Blinds are an easy way to manage incoming light, and they add an architectural look to any room. Blinds are available in a range of styles, from classic Venetian blinds with horizontal slats to contemporary wood or metal shades.
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Light control is a major consideration when selecting window treatments, as it’s essential to strike the right balance between illumination and privacy. Blinds offer a variety of options to control the amount of sunlight that enters your home, from light filtering to room darkening. Blinds can also reduce glare and UV rays that can damage furniture and flooring.
Blinds are available in a wide range of styles, from wood to aluminum and beyond. For example, light filtering panel track blinds are a great choice for large windows because they allow natural light to flow in while maintaining privacy with translucent and opaque horizontal slats that are tilted to your liking. Other window treatment options with light control include day and night blinds, cellular shades, woven woods, Roman shades, and sheers.
Room darkening and blackout blinds are also available for those who want more opacity than light filtering shades, but less than blackout curtains or drapes. Some shade styles, such as cellular shades, come with an optional room-darkening liner that can be sewn directly into the fabric or, for greater flexibility, added as an independent liner.
Sheer blinds, on the other hand, provide a more diffused glow of sunlight that creates a soft, romantic feel in your living space. They’re a modern take on net curtains that help reduce glare and UV rays while maintaining privacy.
Choosing the best type of light control for your home requires a thorough understanding of your needs and a little bit of know-how. A Stoneside design consultant can walk you through the process of selecting the perfect window treatments for your home and budget.
We can help you navigate the many options, from the color, fabric, and design features to the opacity and control options for maximum comfort and functionality. Contact us today to schedule a free in-home or virtual consultation, and get started on the journey toward your ideal home. The result will be beautiful, functional window treatments that bring you years of comfort and enjoyment. We look forward to working with you!
Privacy
The best window blinds offer privacy while also adding to a room’s decor. Blinds come in a wide range of materials, styles and colors to complement any style. Wood blinds, for example, look beautiful and can enhance a natural home décor. However, they can be costly and are susceptible to warping in some climates. In contrast, aluminum slat blinds provide light-blocking coverage at a lower price point and can stand up well to moisture.
Whether you choose slat or vertical blinds, you can control privacy by tilting their slats open or closed. You can also opt for blinds that are completely opaque, such as Hunter Douglas’ Silhouette shades.
You can find a variety of blinds at home furnishings stores, hardware and home centers and paint and tile stores. These outlets often provide swatches and samples for a small refundable fee, which allows you to test different styles in your own home. Alternatively, some retailers and decorators offer a free in-home consultation to measure windows and install new window coverings.
When choosing the right blinds, you need to consider the direction your windows face as well as the surrounding landscape and view. For instance, if you live on a busy street or near public areas, you may require more privacy than homes that sit farther back from the road or face secluded gardens and parks. Additionally, the time of day and amount of sunlight entering your home will affect your privacy needs as well.
Blinds are “hard” window treatments that are composed of slats or vanes that tumble down a blind when it is lowered, or they can be pulled across a window to stack lengthwise. Blinds are available in a variety of materials, including wood, faux-wood, bamboo and metal. Some are designed to remain closed for privacy and light control, while others, like the slats on a Venetian blind, can be tilted open or closed or turned for more visibility.
Shades, on the other hand, are “soft” window coverings that encase the entire window and can be opened or closed by pulling or tugging on a cord. Some are designed to be lowered for privacy at the top and raised to let in sunlight at the bottom. Others, such as Hunter Douglas’ Luminette Privacy Sheers, have soft fabric vanes hung between two sheers that allow light in while obscuring sightlines.
Energy Efficiency
Window blinds that allow natural sunlight to flood into your home during the day can help you cut down on energy costs by reducing your reliance on your heating and cooling system. That’s because windows account for nearly 50% of heat gain or loss in your home depending on the season, and light-colored blinds — like slatted aluminum or vinyl — work to reflect the sun’s rays away from your interior.
When they’re closed, however, these types of blinds act to insulate your home by keeping out the winter chill and absorbing the summer heat so that it doesn’t enter your home. Combined with an air-tight seal, these window treatments can reduce your heating and cooling costs by up to 25 percent.
Other window treatment options also offer significant energy efficiency. For example, cellular shades (also called honeycomb shades) trap air in their distinct pockets to prevent heat from escaping your home during the winter and incoming heat from entering your home during the summer. They’re available in a wide range of fabrics and styles, allowing you to choose the look that suits your aesthetic.
Moreover, some cellular shade fabrics feature R-values that surpass the insulating capabilities of most curtains. In addition, these types of blinds are customizable and can be fitted to fit snugly against your trim, ensuring that they provide the highest possible level of insulation.
Blinds can also be adapted for automation, enabling you to set schedules that can be seasonally optimized to reduce your heating and cooling costs while still maintaining a comfortable home temperature. This is especially useful on sunny winter afternoons when opening your blinds allows the sun to fill your home with heat, delaying your need to crank up your furnace.
When you’re shopping for window blinds that combine privacy and energy efficiency, safety should always be your top priority. That’s because many window blinds — particularly those with cords — are a hazard for children and pets who may get tangled in them. To avoid this potential danger, many of today’s energy efficient blinds are available in cordless models that eliminate the risk of strangulation and keep your family and pets safe.
Aesthetics
Blinds are a window treatment with a versatile aesthetic, capable of complementing different styles of interior design. They can be crafted from a range of materials and colors, which gives homeowners the flexibility to choose their preferred aesthetic. They can also be customized to accentuate architectural features and enhance the overall style of the room.
For example, cellular shades feature a sleek and modern aesthetic that fits seamlessly with contemporary decor. They also come in a variety of opacities, from sheer to blackout, catering to various room needs and ensuring that each room enjoys optimal light control.
Another popular window treatment option is vertical blinds, which can enhance the visual appeal of any space by bringing texture and dimension to the home. These window treatments are available in a wide range of color and finish options, from classic neutrals to bold hues and metallic finishes. They can be paired with a number of other window coverings, including curtains, drapes, and valances.
Horizontal blinds are a stylish and versatile window treatment that can complement any style of decor. They are also easy to maintain, requiring only a wipe down with a damp cloth to keep them looking neat and tidy. Additionally, they provide privacy and light control while allowing homeowners to curate their views.
With their versatility, horizontal blinds are a popular choice for both traditional and contemporary homes. They can be crafted from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic, and are easily customizable to suit individual tastes. They are also affordable, making them a great choice for many families. However, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing these window coverings in order to ensure that they are fitted correctly and offer maximum functionality. This is especially important in rooms with high ceilings and large windows, where incorrect measurements can result in gaps or overhanging edges. To avoid these issues, consult a professional or refer to our guide to measuring for a perfect fit.