For home improvement projects, many homeowners overlook windows despite the essential role they play. Windows allow natural air and light into your house and contribute to the overall aesthetics of the house. Treatment for your windows with blinds, drapes, and other coverings can transform your home with improved energy efficiency and an enhanced appearance.
Whichever window treatment you prefer, consider some factors to make the right choice. Below are crucial considerations that will help you identify the best window treatments for your home.
1. Compare Window Coverings Options
Start with extensive research to identify available covers for your windows on the market. The most common treatment for windows includes curtains, blinds, window shutters, blinds, shades, and valances.
Each of the options has other sub-types that suit different window styles and shapes. The treatments come in different materials, which determine energy efficiency, durability, privacy levels, and quality.
For instance, window curtains often come in sheer cotton and polyester; while for drapes, you can choose from velvet, silk, linen, cotton, and polyester. Curtain materials are lightweight while materials for drapes are heavier.
Blinds have harder materials such as vinyl, metal, wood, and bamboo, which improves their functionality and durability but also adds to the cost. You can try out sample patches of the window covers on your home's color scheme to ensure a seamless décor style.
Another important consideration is the material and color of the hardware fittings you'll use. From copper, aluminum, bronze, steel, plastic, to fiberglass, you have a variety of hardware choices.
2. Identify the Purpose of Window Cover
Assess what functions the window treatment should perform. Some window coverings are better at protection against UV light while others are best suited to offer privacy. If you want to improve energy efficiency in your house, consider energy-efficient materials that serve the purpose best. With a needs assessment for the project, you can choose the right coverings for your windows.
3. Evaluate the Energy Efficiency Quality
Windows contribute to a high percentage of heat gain and heat loss which lowers energy efficiency in your home. When you choose a window covering, check the energy efficiency rating of the material you want to use. Heavier materials such as blinds and drapes keep the house warmer in cold weather. In the hot weather, you can open the blinds or drapes to let in colder air.
4. Consider the Window's Size and Shape
The best choice of window covering depends on the type and size of windows you wish to treat. Different window treatments work best with specific window styles.
The window size and shape can help you choose the perfect window treatment. Most residential windows come in arched, bay, circular, and rectangular shapes. The more complex the shape of the window, the more difficult you may find the choice of covering.
Your window contractor helps you identify the best treatments for various window styles such as double- and single-hung windows, sliding windows, casement windows, and awning windows. Before you order any window covering online, always confirm the size, shape, and style of your windows.
5. Assess the Maintenance Requirements
When you compare different window treatments, consider the effort required to keep the product in good shape. Materials used for blinds, such as vinyl and aluminum, are low maintenance. On the other hand, fabrics used for shades, drapes, and curtains can easily get damaged. These fabrics may require more specialized care.
Window treatments improve the functionality of your windows and enhance their beauty. To find the best product, do your own research and find a reliable window contractor to help you with professional insight.
If you plan to upgrade windows for your home in Santa Monica and Los Angeles, CA, we're here to help. Sylvan's & Phillip's Drapes & Blinds boasts over 50 years of offering window treatment products in the region.
Contact us today for the most comprehensive range of high-quality window treatments.
