Important Objectives for Window Shade Treatment Success

Blinds, Drapes, and Shades

With practically countless styles and types available, nearly every contemporary window treatment includes a window shade of some kind. While typical treatments consist of a basic window drape with mini blinds, contemporary window treatment design dictates something more innovative and stylish. Such as wood blind designs; a bamboo wood blind, genuine or faux wood, or woven wood window shades.

In recent years cellular shades have helped to revolutionize window treatments. Combining energy efficiency with a touch of class, in an ever-increasing variety of materials and construction choices. And vertical shades, a popular choice for decades, is even more vogue with the introduction of vertical cellular shades.

But window treatments have come to include much more than blinds and shades. Today’s fashion conscious homeowner not only puts greater emphasis on interior window décor. Some consider exterior window treatments for areas of the home such as the veranda, patio, or pool-side cabana equally as important.

Bay windows, solar shades (solar roller shades – manual or motorized) and various types of vinyl or wood window shutter treatments have also skyrocketed in popularity.

Basic Objectives for Developing a Window Treatment Plan

To develop a successful window treatment plan you must first consider the purpose for a particular type of window treatment installation. Decide what the primary objective is; what it is you are trying to accomplish (more/less light, increased privacy, enhanced outside view, greater aesthetic appeal, etc.)

Consider the following when developing your plan:

• Room décor – the primary objective is to create a coordinated aesthetically pleasing interior room design; whether living room décor or other areas of the home.

• Control of light entering the room – such as in southern exposure areas of the home where direct sunlight can create excessive heat and UV damage to furnishings. An insulated window shade can effectively reduce the amount of both direct and radiant heat entering the room. Solar window shades made of light translucent material allows an outside view and ambient light into the room, while blocking out damaging UV rays. Whereas a Roman shade window treatment can effectively block all light from entering the room when closed.

• Privacy – especially when more light is desired, without compromising on privacy. Certain types of blinds such as paper or fabric, and sheer curtains provide both privacy and ample room light.

• Ease of use – nobody likes to fool around with unruly cords on horizontal or vertical window shade components. One good solution (though somewhat expensive) might be motorized shades. Maintenance is another factor. Certain kinds of blinds are much easier to clean than others. Faux wood window shade styles, for instance.

While many homeowners prefer vertical wood blind or vinyl blind styles for a sliding glass door, a horizontal blind may prove the better choice. Premature wear and damage to vertical blinds often happen in homes with pets and children, or when blinds are in a heavy traffic area. Not so with horizontal blinds. They can be lifted out the way for easy, unhindered access in and out of the door.

• Cost – a huge factor, especially for whole house treatments. The average size home in America has about 2,400 square feet of floor space, with 15 or more windows. This can run into a hefty price tag, especially when utilizing light blocking or thermal drape styles; such as Roman window shade or insulated drape choices.

Most homeowners opt for the popular choice of mini blinds with swag curtain styles and/or a valance. Using a scarf valance or balloon valance can further enhance the window treatment. Since swag curtains and valances are usually made using light fabric instead of heavier light blocking or insulated drape selections, they are more affordably priced.

For homeowners wanting to undertake a more elaborate window treatment project, inexpensive pleated paper or fabric solar window shade options can be purchased for about $10. For wider windows, these shades can be overlapped or trimmed to window size.

If finances are limited, complete the preferred window treatment systematically; in one room or area at a time, over a period of months. Special attention to the window valance, such as a wood valance or cornice valance used in conjunction with custom drape design by a professional, can bring stunning results for a more elaborate window treatment plan.

Note: some type of elaborate outdoor window treatment utilizing attractive water resistant drapery for select areas of an upscale house (such as a veranda or cabana) has been used by the wealthy for decades. Recently, however, owners of even modest-sized homes sometimes opt for exterior window coverings. For instance, an outdoor window shade for the patio door, or a motorized roller awning.

• Safety – especially where infant children are concerned –  is of utmost importance. The U.S. Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has employed a campaign to raise consumer awareness about the strangulation hazard potential for small children posed by window treatment cords and chains. A highly recommended child safety tip is that all such devices purchased before 2001 be retrofitted, to keep chains and cords out of the reach of small children. Or else replaced with cordless window coverings such as a cordless cellular shade, a cordless wood blind, or a motorized window shade.

When developing a window treatment plan around your decorating idea, also keep in mind the following. When most people enter a room they tend to look straight ahead and through the room, with focus on the windows. This is especially true when a living room picture window is being showcased.

It is therefore important that the selected window treatment coordinate with the rest of the room, for aesthetic appeal and flair.

Getting Professional Help

When seeking the services of a professional decorator or interior designer to help with just part of the task or the entire project, homeowners all across America rely on HandyAmerican.com. An online resource where finding just the right service provider at the right price is fast, easy, and free!

Homeowners sign up without cost or obligation and post their project online, where it is immediately visible to reliable contractors in their locality 24/7. Contractor members also receive e-mail notification of newly posted projects, within their scope of expertise. And then provide competitive bids within days, even hours of project posting.

Homeowners can view company profile pages; including references, licensing/insurance/certification credentials, customer comments, and photos of company staff and recently completed projects for each contractor. And then make an informed hiring decision, or hire no one at all. Remember, there is no obligation whatsoever, and services are free.

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