So you’ve got brand new floors and a flawless new whole-home colour scheme (that you managed to get the whole family to agree on). You’ve tossed a couple of new throw cushions into the old accent chair for a perfect colour pop. But before you send out the housewarming invitations, is there anything missing? How’s the view?
Window treatments are a crucial, yet often forgotten, touchpoint of any home’s interior finishes. They are more often than not left out of the budget or put off indefinitely. While it’s true blinds will keep the neighbour’s stray gaze out of your bedroom, there is much more to consider. Call them blinds. Call them shades. Just don’t call them late to the party.
Shades as sunblock
Much like sunscreen protects your skin from damaging UV rays, window treatments protect your interiors from the same sun damage and add years to the life of valuables. Flooring, furniture, fabric and artwork are all susceptible to sun damage, with colours draining quickly if left unprotected. Protecting possessions from UV rays doesn’t necessarily mean blocking the sun. Innovative products such as Horizontal Shadings have a sheer fabric, which filters light softly while blocking UV rays during the day. Horizontal vanes inside the sheer fabric can be closed for full, nighttime privacy.
Shades as insulation
Also available in UV blocking fabrics, another popular shade style is the Cellular or Honeycomb Shade. The construction of honeycomb air pockets will trap cold air in the winter and keep a room cool in the summer. This style is a great choice for drafty windows or patio doors (yes, Cellular Shades can also be made in a vertical application!).
Shades as mood maker
At its very basic, a shade is a way to harness the decorative — and mood-enhancing — effect of light. In a light-filtering fabric, a kitchen shade can add the perfect daytime glow to a family brunch. In a room with darkening fabric, you can Netflix and chill any hour of the day. And with blackout shades, there’s no arguing with the kids over summer bedtimes. (Well, less of it.)
Choices, choices, choices
The great thing about window treatments is there are options for any budget and any room. Dedicated Paint Shop window specialists are ready to help you zero in on the style that’s right for your home, your room, your budget and your vision.
Shade style quick tips:
Find the right fabric
No matter the style, each has countless fabric selections to incorporate with any décor. Always hold the fabric sample up to a window (preferably yours) as the sunlight will change the colour, as it filters through your room. (Contrary to what one might expect, it’s actually easier to see through a dark fabric than a light one, especially with sheerweave shade materials.)
Ask the right questions
Shades deliver solutions. Discuss these questions with your window specialist to make sure you are getting the right solution for your space.
- How much light do you want entering the room?
- Are there views you’ll want to hide or keep?
- Who spends time in the room and what activities happen there?
- Which direction do your windows face?
Look for these bonus options
Cordless
Convenient technology avoids the tangle of cords to keep your home safe for children and pets. Cordless Cellular Shades in fact have the least amount of light peeking through the sides, for the blackest of black-out shades.
Motorization & atomization
Control your blinds with a wall switch or a hand-held remote, so you can confirm the forecast from bed in the morning. Smartphone driven auto-scheduled options are great for those who travel frequently — make it look like someone is home when you’re miles away.
Top down bottom up
These conveniently lower from the top and rise from the bottom, for any variation that crops your view perfectly, keeping prying eyes out.
