When choosing window treatment for homes, the biggest mistake most of the homeowners do is pick one type for the entire house. When every room serves a different purpose, how can their windows be covered with same window covering.

Humid areas like bathroom, laundry, sun room or kitchen require window treatment that offers optimum privacy, light control and are durable and moisture resistant.

Window coverings for Kitchen

Blinds

Blinds made from materials like PVC, aluminum or faux wood are right pick for the kitchen. You can even pick from horizontal or vertical blinds depending on the size of the window.

Shades

Window shades for the kitchen can be picked from light filtering or room darkening material. They are easy to clean and maintain and are available in styles like solar shades, roller shades, roman shades, cellular shades etc. You can raise or lower them to adjust light and privacy in the kitchen.

Window coverings for Bathroom

Windows are a great way to enjoy outside view and sunlight. However, they also allow the neighbors and passerby to peep through in and invade in your privacy. Bathroom need more privacy than the kitchens.

The window coverings that we discussed for the kitchen will be effective in the bathroom also. When drawn curtains, blinds, shades and shutter will offer complete privacy and peace of mind.

If you have a window that is in the shower, you can opt for window film that will allow the light to come in still while maintaining the privacy. Window film is a waterproof covering that blocks light not only during the day but night also.

Composite Shutters

This window treatment is made from waterproof material and ensures the light to pass through when tilt down. Wood shutters are not recommended as the area is highly moisture -dense and can damage the material.

Vinyl Blinds

They are another waterproof window covering which are not vulnerable to rotting unlike wood blinds. They are an ideal window covering for your bathroom and shower windows. Unlike metal, they are not susceptible to rusting, so they are a great addition.

If you are looking for high quality window coverings that fits in your budget and taste, call Gator shutters today! We have a wide variety of window treatment for every window – shape and size, from humid and moisture- dense areas of your home to the most important room, we’ve got you covered.

Every homeowner dreads high energy bills, so installing energy-efficient window treatments will be an intelligent decision. Are cellular shades energy efficient? Let us try to know from the below post.

Let us first try to understand what a cellular shade is.

Cellular shades are fabric shades that help you maintain privacy and also keep harsh sunlight at bay. They are also called honeycomb shades as the cell construction resembles a honeycomb. It is a pleated construction that folds up neatly on itself when opened.

How do cellular shades save energy?

The answer lies in the fabric cells. These cells trap the air in that cone through the window preventing it from altering the room’s temperature. In summers, this will help keep the room cool and winters cozy and warm.

What about other energy-efficient window treatments?

Cellular shades are an excellent insulator that saves you substantial energy bills compared to other window treatments. We have blackout roller shades that also insulate the windows and block harmful UV rays. But since they hang on the windows, there is a gap between them and the window frame, letting the air slip through easily. If strong winds blow, they will sway easily.

Plantation shutters are also an energy-efficient alternative. They are fitted in the window frame, leaving no gap. They are made in real wood or faux wood per the budget and are sturdier than the fabric. The louvers come in different widths allowing for adjusting the levels of privacy as per requirement. In case of any repair or damage, individual louvers can be replaced, saving you from replacing the entire window covering.

These are some of the very popular and functional energy-efficient window coverings. However, if you still have doubts, seek professional help and get the best coverage for your window on the best budget.

Window treatments are like the finishing touches to the decor. They complete the look with their style, color, texture and functionality. It is wise to include your window treatment in the design process; this will save you from the last minute changes and even chances of spending more than the budget.

Experts believe that window treatments are integral to the design process. So, whenever you begin designing the room, think about them and try to create a uniform look. Before beginning on how window treatments offer a fresh look to the rooms, here’s all the window treatments that are available and how they are different.

Drapes: They are different from curtains. They are floor length fabric panels that are hung on the rod and create a formal look. With drapes you can create a layered look and they are more preferred in the living room or formal dining rooms.

Curtains: They offer a more relaxed feel and usually have a breezy fabric, though you can have blackout curtains as well. Like drapes, they too hang from a rod.

Shades: like curtains and drapes, they are made of fabric, but their operating mechanism is different. They don’t hang from a rod. There is a cord that can be raised or lowered at different positions to control the amount of privacy you desire. They also offer light filtering or room darkening options.

Blinds: Like shades, blinds are attached to a frame and they have a lifting mechanism. They however, have slats or louvers instead of fabric that can be titled at angles for better control over light and privacy.

Shutters: – They don’t hang, rather they are attached to a desired frame. They are fitted in the window opening and open or close to your preference. They have slats that you can tilt to various angles for better outside viewing or maintaining privacy.

How to choose window treatment to freshen up the look?

Choose length based on function and style – a long fabric panel, like drapes will create more formal but less functional look. Think how often you’re going to open or close them before deciding on the length.  For playrooms and nurseries, floor length panels would get in the way.

Blinds or shutters for slanted ceilings and dormer windows – with slanted ceilings like in the attic, it’s difficult to hang a rod. In such places blinds and shutters are a better choice.

Don’t opt for a different look for every room – Consistency has always been a popular trend and it creates a cohesive look. You can use similar window treatment for every room, play it up or down or pair it with other window treatments etc.

Plantation shutters are a complete window treatment alone. You can tilt the louvers up and down to control light and privacy. However, many homeowners appreciate curtains for their patterns and style versatility. If you’d also like to add curtains to your windows, you can go ahead. Long curtains and plantation shutters make for a dramatic style statement. Café shutters for e. g. look great when paired with fabric curtains.

Choosing Curtains for Plantation Shutters

When you decide to pair curtains with plantation shutters, there are some points that you need to ponder. Cleaning would take extra time for curtains and it will be costlier too. Plantation shutters should be cleaned gently with a soft damp cloth while for curtains vacuuming them regularly and dry cleaning occasionally is the way to clean them.

Plantation shutters look good with any décor, you need to consider the colors and patterns of the curtains, and they should match the décor.

How to hang curtains over shutters?

You can use your imagination and creativity when pairing shutters and curtains. We share some tried and tested ways so that they look pretty good.

• Panel curtains – with hanging panels you can change the curtains when you want. Push the curtains away when you want to open the shutters. Sheer curtains would give you a diffusing light effect allowing sunlight to come in but pretty soft and light.
• Mounting curtains above the window – when you have bigger windows you can install the mechanism over the windows upwards and outwards. It adds visual height to the room.
• Colors – The reason why homeowners love curtains is the variety of colors, gives you plenty of room for experiment. You can contrast it with the color of the shutter. That will add depth to the décor. Plain curtains with bold prints and patterns can add depth to the room.
• Tie Backs –  When you want to add that regal to the room, consider adding tiebacks to give a tailored and neat look to the room. It’s a classic trick that brings windows to the focus and makes the place alive.

Why you should add curtains over the shutters?

Curtains and shutters combine well and offer the homeowners many flexible options in terms of style and functionality. You can achieve greater light control with opacity ranging from sheer to blackout.

It’s not just pairing curtains with shutters, but you can add a new dimension to your décor and can enhance the beauty of your windows.

What is trending in the blinds? Are vertical blinds out of fashion? Is it an intelligent idea to spend money on vertical blinds? These questions might be popping in your mind as you can see them everywhere – offices, homes, hotels. Let us navigate through the latest trends what do they have in store for the vertical blinds.

They were indeed at their peak during the 80s and 90s era; still, they continue to dominate because they are so versatile.

• Light control – the wider slat size gives you greater control over the light coming in through the windows and glass doors.
• Large spaces – vertical blinds are perfect for covering sliding patio doors and big expansive windows.
• Affordable – They offer great value for money both for homeowners and commercial spaces.
• Replacement and repairs – Individual slats can be replaced without the need to replace the entire blind. You can fix it on your own too.

Are vertical blinds okay for every window nowadays?

Vertical blinds as we discussed already are there for a long time. In those days when vertical blinds were a rage, they were considered good for every window. Now, there is a slight shift as there are many options available for other spaces. That said, the vertical blinds still rule when it comes to sliding patio doors, bay windows, and large windows. They are even considered a good match for the bathroom (if you choose a moisture-resistant material) and conservatories.

What are the other options?

If you’re still looking beyond the vertical blinds, here are some options you can choose from:

Solar Shades: Solar shades as the name goes, offer excellent protection against harmful sun rays. You can customize them to fit in your space.

Cellular Shades – Cellular shades are the best energy-efficient window treatment available today. You can use them for sliding doors or any window. They help you keep the temperature in control and also offer privacy.

Sliding panels – Panels on a sliding track, this option is also very much popular these days. You can play with patterns and colors and create a modern look.

Combinations – You can pair them with other window coverings and take the functionality and style of the room to the next level.

So, again we ask the same question – are vertical blinds still in style? If you consider use and popularity, they are very much in style. However, we advise you to choose a window covering that is based on your requirements.

Shutters have been around for many years. Earlier, they were used for protecting the glass windows from animals, intruders, and natural elements. Shutters were born out of necessity; they are even more functional and stylish today.

If you are trying to pick shutters for your home, it is easy to get confused. Every style has its own benefits and look. You need to look for some features and aspects before making a choice.

Function and location

While shutters can be great to offer privacy and light, they can also accentuate the look of the room. Interior shutters are very popular, they are placed on the inside of the window and you can block the light coming in by lowering the louvers.

If you are looking for shutters for decorative purpose, exterior shutters can be a good choice. But they are difficult to clean and manage.

Shutter Material

The most popular shutter material is wood. Wood shutters give a classic look to homes, however, they are expensive. They also demand more upkeep than other materials. Wood shutters come in variety of woods – cedar, maple, basswood, bamboo etc.

You can also look for aluminum shutters, they will require occasional cleaning unlike the wood shutters. The metal is durable and doesn’t chip or fade off under the sun. However, they hold a lot of heat, and can increase your room temperature. Check here https:/redtruckfire.com/. They are not a good choice for Florida homes.

Vinyl shutters provide a balance of durability and style. They do not chip or scratch and also not heat up. They won’t require regular maintenance also.

Shutter Style

Shutters look good in every home, however, matching them with the look of your home décor will improve the look greatly.

If you have a colonial style home, look for solid or paneled shutters. These shutters are made from one piece of wood and have inlays to allow for air and light to pass through.

For Southern style home, you can pick plantation shutters in real wood. These shutters have wide louvers that move up and down and you can control the light. They are inside mounted and great choice for people who want to keep their homes cool. A perfect choice for Orlando homeowners!

Now that you know all about the shutters, you can begin browsing online for your shutters or visit showrooms.

Work from home – this culture is gaining popularity and many offices such as Fully-Verified now allow employees to work from the comforts of their homes. This arrangement is beneficial for both parties. Employees reduce their commute time to work while employers can save on the resources. But when you decide to work from home, the place needs to be designed in a way that creates an environment where you feel productive. 

Blinds Shutters shares some tips and tricks that can help you design your home office and make it conducive and productive. It must be comfortably designed to create a perfect ambience as you are going to spend almost 8 hours of your day in that room.

Honeycomb Shades for Temperature control

Temperature affects employee productivity. Honeycomb shades can keep the temperature under control as they reduce the heat transfer. They have pockets that trap the heat and so you feel comfortable. They also help you keep your energy bills down. Experts at Orlando Blinds Shutters believe that honeycomb or cellular shades are the most versatile window treatments of today. 

Visually appealing Home office

 We all love to work in offices that are tastefully done and are visually appealing. Your home office should reflect your personality. Real wood blinds can make the room look warm and inviting, check out  kicrestoration.com. At Orlando Blinds Shutters, the woods are harvested from responsibly managed forests. 

Natural light improves productivity

There have been many reports published on how workplaces with natural light exposure add to the employee productivity. You can discover some of the most trusted kitchen appliances here. In order to achieve the same effect, you need to make sure that the room is properly lit and receives ample natural light. 

Solar shades can reduce the sun glare without blocking the natural light. They are made from PVC material that comes in many degrees of openness. Check out with our experts. Solar shades are perfect for daytime that allow the natural light in but keep the harsh sun rays out.

When you are designing up your home that has kids and pets, it is important to pay attention to the window coverings you choose for such space. In the past, there have been many incidents of injury and even deaths of kids and pets due to strangulation. So, with that in mind, we at Orlando blinds shutters, bring to you a guide to choose kids and pet friendly window coverings. Continue reading “Are Your Window Coverings Child-Safe?”