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Do’s and Don’ts for Choosing New Window Treatments

Window treatments are often the last element of design incorporated into a room. They may seem like an afterthought, but the right window treatment can pull a room together and enhance the overall level of comfort. At Blind Scapes, we want to make the process of choosing window treatments as easy as possible, so we’ve put together a list of dos and Don’ts to help you along.

Hunter Douglas NewStyle® Hybrid Shutters near Albuquerque, New Mexico (NM)  window blinds, custom window treatments.

Do’s

To see what the window treatments will look like before they are hung.

No matter what you’re putting in a room- furnishings, a new coat of paint, or window treatments, it can be hard to visualize what something will look like from the showroom to your room. Two easy ways to help get past this obstacle are to bring photos of your window to the showroom or bring samples of the window treatment fabric home. If you bring photos be sure to get pictures from several different angles to get a true feel for how the treatment will look.

Do go for energy-efficient treatments.

The US Dept of Energy has estimated that 25-40% of a home’s heating and cooling costs are due to air leakage through windows. Hunter Douglas has several energy-efficient options, including cellular shades. These window coverings have a unique honeycomb structure that traps air and provides a great layer of insulation for both warm and cool air. Natural wood also has significant insulating properties.

Do make sure you choose the correct color.

Any room can look like a gorgeous magazine spread with the right light, paint, and decor style, but how do you work with what you already have? Matching your window treatment to your window trim is a failsafe way to choose a color that will blend with your room. Another simple idea is to match your wall color. The same exact shade may be a bit too heavy but choosing a color in a similar hue will be a sure fit. You can also choose to coordinate your windows with a fun piece of accent furniture to make the colors really pop.

Do be aware of all your options.

The terms “blinds” and “shades” encompass more than just one product. If you are purchasing shades, investigate Roman and roller styles. Purchasing blinds? You can choose from natural wood, faux wood, and metal blinds. You don’t want buyer’s remorse because you weren’t informed of all available options.

Don’ts

Don’t forget to make your window treatments safe.

Many childhood injuries can occur because of hanging window treatment cords. Continuous cord loop or automation systems, like PowerView® will ensure the safety of your young children and pets.

Don’t get inaccurate measurements.

You may think measuring a window is very simple but misreading a tape measure or placing it in the wrong spot can cause incorrect measurements. Since there is no such thing as a “standard” size window, we suggest letting our professionals do the measuring for you.

Don’t treat all your rooms the same.

The window treatments for a bedroom will be serving a different purpose than window treatments in your kitchen. If you have a home office, UV blocking shades will be an ideal choice. They will prevent damaging UV rays from affecting expensive equipment and reduce glare on your computer screen. For bedrooms, especially kids’ rooms, you’ll want room darkening treatments. There’s nothing like a good night of sleep. Scientific studies have shown how much daily performance is affected by even slightly inadequate sleep.

Now that you know the basics ins and outs of selecting window treatments, schedule a consultation or give us a call at (505) 352-5250. We have been proudly serving the areas of Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe, NM for over 20 years.