Did you know that window blinds and shutters are popular ways to treat your windows, maintain privacy, and decrease your home’s energy footprint? But you don’t have to only opt for the basic blinds that you can buy online. There are other options to decorate your home’s windows in style and help put money back in your pocket too.
One particular area that can be a headache to decorate is the basement. It either comes with a window well or has no windows, and either way is difficult to decorate if you don’t work with a plan. A window well is constructed to add light, but no view, so a blind that allows the light in, but keeps the brick view out is a winner. Basement window well blinds are a great way to do just that.
When working on a budget, you can shave off a lot by shopping online. Consider options like bath and beyond window curtains. This is also a great place to shop for bathroom window treatments. Splash out on bathroom blinds and shades to create a decor masterpiece.
Bathroom blinds or curtains can add a colorful splash to a space that is often neglected. Yet, adding these can help warm up the space by adding warmth and comfort.
It’s rare to see a house without some kind of window treatments, such as vertical blinds, regular window blinds, window shades, or curtains. Indeed, a report in the spring of 2014 showed that almost 30 million Americans reported having bought blinds, drapes, or other various window treatments in the last year. These window treatments serve a number of functions, such as protecting against heat loss, maintaining privacy, or adding texture, color, and other decoration to a room. If you’re considering touching up your window treatments or installing new ones, it’s good to know your options and what might be best for your home and style.
What Are Window Treatments and Why Should You Have Them?
Window treatments are a fancy interior design word for an interior decoration piece placed in, around, or on a window. Such window treatments include the aforementioned vertical blinds, regular window blinds, plantation shutters, curtains, window shades, drapes, and and shutters. The goal is usually to add some aesthetic quality to the room and window, although other factors like blocking light, retaining heat, and maintaining privacy are also taken into consideration. Drafty windows, for example, can be a primary reason for heat loss–10% to 25%.
Popular Types of Window Treatments
Blinds
Blinds are one of the most common window treatments. There are a few different varieties: reflective blinds and vertical blinds, just to name a couple. Blinds typically have three standard sizes: 1/2 inch blinds, 1 inch blinds, and 2 inch blinds. When installing blinds, you’ll want to have a tape measure and pencil on hand in order to mark 1 1/4 inches away from the window. This will prevent the blinds from contact with the glass when they get hung up.
Reflective blinds (which are white or near white) are great at reducing heat gain–indeed, when used on a sunny window, they can reduce heat gain by 45%. If you live in a hot area, reflective blinds are a great way to help keep a room cool. The horizontal nature allows you to control ventilation and the amount of light you want in a room.
If you’re considering getting vertical blinds, add four inches to the width and height measurements you take to get the correct dimensions. Vertical blinds are great for larger windows or sliding glass doors–they can add a wall-like feel and come in a variety of fabrics, materials, or textures to suit your needs.
Window Shades
Another popular option includes window shades. Like blinds, window shades help reduce harmful UV rays, prevent sun damage on your goods, and can keep a room cooler or warmer, depending on the season. Blackout shades are popular for those who need a completely dark room to sleep or to recover from headaches. Window shades are good for rooms where you want total privacy and don’t want to adjust anything. You simply pull a cord and the shade is down, unlike blinds, which require you to adjust the level of light and privacy you want.
Finding the perfect window treatments for your needs and house shouldn’t be too difficult with the vast array of options currently available. It’s always best to make an informed choice, so don’t be afraid to go out and shop around.
