Before You Buy Window Coverings, Read these Tips!

Whether you are a new home-buyer and needing to purchase blinds or you are replacing existing window coverings in your Calgary area home, there are certain thoughts to ponder and decide on that will help with the decision of what window coverings will best suit your needs.  Keep these items in mind when thinking about your window covering purchase as it is an investment that you will enjoy for many years to come if you purchase carefully.

Number & Types of Rooms

What room or rooms in the home do you require blinds for?  Perhaps it is a whole house or just a few specific rooms such as an office or bedroom; this will help determine what type of blind or shade you will consider.

For example, if it is an office perhaps you would like something more masculine like a wood or Polysatin shutter such as Hunter Douglas New Style® Hybrid Shutters to add architecture.

Or, maybe you have a beautiful mountain view across the street and a top down bottom up roman shade like Hunter Douglas Provenance® Woven Wood Roman Shades will be more suitable so you can have privacy sitting at your desk while allowing some light and view through the top.

If it is a bedroom be sure to consider if you require room darkening and the best product would be a Honeycomb or Cellular shade like the Duette® or Applause® collection.

 

Type of Windows

Are your windows overly large and you would like to try and keep the blind as one unit within this span?

There are different products that work best for larger windows such as Roller Shades, Honeycombs and Silhouettes.  Consider materials for large windows that are lightweight and easy to use.  Is it a patio door or a garden/atrium door?  You may want to have something more vertical than horizontal, however many options can work horizontally as well.

If you prefer something that runs vertically consider Hunter Douglas Skyline Panels® for a contemporary touch, or Hunter Douglas Transverse Vignette® for something that will be as luxurious as drapery.  If you have speciality shapes such as angled windows or arches your choices will be more limited to product and whether or not it will open and close.

Your Budget

This may be one of the most important factors to consider as window coverings vary in cost and can last a lifetime if you chose a product with longevity in style and function.  Many factors affect the pricing of your window coverings such as size, material, name-brand, etc.  If budget is a main concern consider a faux or real wood over a silhouette, or a roller shade can offer a lower price point from a roman shade.  Honeycomb products are an excellent mid-range choice with lots of variances in fabrics that change the pricing, plus they will offer great energy-efficiency saving you heating and cooling costs over its lifespan.

Safety Concerns

If you have children or pets in the home safety may be top of mind.  Child Safety laws are becoming more and more stringent and ever-important.  Window coverings can often have cordless options such as Hunter Douglas LiteRise® or perhaps you would prefer something that is motorized like Hunter Douglas PowerView® and you can lower and raise your shade with the touch of a button.

 

Window Covering Maintenance

Calgary and Cochrane area can be very dusty….  Wood blinds will need to be treated like your fine furniture – regular dusting will keep them looking new all year round.  Roller Shades and Honeycombs will be almost maintenance free and simply require a light vacuum with an upholstery brush a few times a year.  If it is an area where there is lots of humidity or splashes such as over a kitchen sink perhaps you would want to consider a Roller shade like Hunter Douglas Designer Screens, which can be easily spot cleaned, or a faux wood that can be wiped with a damp cloth.

Style Considerations

You will want to consider the interior style of your home so your window coverings can enhance the look and feel and be an extension of your own style.  If you are looking for something with a natural rustic flair consider a Provenance® Woven Wood, or if you have a contemporary interior a Roller Shade or Hunter Douglas Pirouette® will suit your needs quite well.

DIY or Custom Window Coverings?

Purchasing blinds can be an overwhelming task.  If you are up to the challenge and want to buy something off the shelf that may or may not have warranty and longevity, consider this a DIY project.  If you are unsure about anything, it is wise to work with a window covering specialist to help you determine what style and function you are requiring.  If you are working with a professional you should be guided through all the steps listed above and they will also ensure correct measurements are taken for a proper fit.  Different types of window coverings require different measurements and a professional in the window covering industry will be able to determine this.  In addition you will likely have a warranty for peace of mind.

It may seem like a straight forward task to purchase and install new window coverings, however once you get started you may realize there are so many things to consider and keep in mind when making the difficult decision.  If you are able to fine-tune some of the details above it may become an easier task that you may even find fun and enjoyable!

For custom window covering solutions for your Cochrane & Calgary home, contact Kirstin today!