 | Shellie Blevens has 17 years of experience in the window covering and decorating field. She may be reached at 620-231-5440 for a free consultation. The Home Place at 616 N. Broadway is a full line Hunter Douglas dealer and appointments can be made to meet with Shellie Blevens, the owner and professional decorator to determine what would work best for you. They also carry custom window treatments by Graber and Comfortex. Custom made fabric beddings and window treatments can also be made at the Home Place, and there are many, many fabrics to choose from. The Home Place has been in business since 1983 and Shellie Blevens has owned it since 1996. |
Home Furnishings
2010-09-01 09:38:00
Home decor & interior
Question: When choosing new window covering treatments, how do I know what type of blinds or window coverings are best for my windows and my room?
Answer: You will want to decorate your windows for style, comfort and practicality. Your windows can make a big impact on a room when trying to decorate. Go from room to room and ask yourself:
1: How will we use the room? If you are using a computer or watching TV, consider light control to prevent glares. If it is a dining area you may want diffused lighting. The kitchen may need something that is easily cleaned and provide ventilation if you need to open the window. Think of child safety in the kids room, and privacy and light control in bedrooms. Also, bathrooms may need a treatment that can tolerate high humidity.
2. How important are privacy, security and sound absorption? Are you close to a neighbor or do you live on a busy street? Are the windows easily viewed from the sidewalk or street?
3. Do you need to protect fabrics and floors from UV light? UV light can quickly fade furniture fabric, area rugs, and wood. Many window treatments can protect these things from damaging UV light.
4. Is energy efficiency a consideration? Uncovered windows can bring in the beautiful outdoors, but can also impact your energy bills and comfort. Sun in the summer can really heat up a room when the windows aren’t covered and cold air can be controlled in the winter with the right type of treatment also.
5. Finally, look at the big picture: How do you want your windows to coordinate with the rest of your décor? What kind of budget have you allowed and how long will you want to live with these window treatments?
Other things to consider are:
Directional Differences: Where the light is coming from is important. Know which direction your windows face. North light tends to be cold and clear, so an energy efficient treatment might be a wise choice. Light from the South is warm and strong year round, so consider a light-diffusing window covering to protect your furniture. If your window faces east, bright warm morning light calls for a covering that blocks UV rays. And if light comes from the west, hot, bright afternoons demand solutions that are both light controlling and light diffusing.
There are many, many types of window coverings to choose from. Choices that are popular in this era are: 2” wood or faux wood blinds, cellular or pleated shades, roller sun shades, fabric roman shades, custom made fabric panels and specialty shades that are specific to companies such as Hunter Douglas that offer innovative ideas for window coverings. They offer products such as Luminette Privacy Sheers that recall traditional draperies but with a lighter softer feel, and Silhouettes with a similar look in a horizontal type of window shade. Hunter Douglas’s newest innovative product is the Pirouette window shade, which combines the personality of a classic fabric shade with the ability to control light in an entirely new way. It’s a must see for anyone wanting a unique window covering that is exceptionally beautiful and provides many wonderful features.
The best way to determine what is right for your home and your window treatments is to have a professional visit your home and show you all the options that are available.
Note: Hunter Douglas product names should have a trademark symbol behind them. Some of this information came from Hunter Douglas Copyrighted material that is handed out to customers and on their website. www.hunterdouglas.com
