What's your project?
Whear?
Articles & Advice > All Designers & Decorators Articles > Window Treatments: Blinds and Shades

Window Treatments: Blinds and Shades

Designers & Decorators

Related Content

Find Top-Rated Professionals

Window blinds and window shades serve many purposes. They provide you with privacy, energy efficiency, and add to the overall beauty of your home. Here's a short list of models and styles so that you have a better idea of the options available to you.

Window Blinds
Horizontal slat window blinds are by far the most common blinds because of their ease of use and space saving properties, but there are many other styles out there to look at. Consider the size and function of the window or door you need treatments for in order to choose the best blind for you.

  • Wood blinds—Wood blinds can be stained to match just about any wood, and can also be painted if you prefer. They can't be beat when it comes to looks, making them one of the most popular choices for homeowners and interior designers.
  • Shutters—If you're looking for a more formal appearance, you might want to consider shutters for your window treatments. They aren't as versatile and need a little more room to swing open and shut, but they provide a distinctive look that many homeowners crave.
  • Vertical blinds—Vertical window blinds are perfect for large windows and sliding glass doors. They provide excellent window coverage, easy access, and are available in many materials, including wood.
  • Panel tracks—Panel tracks aren't blinds exactly, but they're a close cousin. Think Asian sliding door partitions and you've got the right picture. Panel tracks are excellent choices for large windows and doors, and can be used as room dividers as well. They provide a unique window treatment solution if you're looking for a little something different.

    Dress your windows up nice! Use this link to install custom
    Window Treaments

    Window Shades
    Not to be outdone, window shades provide all the benefits of window blinds with added design possibilities. Here's a few of the most popular designs available to choose from.

  • Cellular or Honeycomb shades—Cellular shades are made with a honeycomb structure that traps air in between the material, making them hands down the most energy efficient window treatment available.
  • Woven wood shades—Similar in construction and appearance to the old bamboo, roll up shades. Very attractive and cost effective in any setting.
  • Roman and roller shades—These shades are both made from fabric of your choosing, the only difference being how they are retracted. Roman shades are raised in folds while roller shades roll up onto a headrail at the top of the window.
  • Pleated shades—Pleated shades are constructed of thin, crisply pleated material that can be raised or lowered to cover your window. These shades are usually thinner and let in more light, though they can be purchased in darker materials to provide more privacy and sun-screening properties if you so desire.

    Interior Designers
    If you're looking for window blinds or shades, it's a good idea to talk to an interior designer or window treatment specialist before you purchase. These experts know the ins and outs of everything from energy efficiency to color schemes, and will be able to provide you with sound advice when it comes to which style of blinds or shade will best meet your needs, your home, and your personality.

    Matt Goering, formerly a carpenter and house painter, is a freelance writer for the home improvement industry who has published over 600 articles.

    • Rate This Article

    OVERALL RATING

    YOUR RATING

    Very PoorPoorFairGoodVery Good

    Log-in to save your ratings!

    Recommend This Article
    Digg This Digg
    Submit to Reddit Reddit
    Bookmark This Del.icio.us
    ServiceMagic Articles To-Go

    Add to Google

    Add to My AOL 0

    Top 5 Projects:
    Designers & Decorators
    1. 1.
      Kitchen Designer
    2. 2.
      Building Designer
    3. 3.
      Interior Decorator
    4. 4.
      Home or Office Organizing Consultant
    5. 5.
      Bathroom Designer
    View All Categories
    What's Your Project?

    Are You a Quality Pro? Contractors Join Here
    More Tips & Advice For Your Home
    Related Articles
    Recent Articles
    Videos
    The Story of Jane The Story of Jane

    When you're having a hard time trying to choose one service professional over another, ServiceMagic is the best way to make an informed choice.  Watch Now

    By using ServiceMagic you agree to our Terms & Conditions
    SUBJECT GUIDES: Plumbers | Electricians | Kitchen Remodeling
    FOR HOMEOWNERS: Categories | Projects | Contractor Directory | Community | Tell a Friend | Blog | Refer-A-Pro | Screen-A-Pro | Guarantee | 10-Point Screening
    FOR CONTRACTORS: Contractor Advertising | Construction Jobs | Contractor Leads / Join Our Network
    SERVICEMAGIC SITE: Home Improvement | Log In | About Us | Contact | Help | Careers | Site Map | Articles | Galleries | Videos | Project Tools | RSS Feed | Affiliates
    LEGAL: Privacy (Updated) | Terms & Conditions
    INTERNATIONAL: ServiceMagic UK | Travaux | 123Devis
    Follow Us on Twitter Become a Fan of ServiceMagic at Facebook Get the IPhone App for free
    © Copyright 1999-2009, ServiceMagic, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Better Homes and Gardens Member of the Better Homes and Gardens Network