Windows are the eyes of a home and need ‘dressing’ properly. With the right combination of function and style, window treatments can transform any room into a stunning work of art. And where better to start than with your blinds?
Blinds are a defining element of your home’s personality. Like wall art, only in a more striking way. Before purchasing, you’ll want to consider how certain blind types complement your home’s architectural features and furnishings — and how everything ties together from room to room.
Some blinds, like sheers, will offer infinite degrees of sunlight control; while others, like slats, will offer less. If simplicity and ease of use are important, you may want to consider plantation shutters, while you can’t go wrong with a blackout roller blind for a child’s bedroom.
Do your research online before making sure you get an in-home consultation with a professional to see what samples look like in the natural light of different rooms. Here are our top tips for choosing a set of beautiful window blinds:
Which room are you furnishing?
Each room in your house has its own personality and purpose, so choose your blinds accordingly. For example, if you are looking to buy blinds for your kitchen, try light-filtering fabrics to let more light in. You might also want to consider an easy-clean option as kitchen blinds can get more punishment in the way of oil, grease and steam. If you have sliding doors or French doors in your kitchen, a common solution is to choose verticals.
A bathroom will require privacy as well as moisture-resistance, so durable faux wood or sealed hardwood blinds or sturdy aluminium blinds that won’t warp, crack or rot are a great option.
On the other hand, if you are decorating your bedroom, blackout blinds are the best way to provide privacy and less light filtration. And then there’s the fashion side of it. Your living room, for instance, might be the spot in your house that should pop. Maybe this is the room to try something colourful and bold.
Understand your options
Window blinds are generally broken down into four different features: Privacy, light control, energy efficiency and fashion. Most people would ideally like to find a window blind that offers all of these features, but sometimes you have to make tough choices and decide which aspects you value most.
Again, these decisions are often contingent on the room you are decorating. A variety of control options are also available to operate the shade and will be part of the final decision. Be sure to review all of the options available for your blind.
Who is in your home?
Most professionals recommend tailoring your window fashions to the members of your household. If you have young children in the house, purchase cordless blinds for the utmost safety.
The hazards posed by dangling lift cords, wand controls, lead paint, and loose headrails have greatly reduced due to recent design improvements. Innovations such as retractable lift cords, cord tensioners, and motorised systems offer enhanced child and pet safety; as well as ease in operation.
If you have tall, difficult-to-reach windows, you might want to consider adding motorisation for easy and stress-free operation. New technology such as remote controls and software apps that allow you to open and close your blinds from anywhere take convenience and safety to a new level.
Match your style
Simple or ornate, traditional or contemporary, the style you want in your home is the style you want to reflect in your window coverings. Look for rich fabrics and brightly coloured blinds, shades, shutters and sheers when you want the window treatment to be the highlight of the room; simple blinds, shutters, shades and sheers when you want them to blend into the background.
Which direction does your window face?
This little tip is an easy way to further understand which type of blind is best for you. Windows facing west and south tend to receive more heat and light and, as a result, you might want to keep the room cool. Windows facing east or north are easier to furnish because they aren’t exposed to the same conditions.
Consider ease of cleaning
Most blinds don’t need frequent cleaning. All blinds attract dust, although with new anti-static treatments, the amount of dust has been greatly reduced. A light dusting or gentle vacuuming on a regular basis will keep them looking new for years. Certain types of sensitive fabric sheers and shades are better suited to professional cleaning methods. Ask your blind consultant which products stand up the best to dust and dirt.
Measure, measure, measure!
Since each custom blind is unique to your space, measurements are crucial. And if you have a lot of windows or large ones in hard-to-reach places, the process can be a chore. It’s best to leave all the measurements to a professional. The same goes for installation.
Direct Blinds Cork
Direct Blinds Cork can not only offer you expert advice on all of the latest trends in window fashion, but they can also help you select the perfect styles and colours that will best suit your rooms and budget.
If you are looking for the most energy efficient and beautiful window treatments possible, contact us today. Direct Blinds Cork knows window coverings; we have been in the window treatment business for many years. Our expertise and professionalism are second to none.
For more details call us today on 021 435 4959 or visit our website for more information.
