.

• Hard Window Treatments:  This includes any treatment that contains a hard material such as wood or vinyl.  Some examples include window shades and blinds as well as shutters.
• Soft Window Treatments: This includes any treatment that contains soft materials such as sheers, curtains, drapery, swags and valances.  Roman shades are often included in this category.
• Combination of Hard and Soft Window Treatments:  This is a combination of the two on one window.  This can be a very hard look to install and should be done so using careful precise measurements.  Valances and window blinds are often used in combination as well as sheer curtains and vinyl room darkening shades where light is an issue such as a bedroom.

Home décor of all kinds can be tricky.  Window treatments are not exempt from this.  Window coverings are one thing that can tie a home together or completely separate it. This is not to say that every room has to have the same type of window treatment however, they must create harmony with color, texture, style or type.  In order to develop a window treatment scheme for the home it is important to look into the pros and cons of each style of blinds and shades.  This is to ensure the function of the shades and blinds you choose meet your needs.

Shades:

Traditional Roller Shades: Roller shades offer a fair amount of privacy, light control and are priced well within most budgets.  They also offer a variety of color options including now a collegiate logo shade option. What a perfect option to add to any sports fanatics’ room. However, they do not insulate for temperature control or sound and can often be perceived as boring.

Cellular Shades: This option is both functional and attractive.  Cellular shades are minimalistic and offer insulation protection for both heat and air.  The one major drawback is that they are hard to clean.  If you live on a road that traffic travels down and creates dust this option is most likely not for your home.  The dust will all settle on the shade and at they cost more than what most people want to pay for a dust collector.

Pleated Shades: Pleated shades are an alternative to cellular shades that are a bit less expensive.  They also offer a great range of light control.  The con is that they tend to be a bit less efficient as far as a n insulator and can flatten out quicker than cellular shades.

Roman Shades:  These are a very popular option.  When roman shades are down they create a cascading feature using folding fabric.  Roman shades can be made out of any fabric available. They are incredible versatile.  The down side of roman shades is that they are costly, and often require a bit of fussing ensuring the folds are perfect.

Solar Shades: These are a great option for homes in warm climates that need heat and light diffused.  They also help to keep the glare off of televisions and computers while working to help keep rooms cool.  The downside is that there are relatively limited color options to choose from and offer little privacy.

Woven Shades: Woven shades are really nice for homes keeping with the natural elements.  They often come with a liner for added privacy and light control.  The disadvantages are that often they are seen as informal, which is actually fine if that is not the look you are going for.  They are also incredibly delicate as far as window shades go.

Window Shades: This type of shade is incredibly versatile and can be purchased in both horizontal and vertical styles.  They can be purchased to coordinate with any homes furniture and are extra forgiving causing them to be a good choice with parents.  They are considered to be one of the most expensive options in shades, are quite trendy and are difficult to clean.

Options in window blinds are as detailed as shades.  When considering new window coverings it is advisable to look into each option with an eye for the details of your home environment, the style and need you are looking for to match a budget that is reasonable for your expectations.  Window treatments can really make or break the style of a room.