Window Shutters
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Consider Your Space & Needs
Privacy and Light Exposure
Do you live on a noisy busy street and need noise reduction and privacy? Privacy-oriented window treatments can block visibility and reduce noise. Is glare a problem or is the sun affecting your room’s temperature? Take a look at how the effects of natural light can determine your window treatment choice:
- When your windows face the North you get the clearest and most consistent light; however you also get the coldest exposure. Energy-efficient window treatments that prevent the cold from coming in and the heat from escaping are suggested if you live in the northern hemisphere.
- When your windows face the East you get a lot of early-morning light which often means your rooms heat up quickly. Window treatments that diffuse light such as Honeycomb shades or roller shades are suggested because they decrease the temperature as it enters the room. These treatments also help protect your furniture from fading.
- When your windows face the West is when you get the hottest light and the most harmful UV rays. A window treatment that offers energy efficiency, superior light control and UV protection is suggested.
- When your windows face the South your rooms receive natural light year round. Take advantage of this warm glow and look for window treatments that let in as much light as possible while still protecting your furniture from damaging UV rays.
These are issues that only certain window treatments can address. It’s important to go through each room and determine what your needs are with regards to privacy and light exposure.
Window Style & Size
- Do you have wide windows? Vertical or aluminum blinds and pleated or cellular shades are less likely to sag.
- If you want to make small windows look larger – mount window treatments on the outside.
- If you want to showcase your trim work, mount treatments on the inside.
Room Color
- Neutral colored blinds or shades are great accents when your walls are a bold color.
- Brighten up a room with neutral walls with bright-colored or patterned window treatments.
- Another idea is to base your color choice on your furniture rather than wall color – the window treatments will blend in.
Operating Systems
- Cord Safety Systems - Blinds manufacturers now offer safety products that deter accidental strangulation posed by dangling control cords. One type of blind that controls safety is the “break-apart” cord that splits open under stress. Another advance is the single-cord control, in which the loop design is eliminated. Cord loops are being replaced by wand controls. The ultimate precaution is a remote-controlled blind that has an automatic-stop feature, similar to that of garage doors. If your blinds don't have any of these features, make sure to install a high cleat to neatly stow loose cords out of the reach of young children.
- Remote Control Operating Systems – Great for hard-to-reach places such as windows behind a piano or heavy piece of furniture. Also come in handy to reach elevated ornamental widows.