Even though windows play an essential role in the home, most homeowners overlook them when it comes to home improvement projects. Windows are designed to improve the overall aesthetics of your home by letting in natural light and air. Window treatments, such as blinds and drapes, can completely alter your home with an enhanced appearance and improved energy.
At Made4U Shades, Blinds, & Shutters, we understand that finding the perfect window treatments for your home is crucial. Therefore, we’ve gathered these five tips to help. We offer a vast collection of blinds and shades.
5 Tips for Choosing Window Treatments
If you are ready to choose your perfect window treatments, contact us today. We can help you find the window treatments you’ve always dreamed of. We understand that this decision can be difficult and will take some time, so we offer product samples.
We offer installation services within 50 miles of our Murphy, North Carolina location, and we will work with you until you are 100% satisfied.
Compare Your Options
The first step in finding your perfect window treatments is identifying your options. The most common options include curtains, shutters, drapes, shades, blinds, and valances. Within each of these broad categories, you will find sub-types that fit various styles and shapes of windows. Each type of window treatment comes in various materials that impact its quality, energy efficiency, privacy level, and durability.
For example, most window curtains are made of sheer cotton or polyester, which means they are lightweight. Drapes, on the other hand, are typically made from cotton, polyester, velvet, linen, or silk, which means they are heavier. Blinds are more complex and typically made of bamboo, vinyl, wood, or metal. This improves their durability and functionality- but also makes them more expensive.
You will also want to consider the color and material of your hardware fittings. You can choose from fiberglass, plastic, aluminum, copper, steel, or bronze.
Determine Your Purpose
Next, you will need to determine the purpose of your window treatments. What do you need it to do? Some customers want a window covering that gives them privacy, while others are more interested in UV protection. Our customers who work at night often want shades that block out all the light so they can sleep during the day. If you want to improve your home’s energy efficiency, you’ll want to make sure you choose energy-efficient materials. A needs assessment can help you determine the purpose of your window treatments- which can help you choose the best.
Consider Energy Efficiency
While windows are nice because they let in natural air and light, they also contribute a high amount of heat gain/loss, which significantly impacts your home’s energy efficiency. When choosing your window treatments, take the time to check the energy efficiency rating. Window treatments made of heavier materials can keep your home warmer during cold months and cooler during summer months when closed. You can open them as you wish to let some of the cold air in or out.
Measure Yor Windows
The size and shape of your windows play a role in determining the perfect window treatment. Different options work best with other window styles. Most windows will be the standard rectangular shape, circular, arched, or bay. The more complex the shape of your window, the harder it will be to find the perfect covering. Our team will work with you to find the best option- and we will make sure that you are 100% satisfied.
When measuring, you should measure twice to ensure that you get the right size for your window—especially if you are getting custom window treatments.
Consider Maintenance Requirements
Finally, when choosing your perfect window treatments, you will want to consider how much effort you will put into keeping them looking nice. Blinds made of aluminum or vinyl are relatively low maintenance. On the other hand, curtains, drapes, and shades made of fabric are more susceptible to damage and often require specialized care.
Conclusion
Window treatments improve the aesthetics and functionality of your windows.