If you move into a new house and fail to put up window coverings right away, you might be surprised by how much this impacts your daily life. Curious passersby will be able to look straight into your home. In the morning, the bright sunlight will wake you at dawn. And during the day, you’ll have nothing to block glares. While privacy and light control may be your topmost concerns, keep in mind that window coverings play several other important roles as well. They can boost your insulation, reduce your energy bills, and enhance your home’s decor. A variety of options are available, so it’s up to you to decide which types of window coverings fit your needs.
Types of Window Coverings
Three of the most common types of window coverings are shades, blinds, and shutters.
Shades
A shade consists of a soft panel of fabric, which attaches to a frame or rod located at the top of the window. The shade fits inside the window frame, creating a neat and non-fussy window treatment. Like many types of window coverings, shades are available in different colors, patterns, materials, widths, and lengths. You might be interested in cellular shades, Roman shades, natural shades, solar shades, or pleated shades. High-quality shades are very durable and will last for years without requiring replacement. However, shades do generally cost more than blinds. In addition, the only way to let more light into a room with blinds is to open the blinds; but once the blinds are open, you can’t control the amount of light that enters through the window.
Blinds
Composed of slats, blinds employ a mechanism that allows the user to raise or lower them very easily and quickly. The slats can also be tilted open or closed, allowing more or less light to enter the room. Although blinds are available in several different materials, we’re partial to wood blinds and faux-wood blinds. With their warmth and elegance, they work well in all types of homes, and they can be finished in a variety of colors. Wood blinds don’t work well in high-humidity climates and rooms with a lot of moisture (like bathrooms), but faux-wood blinds are an excellent alternative. They mimic the look and function of wood blinds, but they’re also lighter and easier to maintain. Keep in mind that blinds can be a little noisy when they’re being opened or closed, and they require regular dusting.
Shutters
Beautiful and protective, shutters are amongst the most coveted window coverings. They’re formed of hinged panels (often louvered), which are fixed inside or outside a window for security, privacy, and light control. In addition to complementing your home’s decor, they can protect the interior from sunlight and reduce energy consumption. Typically, they’re custom-made to fit a specific window, and they’re often painted white (to reflect heat) or left in their natural shade (in the case of wood shutters). Plus, they add an extra layer of protection against intruders who attempt to break in through a home’s windows. While high-quality shutters may come with a higher price tag than other window coverings, they also have a longer lifespan.
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Are you looking for new window coverings? Check out American Window Company. Since 1999, we have offered an extensive collection of high-quality window coverings, including shutters, blinds, and more. We are a small, family-owned business that is committed to providing excellent workmanship and on-time installation. In addition, we are properly licensed and insured to protect our employees and provide our customers with peace of mind. For a free estimate or more information about our products and services, please contact us today.
